PRECIS & COMPOSITION ———CONTENT OF THE COURSE Vocabulary Correction Comprehenion & Precis 35 Marks 25 Marks 35 Marks «Synonyms &Antonyms + Correction (08) + Procis Writing (20) on + Punctuation (05) + Comprehension (20) = Idioms (05) = Narration (05) tera ee) + Translation idiomatic (10) + Analogy of Words (05)EXAMINER'S REPORT = It seems that they were ignorant about basic rules of English grammar, sentence structure, usage of verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. = The précis of the given text was expected to be 1/3" of the passage, but many of them made précis either even in more words than original passage itself or fewer than 1/10" of precis. - Answers were more reproduction of sentences from the paragraph in the question papers. - Hand writing, in most of the cases was not legible * The candidates should understand the demand of the question and must provide xelevant, to the point and comprehensive answers. - Reading comprehension, writing a Precis, grammar needs attention and improvement.REASONS OF HIGH FAILURE RATE = Wrong priorities. = Poor comprehension. * Lack of proper composition. - Limited vocabulary or its misuse. » Poor sentence construction. - Long and faulty sentences. + Excessive and wrong use of conjunctions. = Punctuation. = Poor presentation.BOOKS * High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin. * Precis Writing by R. Dhillon.PUNCTUATION KC) 7) | @PUNCTUATION FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS + End Marks * Capital letters » Apostrophes + Semicolons = Brackets * Dashes + Commas » Speech MarksEND MARKS — FULL STOP = The full stop is the most famous end mark. = It comes at the end of assertive and imperative sentences. * It is used in abbreviations, too: - Examples + Iwent for a walk today. + Dr. Fatima is a friond of mine. = M.Yaseen = Lt. ColonelEND MARKS — QUESTION MARK = A question mark means that something is being asked. + Examples + Bro you preparing for CSS? + Where are you working? + Where you are working. (NO question mark is used due to the use of helping verb) ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183END MARKS — EXCLAIMATION MARK * An exclamation mark shows optative and exclamatory sentences. - Example + Wow! That's a marvellous dress. + That is a huge dog! ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183CAPITAL LETTERS = Capitalize starting alphabet of every sentence. = The first, last, and all important words in title, headings and subheading are to be capitalized. « However; one should not capitalize articles, prepositions, helping verb and conjunctions in headings and sub-headings. + Futuro of Democracy in Pakistan. + Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan and Turkey. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183CAPITAL LETTERS = Names of specific persons, places, and geographical locations (proper noun) are capitalized. + Example + My sister Urooj, who is a doctor, is currently working in England and is planning to specialize in Cardiology. + However, we don't capitalize directions, colours and names of season, heavenly bodies, vegetables and fruits. = Example + China lies in north of Pakistan. + We will visit Turkey, in next spring. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183CAPITAL LETTERS = We capitalize the names of historical events, religion and its terminologies. - Example = The Battle of New Orleans saved America from humiliation. = The Dark Ages for Europe was a Golden Era for Muslims. * We capitalize the names of nations, nationalities, languages and words based on such words. - Example + Pakistani, Bombay biryani, Afghani pulao, America. * We also capitalize the names of academic courses when being used as titles. + Example = He is doing M.Phil. Philosophy. + Lastly, brand names are also to be capitalied - Example += Toyota, Audi, Dalda, Uniliver Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183APOSTROPHES = Apostrophes is one the most commonly used and misued punchation marks in writing. + Apostropho is used for: + Possession + Contraction + Unusual PruralsAPOSTROPHE - POSSESSION * Apostrophes are also used to show possession. = Who or what owns something. - Example + This is Babar's phone number. + England’s navy is known as Royal Navy. + Princess’ bodyguard died in line of duty. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183APOSTROPHES - CONTRACTION + Contractions are shortened forms of words which have letters missing. + The apostrophe is used in place of the missing letters. + Example + Its is short for itis. + Shouldn't is short for should not - Ono must know the difference between Its and It's - Example + The dog likes its master. + Its their home. = However, contractions should be avoided in formal writing though, such as in essays and letters, as they sound too chatty. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183APOSTROPHE — UNUSUAL PLURALS * Lastly, apostrophes is also used to show unusual plurals, numbers and letters, which would be unreadable otherwise + Example + Pakistan has one P and two A’s. + Muskaan achieved to 3 A’s and 1B. + My number has tivo O's in it, ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183COLONS = Colon (:) shows that the words which follow it are an explanation or an example of what is written before it * Itis also used between time and ratio. = Learning to use colon + Acolon is usually placed after a complete sentence. + Colons is placed directly after the last word of the main idea and they are followed by one space only. + Itis never followed by either a hyphen (-) or a dash ( + Example + Pakistan is full of resources: Chromite, limestone, coal, ete. + Pakistan is full of resources that are Chromite, limestone, coal, etc. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183BRACKETS = Brackets are used to add extra information to a sentence, which is useful but not necessary. + It is also used to adds to your opinion. * The sentence still makes sense without the information in the brackets. - Example + My teacher (Marvi) is very strict. + My teacher is very strict. + Opting a regional language (I believe) gives more marks in CSS. = Opting a regional language gives more marks in CSS.DASHES = Pairs of dashes allow writers to strongly interrupt the flow of a sentence to provide their readers with useful information. = The oxtra information is placed between the dashes for emphasis, but the sentence should also make sense alone. + Example «= There aro many natural resources ~ chromite, coal, limestone, etc ~ in Pakistan. * Despite working hard Akram failed - essay — in CSS.PAIRS OF COMMAS = Pair of commas are used to add information to make one’s writing clearer, without distracting the reader from the sentence. + Example + Eisha, who loved Pepsi, got furious over wending machine for not having Pepsi. + The fire destroyed many things, the furniture, the carpets and the curtains, in the house. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183USAGE OF DASHES, COLON AND PAIR OF COMMAS = My country is full of resources ie. Pakistan. = My country is full of resources: Pakistan. » My country, Pakistan, is full of resources. = My country- stanch enemy of India- is full of resources. » My country (I think) is full of resources ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183USAGE OF DASHES, COLON AND PAIR OF COMMAS MADE EASY Eteach) a toi Useful ICY rae Biscte Cty pt Commas Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183SEMICOLONS = Asemicolon (;) joins two complete » Example sentences or two independent poeiences ot two incerenient + Lastly; illiteracy promotes corruption. replaces conjunctions. « Muhammad was angry; Ali was not « Inasentence, a transition word may, working. follow the semi-colon = I found the film long; Tamour found = Also used to add information in the Geehuciens See . H ies many students; * Semicolon is used in such sentences oe where sentences are too closely related to be separated by a full stop » Ihave many students: Ali and Javed. but they are missing a connecting ‘word, such as and or but etc. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183SEMICOLON = One can use a semicolon between two independent clauses that are connected by conjunctive adverbs (Two independent clauses) or transitional phrases. - Example + We have many colours in corolla; however, only the Altis variant is available. + Ho didn't work hard or smart; henco, he failed,HYPHEN = Hyphen (-) is a mark of separation used between parts of a word. = Usage of Hyphen: + It is used to separate (Join) The Parts Of Compound Words: Sister-in-law, Half-asleep and Kay. + It is also used to indicate the division of a word broken at the end of a line: know-ledge, + However; one has to break accordingly: ste-no-gra-pher = However; + Do not divide sums of money. + Do not divide initials in a name or in proper names. + Do not divide units of time.COMMA + The comma is used to separate a list. + Oxford comma + My favourite colours are white, green + Please bring a glass of water for Fatima and blue. and Ahmed. = Please bring aa glass of water for * Itis also used between the date and Fatima, and Almed. the year. i + Today is September 22, 2020. Sn ag aoe ae Coc Today is 22nd September, 2020. « Horse, and carriage are at my door. = Acomma can also tell you where to * To Negate previously mentioned take a pause in a sentence. statement + Allis woll, but not necessarily + He is my friend, not enemy. forgotten. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183QUOTATION MARKS Double Quotation Mark Single Quotation Mark * Used to enclose every direct + Used to to oncloso a quotation within quotation and each part of an a quotation. interrupted quotation: » Example: * Used to enclose chapter headings = The coach said, “when you say, ‘I shall and the titles of articles: bo thors on timo’ expect you to moan A = ee what you say: + Mazhar-ul-Haq’s , “Political Science” * To add alien words. was recently recommended by me. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183PUNCTUATION SUMMARY = Apostrophes are used to represent the missing letters in contractions (can't) and to show possession. = Colons help you to provide and explanation or give an example in one sentence. = Semicolons link two complete sentences to imply cause and effect. « Brackets, dashes and pairs of commas all add extra information to sentences; their content is handy to know but is not vital. « Insort speech marks around direct speech. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183TEST + The last year of the twentieth century is 2000 not 99. + Awoman without her man is nothing. + Your's obediently, - The fire has destroyed many things in the house, the furniture, the carpets and the curtains. = Some people work best in the mornings others do better in the evenings. = Your mobile phone number is easy to remember because there are three 0 in it. = Mother had to go into hospital she had heart problems * We will be arriving on Monday I think so morning at least. = The girls father sat in a corner in winter. = In the words of Murphys law , Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183ANSWERS * The last year of the twentieth century is * Some people work best in the 2000,not ‘99. mornings; others do better in the » Aclever dog knows its master. See . + Your mobile phone number is easy to + Awoman without her man, is nothing. remember because there are three 0"s « Awoman- without her man-is nothing. anit. « Awoman, without her man, is nothing. * Mother had to go into hospital; she had heart problems. + Yours obediently, EES * We will be arriving on Monday (I think + The fire has destroyed many things in so) morning at least. hie nor Sa aaa . Dee ae sat in a corner in + In the words of Murphy's Law, Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183SENTENCE CORRECTIONSENTENCE CORRECTION = There are only six types of mistakes. = These common errors asked in competitive exams are; * Error of Replacement +» Error of Omission + Error of Commission + Error of Grammar + The Comma Splice ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 1 Rule 2 = Clause that must appear together + Two or more singular nouns joined by “AND” require a plural verb = Scarcely ~ when, No Sooner ~Than, Such ~As, Although —Yet, Elso ~ But, Seldom — + Aslam and Ali were sleeping. ‘Never, As - As, As - That, Both — And, Not only ~ But also, Not—But. + Gold and silver are precious metals. + Fire and water do not agree. + He and I were playing. Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 3 Rule 4 * Ifnouns, joined by “AND”, present * Singular subjects joined by one idea, it must have singular “WITH, ASWELL AS, OR, NOR” verb. require a singular verb. = The horse and carriage is at the door. + Silver as woll as gold has fallon in price. + Time and tides waits for no man. + Tho houso with its contonts was insured. + No nook or corner was left unexplored + Neither praise nor blame seems to effect + Honour and glory is his reward. = Neither food nor water was to be found here. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 5 Rule 6 * When one singular and one plural + When subjects are joined by “OR nouns are joined together by “OR” or NOR” of different persons, the or “NOR” verb agrees with the nearer. (231) @) The verb must be plural @) The plural subject should be placed near the verb. * Neither the chairman nor the directors are present. = Either she or her aunts have done this task, + Neither he nor I am at fault, + Neither you nor he is to blame. Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 7 Rule 8 » Many a, Either, Neither, Each, « Two nouns qualified by “EACH and Everyone, must be followed with a EVERY”, even though connected by singular verb even if it represents “AND” require a singular verb. plural subjects. + Many a men was present in the court. . ie ed Srey Ciara Gyre + Neither of two men was very strong. + Everyone of the prisons is full. + Everyone of the boys loves to ride. « Each of these substances is found in Palastan, - Each lady and each man was present. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 9 Rule 10 « Some nouns seem plural, though « When a plural noun reflects a they are not plural and they take specific quantity, it requires a singular verbs. singular verb. = The news is true. + Fifteen minutes is allowed to each kes = Measles is contagious. Ge = Fow minutes are allowed to cach = Mathematics is a complex subject. ae = Ten kilometres is a long walk. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 11 Rule 12 « When two quantitative nouns are « Countable nouns (whole numbers combined, the latter will be in like people, chairs, tables, etc) singular form. require few/any and uncountable nouns (Milk, Water , etc) require + Ten-kilometre is a long walk. Teena = That wall is ten-foot(not ten-feet). « There are few chairs in this class » He had a three-inch(not inches) deep room. woul, - There is loss water in the glass. = The president received few votes in elections. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 13 Rule 14 « Either or Neither is used while « Asecond degree of adjective is comparing two nouns, for more used when comparing of two, the than two use Anyone. superlative degree is used in case + Either Ali or Ahsan will win the race. of mere than two: + All of these three answers are incorrect. - Ali is the tallest and the wisest of my all sons. * Aliis taller and wiser of my two sons. + She is tallor than anyone of her fivo sisters. + Note: Must use definite Article before superlative degree. Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 15 Rule 16 + BETWEEN is used in a comparison = When comparing age of two or of two, while AMONG is used for more people mugs: Dee on 1. Use OLDER or OLDEST when people are not relatives 2. Use Elder or Eldest when people are relatives. * Aliis older than his neighbour. = Aliis elder to his sister. = Our elders have made efforts to make Pakistan. Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 17 Rule 18 + Words like junior, senior, elder, « LATTER is used when two things inferior, superior, anterior, posterior are mentioned, for more than two etc take TO instead of THAN when things use LAST. somnares. + OfAli and Ahmed, the latter is a = Aliis senior to Ahsan. better speaker. « Gold is superior to silver. = Of tea, coffee and coca, the last is favourite. Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 19 Rule 20 « LIKE is an adverb not a « Never leave the participle (verb) conjunction. without proper subject. + He speaks like his father does. (in = Sitting on the gate, spider stung me correct) (in correct). + He speaks as his father does. + While I was sitting on the gate, a (correct) spider stung me. « Ho speaks like his father. (correct) ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 21 Rule 22 « Modifiers should be placed near « Two negatives do not make a the word they intend to modify. sense, avoid using them. = Only the President can dissolve + have not got any (not none). ee - could not find it anywhere (not = The President can only dissolve nowhere). assomblies in Pakistan. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 23 Rule 24 = Do not use negative sentence after + Abstract nouns have no plural, like UNLESS, UNTILL. courage, wisdom, honesty ete + You can never succeed until you do not work hard. (in correct) = You can never succeed until you work Rule 25 jure coe * WHO is subject, WHOM is object, + Unless you do not apologies, I shall WHOSE is possessive. punish you. (in correct) + For non-living we will use which = Unless you do apologies, I shall ea get eg punish you. (correct) i Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 26 Rule 27 = One must be proceeded by + Nouns that have unique plural ones/one’s not him/her_ forms = One must boast of his great qualities. = (Plural) Phenomena, bacteria, consortia, fungi, geese, mice, lice, - Ono must boast of one’s/ones great ae qualities. - Singular forms of these singulars are: + (Singular) Phenomenon, bacterium, consortium, fungus, goose, mouse, louse, criterion ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 28 (A) + Nouns that cannot be plural: = Scenery, advice, soap, abuse, information, work, knowledge, clothing, lugaage, furniture, apparatus, lightening, wind, luck, bread, forniture, thunder + Make plural in following ways; + Pieces of advice, nowledge, information, etc + Articles of clothing, luggage, furniture, ete Hails of abuse, + Flashes of lightening, Gusts of wind, Claps of thundor, Bars of goap Rule 28 (B) - Nouns that have same singular and plural form: + Swine, sheep, deer, cord, salmon, trout, mackerel, fish, hair, crossroads, gallows, innings, offspring, vice, aircraft, council, cannon, means Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 28 (C) Rule 28 (D) « The collective nouns that are used « These nouns have plural form only as plural only: and take plural verb: = Poultry, cattle, vermin, gentry, + Trousers, pants, breeches, shirts, peasantry, police, public, people briefs, knickers, pincers, pliers, clippers, tongs, scissions, spectacles, binoculars, glasses,, drawers, customs, topics, remains, quarters, assets, savings, arms, troops, pains. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 29 + Nouns that function as adjectives . ‘When a noun describes another one coming after it, the describing noun comes in its pure form. - House door, Monday night, Eastor holiday, holiday dress, shoe store, hall table, eye specialist Pakistan's foreign policy, Pakistan foreign policy + Examples: + Pat this book on the hall's table. (correct) ~ Put this book on the hall table, (Correct) Rule 30 « The object of a preposition should be in accusative (objective) form - Between you and me (not) affairs look dark. + Allfailed except him. Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 31 = The complement of the verb to be should be in Nominative (subjective) form + Examples: (is/am——-subjective) + Itis I who challenge you. (note the use of verb) = If] were he I would not do it. (note the use of were) + Tam she whom you want to see. = Tam she whom wants to meet you. (note the use of verb) * It is they whom you did not you recognize yesterday. * It is we who are to blame. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 32 (A) Rule 32 (B) = VERBS used in the following « The following VERBS should not be sentences must be followed by followed by REFLEXIVE REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS + PRONOUNS (Avail, absent, enjoy, « Enlist, bathe, qualify, rest, keep, resign, apply, acquit, overreach, draw, burst, lengthen, stop, etc.) revenge, exert, distinguish) Dna wanes onsen eae = You must avail yourself of this opportunity. After bathing, he put on the best suit of his wardrobe. = He should not absent himself from the school during these days. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183GRAMMAR RULES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS Rule 33 + When a sentence starts with a CONJUNCTION, then it is not required to link phrases with another CONJUNCTION: » As he is fat so he runs slowly. (incorrect) - As ho is fat, he runs slowly. (correct) = Because he is clever therefore he gets good marks. (incorrect) = Because he is clever, he gets good marks. (correct) Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183ee Narration NARRATION Reported to Reporting SpeechNARRATION = There are two ways to convey a message of a person, or the words spoken by a person to other person + Direct Speech + Indirect Speech «= Ithas two parts of sentences; + First part (Reporting) + Second part (Reported) + This process requires three kinds of changes and these are: + Chango in some words + Chango in pronoun + Change in tense ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183CHANGES IN SOME WORDS = Note: Only if first part is in past tense Here There This ‘That Today That day He said, “He is here.” Yostorday Previous day | H®S9YS, "He is here.” ‘Tomorrow Next day Now Then Ago Before ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183 He said that he was there. He says that he is here.CHANGE IN TENSE = Note: Only if first part is in Past Tense and in following ways = Changes in Present Form + All forms of present will change into their zepective past forms. = Changes in Past From + Past Simple will change into Past Perfect + Past Continious wil change into Past Perfect Continious. + No change in the zest + Change in Future Form + Future Simple (will change into would) + Future Continious (will be change into would be) + Future Perfect (will have change into would have) ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183CHANGES IN PRONOUN IN INDIRECT SPEECH The pronoun of the 2nd part is changed according to the pronoun of 1st part. - First person pronoun in 2nd part (I, we, me, us, my/mine and our/ours) is changed according to subject of the Ist part * Second person pronoun in 2nd part (you and your/yours) is changed according to the person of object of Ist part * Third person pronoun in 2nd speech (he, she, it, they, him, his, her, them and their) is not changed in indirect speech. ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183KINDS OF SENTENCES IN NARATION * Assertive = Interrogative (If and whether + that is not required) = Imperative (State of verb + To) - Exclamatory (Exclaimed + sato of oxclamation+ That) = Optative (State of verb+ That) ‘Rehmatullah Yaseen (IRS) 0323-2005183TENSESThe 12 Verb Tenses a = Future Late pizza Tear pizza 1 teat pizza yesterday. everyday. Tomorrow. 1 yeas eating pizza Lam eating pi 1 wit he eating pizza ‘when you arrived. Fight now. ‘when you arrive 8+ wanes = tO Or ete «Mi +O 8 be vor) +0 1 had eaten al othe pizza ‘when you arrived. {have eaten all afte pizza 1 will have eaten all of the pizza ‘bythe time you arrive had beon eating pizza toe 2 hours when you arrived, Ihave been eating plora tor? hows ‘shana ta bg +0 ‘swine un + ag +0