Top 10 Common Mistakes Candidates Make in the CSS English Précis Paper
Analysis of recurring errors highlighted in FPSC examiner reports regarding précis writing, comprehension, and vocabulary usage.
10 min read
Updated October 10, 2026
N
Nasreen Akhtar, M.Phil Linguistics
Educational Content
CSS Précis English Grammar FPSC Examiner Report Précis Writing
What the FPSC Examiner Reports Reveal
Every year, the official FPSC report notes that candidates fail the Précis paper due to a few common mistakes:
- Directly borrowing phrases: Lifting exact phrases from the passage rather than paraphrasing into your own words.
- Inserting personal opinions: Adding external commentary not present in the original text.
- Violating length limits: Deviating significantly from the strict one-third length requirement.
- Neglecting title selection: Providing a vague, single-word title instead of one that captures the core thesis of the passage.
Last updated: October 10, 2026 | This content is regularly reviewed and updated to maintain accuracy and relevance.