PUNCTUATION QUESTIONS (COLLECTED FROM CSS ENGLISH PRECIS AND COMPOSITION PAST PAPERS, 2016 – 2024) | DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE LIST IN PDF FORMAT HERE | SIGN UP ON SCRIBD AND DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED MATERIAL, SPECIALLY CURATED FOR YOU!
CSS 2016 English Precis and Composition Paper
Choose the punctuation mark that is needed in each of the following sentences:
- “It isn’t fair!” shouted Martin. Coach Lewis never lets me start the game!” Explanation: There should be quotation marks before the word Coach to set off the dialogue. “It isn’t fair!” shouted Martin. “Coach Lewis never lets me start the game!”
- Maureen’s three sisters, Molly, Shannon, and Patricia are all spending the summer at their grandmother’s beach house. Explanation: Commas set off nonrestrictive appositives, phrases that say the same thing as the previous phrase in different words. (A comma should be placed after Patricia.) Maureen’s three sisters Molly, Shannon, and Patricia, are all spending the summer at their grandmother’s beach house.
- For the centrepieces, the florist recommended the following flowers daisies, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Explanation: A colon can go before a list. (Place a colon after the word flowers.) For the centerpieces, the florist recommended the following flowers: daisies, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
- Lily is an accomplished gymnast she won three medals in her last competition. Explanation: A semicolon can be used to separate two main clauses that could each stand alone as complete sentences. Lily is an accomplished gymnast; she won three medals in her last competition.
- Everyone was shocked when Max Smithfield – a studious, extremely bright high school senior decided that college was not for him. Explanation: Dashes can be used to set off a parenthetical element, for emphasis. (Place another em dash after the word senior.) Everyone was shocked when Max Smithfield — a studious, extremely bright high school senior — decided that college was not for him.
CSS 2017 English Precis and Composition Paper
Punctuate the following text, where necessary.
a quaker was one day walking on country road he was suddenly met by a highwayman pointing a pistol the man exclaimed your money or your life my friend said the quaker I cannot deliver my money for i should be helping thee in evildoing however exchange is lawful and i will give thee my purse for the pistol the robber agree on receiving the purse the quaker at once held the pistol at the robbers head and said now friend my purse back or the weapon may go off fire said the robber there is no powder in the pistol.
Solution: A quaker was one day walking on country road. He was suddenly met by a highwayman. Pointing a pistol, the man exclaimed, “Your money or your life, my friend!” Said the quaker: “I cannot deliver my money for I should be helping thee in evildoing; however; exchange is lawful, and I will give thee my purse for the pistol.” The robber agreed on receiving the purse. The quaker at once held the pistol at the robber’s head and said, “Now, friend, my purse back or the weapon may go off fire.” Said the robber, “There is no powder in the pistol.”
CSS 2018 English Precis and Composition Paper
Use punctuation marks where needed in the following sentences:
- There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish the slavery of caste. There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish: the slavery of caste.
- All that I am all that I hope to be I owe to my angel mother. All that I am, all that I hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
- Take away that bauble said Cromwell pointing to the mace which lay upon the table. “Take away that bauble,” said Cromwell, pointing to the mace which lay upon the table.
- There is only one cure for the evils which newly acquired freedom produces and that cure is freedom. There is only one cure for the evils which newly acquired freedom produces, and that cure is freedom.
- History it has been said is the essence of innumerable biographies. History, it has been said, is the essence of innumerable biographies.
CSS 2019 English Precis and Composition Paper
Punctuate the following text, where necessary.
a hungry lion slipped out of the forest into a barnyard one evening when he saw a plump donkey his mouth began to water but just as he was ready to jump on the donkey a rooster crowed he was frightened and so turned away into the forest again hey look at that cowardly lion the donkey brayed to the rooster i am going to chase him and the donkey ran after the lion wait the rooster shouted you dont know that but it was too late the lion had turned and killed the donkey ah my poor stupid friend the rooster said as he watched the lion eating the donkey the lion wasnt afraid of you but of my crowing
Solution: A hungry lion slipped out of the forest into a barnyard one evening. When he saw a plump donkey, his mouth began to water. But just as he was ready to jump on the donkey, a rooster crowed. He was frightened, and so turned away into the forest again. “Hey, look at that cowardly lion,” the donkey brayed to the rooster. “I’m going to chase him.” And the donkey ran after the lion. “Wait!” the rooster shouted, “you don’t know that…” But it was too late. The lion had turned and killed the donkey. “Ah, my poor, stupid friend,” the rooster said as he watched the lion eating the donkey. “The lion wasn’t afraid of you, but of my crowing.” Source
CSS 2020 English Precis and Composition Paper
Punctuate the following text, where necessary.
Letters between relatives and friends are called personal letters the most important thing in such letters is the content don’t begin with a hackneyed phrase like I was delighted to get your letter received your letter or I have often thought of writing to you use a vigorous clear chatty style
Solution: Letters between relatives and friends are called personal letters. The most important thing in such letters is the content. Don’t begin with a hackneyed phrase like “I was delighted to get your letter”, “received your letter”, or “I have often thought of writing to you”. Use a vigorous, clear, chatty style.
CSS 2021 English Precis and Composition Paper
Punctuate the following text, where necessary.
That familiarity produces neglect has been long observed the effect of all external objects however great or splendid ceases with their novelty the courtier stands without emotion in the royal presence the music tramples under his foot the beauties of the spring with little attention to their fragrance and the inhabitant of the coast darts his eye upon the immense diffusion of waters without awe wonder or terror.
Solution: That familiarity produces neglect has been long observed. The effect of all external objects, however great or splendid, ceases with their novelty; the courtier stands without emotion in the royal presence; the rustic tramples under his foot the beauties of the spring, with little attention to their colours or their fragrance; and the inhabitant of the coast darts his eye upon the immense diffusion of water, without awe, wonder, or terror. Source
CSS 2022 English Precis and Composition Paper
Punctuate the following text, where necessary.
unfortunately we often miss a basic school lesson every big task consists of several small ones done precisely and perfectly as a nation we acutely need to learn the art of breaking down our moonlit goals into small accomplishable tasks it will reduce frustration anxiety depression in society and embarrassment for the government machinery too as they dont have to defend their unkept promises.
Solution: Unfortunately, we missed a basic school lesson: every big task consists of several small ones; done precisely and perfectly. As a nation, we acutely need to learn the art of breaking down our moonlit goals into small accomplishable tasks. It will reduce frustration, anxiety, depression in society and embarrassment for the government machinery too as they don’t have to defend their unkept promises. Source
CSS 2023 English Precis and Composition Paper
Punctuate the following text, where necessary.
while taking a nap on the porch one hot summer day hodga dreamed that a stranger promised to give him ten pieces of gold the stranger placed them in hodgas hand one by one until he reached the tenth piece which he hesitated to give him come on what are you waiting for said hodga you promised me ten just then he woke up he immediately looked at his hand and saw that it was empty he quickly shut his eyes again stretched out his hand and said all right i ll settle for nine.
Solution: While taking a nap on the porch, one hot summer day, Hodga dreamed that a stranger promised to give him ten pieces of gold. The stranger placed them in Hodga’s hand one by one until he reached the tenth piece, which he hesitated to give him. “Come on! what are you waiting for?” said Hodga. “You promised me ten!” Just then he woke up. He immediately looked at his hand and saw that it was empty. He quickly shut his eyes again, stretched out his hand and said, “All right, I’ll settle for nine!” Source
CSS 2024 English Precis and Composition Paper
Rewrite the following sentences with corrected punctuation, without splitting a sentence or adding/ changing any word.
- The cordless vacuum one of the least interesting of the household appliances got its start as a moon drill. The cordless vacuum, one of the least interesting of the household appliances, got its start as a moon drill.
- Dr. Seuss books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words If I Ran a Zoo, however, likely gave us the real word nerd. Dr. Seuss’ books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words. ‘If I Ran a Zoo’, however, likely gaveus the real-word nerd.
- There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism, and a truly strange possibility he may have been a victim of a voter fraud scheme. There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism and a truly strange possibility; he may have been a victim of a voter-fraud scheme.
- The film critic said, “One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is Play it again, Sam.” The film critic said, “One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is ‘Play it again, Sam’.”
- Poorly named animals include: the flying fox, which is really a bat the electric eel, which is really a knifefish and the honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species! Poorly named animals include: the flying fox, which is really a bat: the electric eel, which is really a knifefish; and the honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species.
- The Haskell Opera House sits right on the US Canadian border with the stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont. The Haskell Opera House sits right on the US-Canadian border, with the Stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont.
- Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates but some large pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents, and other vertebrates. Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates, but some large pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents and other vertebrates.
- Harvey is a good driver moreover he is a very friendly one. Harvey is a good driver. Moreover, he a very friendly one.
Related MCQs
- Prevailing winds effect the region’s climate by? (CSS 2016 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Creating desert area
- Causing precipitation on one side of the mountain
- Affecting how much precipitation it receives
- Controlling the amount of solar energy, it receives
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Silverfish belongs to? (CSS 2014 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Fish
- Insect
- Reptile
- Amphibian
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Flesh eaters are called? (CSS 2014 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Omnivores
- Carnivores
- Herbivores
- Scavengers
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- according to Nabi Akram ( (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) the most favourite place of allah is? (CSS 2012 Islamic Studies Paper)
- eidgah
- bazar
- mosque
- home
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- The half life of a radioactive element is 8-days. How long will it take to reduce it from 10mg to 5mg? (CSS 2009 General Science & Ability Paper)
- 4 days
- 12 days
- 16 days
- 8 days
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Malik Ishaq was the leader of? (PPSC Tehsildar General Knowledge Test, December 15, 2024)
- Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD)
- Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ)
- Ahle Sunnat Wal-Jamaat (ASWJ)
- Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- The SYNONYM of the word \"CICERONE\" is? (CSS 2004 English Precis & Composition Paper)
- Guide
- Teacher
- Chaperone
- Literary classic
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- The echo of Big Bang can be heard in the form of? (CSS 2014 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Cosmic rays
- Gamma rays
- Microwave radio signals
- Infrared radiations
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Total length of Pakistan coastline is? (CSS 2020 Pakistan Affairs Paper)
- 970 km
- 990 km
- 950 km
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Function of iron in our body is? (CSS 2014 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Provide strength
- Oxygen transport
- Help in hydrolysis
- Breakdown fats
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- No of times did Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) Perform Umrah? (CSS 2020 Islamic Studies Paper)
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Diamer-Bhasha Dam has been planned on the river? (CSS 2011 Current Affairs Paper)
- Jhelum
- Chenab
- Indus
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Name the famous book of Ibn-Sina in which he discussed human physiology and medicine? (CSS 2009 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Al-Qanoon
- Al-Masudi
- New Renaissance
- Tadhkira
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- What is the literal meaning of the word Ouran? (CSS 2019 Islamic Studies Paper)
- Guidance
- Right Path
- Frequently recited
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Which article of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 states that Islam shall be the state religion? (CCE 2023 Screening Test, December 1, 2024)
- Article 3
- Article 4
- Article 2
- Article 1
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- The SYNONYM of the word \"PERTURB\" is? (CSS 1992 English Precis & Composition Paper)
- To test
- To upset
- To burden
- To cause doubt
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Copper can be converted into gold by? (CSS 2010 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Heating
- Electroplating
- Artificial Radioactivity
- None of these options
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- First general election of Pakistan held in? (CSS 2022 Pakistan Affairs Paper)
- March 1969
- Dec 1970
- Dec 1971
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Television signals are converted into light signals by? (CSS 2009 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Optical fibre
- Transistor
- Decoder
- Photodiode
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Oldest tennis venue? (CSS 2017 Current Affairs Paper)
- Wimbledon
- Rotterdam
- Acer Arena
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Ahsan Al-Qasas (the most beautiful stories) is Mentioned in which surah of the Holy Quran? (CSS 2022 Islamic Studies Paper)
- Al Baqarah
- A-Rehamn
- Surah Yousaf
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Which method many not be considering as a Food preservation method? (CSS 2022 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Freezing
- Irradiation
- Sleeping
- None of these
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Laughing gas has chemical composition of the following two elements which are? (CSS 2010 General Science & Ability Paper)
- Nitrogen + Hydrogen
- Nitrogen + Carbon
- Nitrogen + Oxygen
- Oxygen + Carbon
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Do not raise your voice above the voice of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم(. This order is in Surah? ? (CSS 2024 Islamic Studies Paper)
- Al-Ahzab
- Al-Maidah
- Al-Hujurat
- Al-Najam
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team
- Name of the son of Hazarat Yaqoob (A.S) whose off-springs are the Jews? (CSS 2010 Islamic Studies Paper)
- Tibrani
- Yahooda
- Ishaq
- Ishaq (علیہ السّلام)
Submitted by: CSS Exam Desk Team