Understanding Keywords in CSS Answer Writing

The Examiner’s Code: A Guide to Directive Words in CSS Answer Writing

Why am I not scoring well in CSS written exams? You wrote down everything you knew about a topic, but the examiner still gave you a low score. Or, have you been told multiple times by CSS teachers to read the question carefully before answering?

Feeling frustrated, right? You studied for hours, filled the pages with everything you knew, and yet… the marks were not what you expected.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here is why that might be happening.

Many competent aspirants also face this same hurdle. Often, the well-meaning advice you get is, “You need to read the question properly!”

But what does that really mean?

After years of mentoring CSS aspirants and going through the same exam myself, I’ve found that the secret often lies not in the topic of the question, but in its directive keywords—those little action words that tell you exactly what to do.

There is a strong possibility that you are not paying enough attention to these tail words, end words, or keywords used in the question.

Ignoring them is like being given a recipe and using the wrong cooking technique. The ingredients might be there, but the final dish just doesn’t work.

Almost every question in the CSS exam papers (except the essay paper) contains key directive words like “explain,” “analyse,” “critically examine,” or “discuss.” These words shape your entire approach to writing an answer, fetch marks from the examiner, and guide you on what strategy to adopt.

This blog will help you understand the most common keywords used in CSS questions, what they demand from you, and how to answer them strategically. Mastering these keywords will improve the clarity of your answer writing and maximize your marks.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY ARE THESE “DIRECTIVE KEYWORDS”?

Directive or keywords are the action verbs or phrases in a question that indicate how you should answer it. They define the tone, content, and structure of your answer. Ignoring or misunderstanding them often leads to irrelevant or incomplete answers, which can cost you precious marks.

These words —usually found at the beginning of a question, such as explain, compare, or contrast— indicate to candidates what is essentially required from them in their answer. They are the guiding principle for how the answer to a question needs to be organized and presented.

Here are some commonly used directive words and some concrete points on how you can tackle them:

1. Analyze 
   • Break an issue into its constituent parts
   • Analyze each part by using supporting arguments and examples
   • Conclude by summarising major arguments

Example: Analyze the Madina Accord as a “Social Contract” in detail. (Islamiat, CSS 2020)

2. Discuss
   • Use logical reasoning and debate in your answer
   • Support it with evidence
   • State advantages and disadvantages wherever needed
   • Provide a conclusion outlining your arguments

Example: Discuss the significance of renewable energy resources for Pakistan. (Pakistan Affairs, CSS 2021)

3. Enumerate
   • Convey key points instead of going into excessive detail
   • Cover aspect from all views

Example: Enumerate the measures adopted by Pakistan to spotlight on the plight of Kashmiri people in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir after 5th August 2019.  (Pakistan Affairs, CSS 2021) 

4. Critically Evaluate
   • Upto what extent is a statement true 
   • To what extent do you agree with it
   • What’s your opinion on it?
   • Provide evidence from a range of sources
   • Give a final conclusion and explain what that is the most valid choice

Example: Critically evaluate the evolution of Muslim Separate identity in the Subcontinent. (Pakistan Affairs, CSS 2021) 

5. Elaborate

• Provide as much information as possible on an argument

Example: China, Pakistan-Russia cooperation will find suitable support mechanism in Shanghai Cooperation organization (SCO). Elaborate. (Pakistan Affairs, CSS 2020) 

6. Explain
   • Clarify the topic as to how and why it occurs
   • What is meant by terms included in the question?
   • Define key terms wherever needed using relevant research

Example: Explain “Afghans` owned, Afghans` led” solution of Afghanistan crisis.(Pakistan Affairs, CSS 2021) 

7. Explore
   • Use different questions to elaborate on different aspects of the topic
   • Put forward opposing views
   • Reconcile opposing views wherever possible

Example: Islam provides better rights to men and women than all other religions. Explore with arguments. (Islamiat, CSS 2021) 

8. Comment
   • Give your opinion on main points of a subject
   • Reemphasize your point with logic and examples 
   • Include your opinion whether for or against
   • Support your opinion in either case

Example: Comment on the teachings of Islam regarding co-existence in a multi-faith society. (Islamiat, CSS 2021) 

9. Compare and contrast
   • Identify similarities and differences between two or more events or personalities
   • State which similarities or differences are important than the other
   • Back them up using evidence and theorists supporting either sides 

Example: Compare and contrast the different political philosophies of Hobbes and Locke. How are these philosophies implemented in present day political systems and policy making? (Political Science, CSS 2017) 

10. Describe
    • Give as much detailed explanation as possible
    • Get into the details of why and how of the concept or event

Example: Describe Al-Mawardi’s theory of Imamate. (Political Science, CSS 2016)

I hope this guide has turned on the lightbulb and given you a much clearer picture of how to strategically approach any exam question. Understanding these directive words is like having a secret decoder ring for your CSS papers—it transforms how you communicate your knowledge to the examiner.

Knowledge is power, but only when it’s put into practice! To truly cement your understanding, I encourage you to:

• Review with Purpose: Go back through past papers and actively label the directive words in each question.
• Create Smart Outlines: Pick a few questions and spend 8-9 minutes drafting a quick outline based solely on what the keyword demands. This is where the magic happens!
• Get Expert Feedback: This is the most crucial step. Share your outlines and answers with our CSS Exam Desk Team. Having a seasoned eye check your approach ensures you’re on the right track and helps correct any subtle misunderstandings before the exam.

Mastering this one skill will not only boost your confidence but will directly translate into the marks you deserve. You’ve got this!

We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions, just leave a comment below. We’re committed to providing trustworthy, expert-guided support on your CSS journey.

A Note From the Author

We hope you found this guide to directive words helpful! This post was crafted with care by Ms. Usra Rasool.

Her insights come directly from the source: she successfully navigated the CSS journey herself as part of the 50th CTP (CSS 2021) and now serves as an Assistant Collector (UT) with Pakistan Customs Services (PCS). She understands exactly what examiners are looking for because she’s been in your shoes and now works within the system.

Happy studying!