Mastering the BCS Written Exam: A Guide to the 200-Mark English Paper

For most aspirants, the 200-mark English written exam is the "make-or-break" paper of the BCS. It's the subject that creates the biggest scoring gap between candidates. While many struggle to get a passing mark, a high score in English can single-handedly pull your total score up and place you in a top-choice cadre.

This is not a test of your creative writing. It is a test of your clarity, precision, and formal communication skills—the exact skills you will need as a cadre.

This guide breaks down a clear, actionable strategy for both English Paper 1 and Paper 2. It builds on the overall strategy we discussed in our BCS Preparation Bangladesh: A Complete Guide to Success (Preliminary, Written & Viva), so be sure to read that first if you haven't.

Why the English Paper is Your Biggest Opportunity

Most candidates focus on General Knowledge (Bangladesh and International Affairs). However, the scores in those subjects tend to be close for everyone.

English is different. The board can easily differentiate an excellent script from an average one. An average script might get 90-100 marks (out of 200), while an excellent, well-prepared script can fetch 130-140+. That 40-mark difference is what separates the cadres.

This is your opportunity. Let's break it down.

Part 1: Strategy for English Paper I (100 Marks)

This paper tests your comprehension and expression.

Section A: Reading Comprehension (50 Marks)

You will be given a passage, followed by a set of questions.

1. Answer Questions (30 Marks):
   • What it is: A series of questions based on the given passage.
     
   • Strategy:
     • Do NOT copy-paste: This is the biggest mistake. The board is testing your ability to understand, not your ability to copy.
       
     • Use Your Own Words: You must paraphrase the answers. Read the relevant section of the passage, understand the idea, and then write the answer in your own sentence structure.
       
     • Be Direct: Answer the question directly. Don't add your own opinions or information from outside the passage.
       
2. Summary / Precis Writing (20 Marks):
   
   • What it is: Condensing the main idea of the passage into a coherent paragraph, typically in about one-third of the original length.
     
     • This is the hardest part of Paper 1.
       
   • Strategy:
     
     • Find the Core Theme: After reading the passage, ask yourself, "What is the one single idea the author is trying to prove?" This will be your topic sentence.
       
     • Identify Main Points: Ignore examples, data, and repetitions. Find the 3-5 key arguments that support the core theme.
       
     • Write in Your Own Words: This is critical. You must write the summary without using the main phrases or complex sentences from the original text.
       
     • Be Objective: A summary contains no opinions, no critiques, and no new information.
       
     • Practice: Take editorials from The Daily Star, read them, and write a summary. Do this 2-3 times a week.

Section B: Essay (50 Marks)

You will be given 2-3 topics and must write a structured essay of 800-1000 words on one.

• What it is: A test of your ability to build a structured, data-driven argument in formal English.
  
• Topics: Usually argumentative, analytical, or descriptive (e.g., "The Role of Good Governance in Development," "Climate Change Impacts on Bangladesh," "The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities").
  
• Strategy: The 5-Part Structure
  
  1. Introduction (1 para): Introduce the topic, state its importance, and clearly state your thesis (your main argument). Example: "While technology offers immense benefits, its successful implementation in Bangladesh hinges on bridging the digital divide."
     
  2. Body Paragraphs (5-7 paras): This is the core. Each paragraph should discuss one main idea that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence, then explain it, and (most importantly) add data, examples, or quotes.
     
  3. Counter-Argument (1 para): (Optional, but highly recommended for argumentative topics). Acknowledge the "other side" of the argument, then politely explain why your position is stronger. This shows balanced thinking.
     
  4. Recommendations (1 para): Based on your analysis, suggest 3-5 practical solutions or recommendations.
     
  5. Conclusion (1 para): Summarize your main points and restate your thesis. End with a strong, forward-looking statement.
     
• How to Score High in the Essay:
  
  • Brainstorm & Outline: Before you write, spend 10 minutes outlining your essay. Plan your introduction, your 5-6 body points, and your conclusion. This prevents rambling and ensures a logical flow.
    
  • Use Data & Quotes: This is the secret to extra marks. Memorize 2-3 relevant quotes (e.g., from the UN, World Bank, or famous thinkers) and 5-10 key statistics (from the Bangladesh Economic Survey, Budget, or BBS) for common topics.
    
  • Formal Language: Use clear, simple, formal English. Avoid slang, contractions (don't, can't), and overly flowery language.

Part 2: Strategy for English Paper II (100 Marks)

This paper tests your technical language skills.

Section A: Bangla-to-English Translation (25 Marks)

• What it is: You will be given a formal Bangla passage (often from a newspaper editorial) to translate into English.
  
• Strategy:
  
  • This is "Bhabanubad" (ভাবানুবাদ), not a literal translation. Do not translate word-for-word.
    
    • Step 1: Read the entire Bangla passage to understand its core meaning, tone, and context.
      
    • Step 2: Break it down sentence by sentence.
      
    • Step 3: Translate the meaning of the sentence into natural, idiomatic English.
      
    • Pro-Tip: The best practice is to read the daily editorial from Prothom Alo or Kaler Kantho and try to translate it into English.

Section B: English-to-Bangla Translation (25 Marks)

• What it is: The reverse of the above.
  
• Strategy:
  
  • Step 1: Read the entire English passage.
    
  • Step 2: Translate the meaning into standard, formal, and natural-sounding Bangla (চলিত ভাষা).
    
  • Avoid "Bookish" Bangla: Don't use overly-complex 'sadhu bhasha' (সাধু ভাষা). The goal is to sound like a modern, educated piece from a newspaper, not a 19th-century novel.
    
  • Pro-Tip: Read The Daily Star editorial and translate it into Bangla.

Section C: Grammar & Usage (50 Marks)

This is the most scoring section if you are prepared. It is not like the Preli MCQs. You have to write the answers.

• Typical Questions:
  
  • Error Correction: Find and correct mistakes in the given sentences.
    
  • Fill in the Blanks: With appropriate words, prepositions, or articles.
    
  • Sentence Making: Use given idioms/phrases in your own sentences to show you understand their meaning.
    
  • Changing Word Forms: (e.g., "Use the noun-form of 'beautiful' in a sentence").
    
  • Punctuation: Correcting punctuation in a passage.
    
• Strategy:
  
  • Master the Basics: This section heavily tests Parts of Speech, Prepositions, Tense, Subject-Verb Agreement, and Voice.
    
  • Practice, Don't Memorize: You must apply the rules.
    
  • Idioms & Phrases: Make a dedicated notebook. Learn 5 new idioms/phrases every day and, crucially, write a sentence for each one.

The Non-Negotiable Daily Habit: Newspaper Reading

You cannot pass the English written exam without reading an English newspaper.

1. Read "The Daily Star" Editorial (or Op-Ed) Every Day.
   
   • Don't just read it; study it.
     
   • Notice the sentence structures.
     
   • Write down 5 new words and 3 new phrases/idioms in a notebook.
     
   • Try to write a summary of the editorial in your own words.
     
2. Read a "Prothom Alo" Editorial Every Day.
   
   • Mentally (or physically) translate the key sentences into English. This is your daily translation practice.

Recommended Books & Resources

1. A High-Quality Grammar Book:
   
   • A Passage to the English Language by S.M. Zakir Hossain (A comprehensive book popular with BCS aspirants).
     
   • Cliffs TOEFL or Barron's TOEFL (Excellent for summary practice and grammar).
     
2. A Written Guidebook:
   
   • A good written English guide from a reputable publisher (e.g., Oracle, Professor's, Assurance). Use this for practice, not for learning the first time.
     
3. Newspapers (Mandatory):
   
   • The Daily Star (English)
     
   • Prothom Alo (Bangla)
     
4. A Notebook:
   
   • Your personal notebook for Vocabulary, Idioms, and Quotes is your most important resource.

Final Exam Day Tips

• Handwriting Matters: It doesn't need to be beautiful, but it must be clean, legible, and spaced out. Use headings and leave a line between paragraphs.
  
• Time Management: This is critical. Both papers are long. Allocate your time before you start. 50 marks = ~60 minutes, 25 marks = ~30 minutes. Be strict with yourself.
  
• No Filler: Quality over quantity. A well-structured 800-word essay is better than a rambling 1200-word one.

This paper is a marathon, not a sprint. A consistent 90 minutes of dedicated English practice (reading, writing, grammar) every day for 6 months will put you ahead of 90% of the competition.

Related Resources

📖 Continue Learning:

• BCS Preparation Bangladesh: A Complete Guide to Success (Preliminary, Written & Viva) (Your master preparation roadmap)
• Mastering BCS Written General Science & Technology Full Guideline - Job Khujo

📖 Free Resource

• BCS Preparation MCQ