Answer writing is
an artwork. The great news is that any type of art is
often learnt over a period of your time. All it takes is energy,
regular practice and guidance. We are here to provide you help
with the guidance part and that we hope you successfully
integrate the guidelines we are giving to provide in your
preparation. This answer writing guide has been divided into three types –
Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Because the names for the section
headings recommend, one should proceed step by step, understand every section
fully before continuing to subsequent. Ultimately you must be ready
to use the ideas from all sections in your answer
writing in a very holistic manner.
The Basics section
of answer writing tackles the bare minimum .Ideally, the
introduction shouldn't only introduce the topic/issue/idea to the examiner
but also (very) briefly narrate the central premise of the solution. If
the question has two or other parts, then all parts must be introduced briefly.
The introduction shouldn't be lengthier than 20% of the word limit at
any cost, and its ideal length is about 10% of the word limit. For 200 words,
20-40 words is what you must to be watching for the
introduction (and the conclusion too).
The civil services mains exam consists of
descriptive sort of questions. It focuses on testing the candidate on
varied levels. The deadline for the essay paper is 3 hrs. without a
word limit, except for the optional paper, there are questions with
specific word limits like 250 words in optional subjects and 250 words, 150
words normally for general studies. The candidate then has got
to prepare himself to answer all kinds of questions. The
foremost important thing to be kept in mind is that the time
constraint. Thus it becomes necessary to answer these questions quickly and effectively
and in minimum words.
One common doubt that students have is
with reference to the design of answering questions, whether to
adopt the paragraph or bullet points. Though there's no set
rule, it's knowing adopt a method counting on the
question asked. If the question says to debate, analyse or critically
examine, it might be higher to answer the question the paragraph
format. On the opposite hand, if the question asks you to
list the benefits or give reasons for/ against
etc., it's better use pointers.
Style
of Answering Questions:
- For
this it's vital to know the question first. Counting
on what the question is, whether one is asked to "discuss",
"elucidate", "explain”, “Critically appreciate" or
"give reasons for and against", the solution should be
written accordingly because it's only through the
examinee's sort of answering questions that one can assess his or her
originality of thought and analytical talents. The question must be read
properly, actually the question paper should be read
thoroughly within the first five or ten minutes of the
exam then one should choose the questions which are to be
answered first.
- Time should even be given to outline the
solution in order that there's no confusion afterward. Our answers should present the facts and ideas in a
stimulating way and will never read like sort of
a passage from a book. It’s best to use simple English and avoid
flow and ornamental language which takes our attention far away
from the first facts and our opinions a few given topic.
Making a practice of writing out answers is particularly helpful in
managing the deadline set for the exam and to write
down the most effective possible answer within the assigned
time. It not only improves one's sort of expression, but also one
gets used to the time and word limits.
How to
Write an Honest Answer
- It is simply not
enough to grasp all the facts and knowledge but the
foremost important thing to be kept in mind is to write down a
solution which features a clear and a logical frame, that
presents information during a clear and concise manner, , which is
interesting and ready to hold one's attention. So the next logical
step is to understand the way to write an
honest answer. The primary step is to organize the
framework where one can list all ideas, thoughts and facts and write them down. It’s important
to adopt an answering style which is natural, original and to the purpose.
Emphasis should tend to the type of language used, one
which is easy and clear without unnecessary use of nouns and verbs. Use of
archaic and fancy words or language should be avoided in the
least costs. Care should be taken to avoid grammatical mistakes which
can provides a negative opinion however good the
solution could also be.
How to
Answer the Effective a Part of the Question:
- Everyone
repeatedly talks concerning the effective a part of the
question. This can be completely different from the
Introduction, Body and Conclusion of any answer that is its structure. The
effective part means that angle or perspective do they want the answers
to be seen. The facts remain an equivalent but the presentation
differs. So enumerate means represent in numbers and views means your opinion
on those very numbers or facts. For instance in enumerate the
population ratio you give data like 93 females per 100 males. However, in views
you write that - the person woman ratio must be an
equivalent that we'd like to require care of the women
child etc. We
will inform you the means and application of a number
of the terms that seem repeatedly in questions within the IAS
mains exam.
Some important tips to master the
solution writing skills and excel in upcoming UPSC Exam.
Understand the syllabus:
- See the syllabus of every subject
completely to
review only what's relevant. Although we are assuming that you simply did
integrated preparation while preparing for Prelims exam, and have a Fine basic
knowledge of GS subjects.
Read NCERTs then choose standard books:
- Always kind a stronger base with NCERTS first
of all, as most of the general studies’ syllabus is roofed from the NCERTS
of 6th to 12th class. While optional subject syllabus is roofed through the quality books
of 12th class till graduate level. Once you kind a stronger base, then shift
your focus to plain books, and make sure you
study only relevant standard books, and not everything below the sun.
Stay tuned with current affairs:
- The first and foremost source of
studying daily current affairs and covering the dynamic part of the syllabus is
Reading Newspaper. The Hindu and the Indian Express are the foremost suggested
ones. Then, sources like Rajya Sabha TV, Lok Sabha TV, AIR News, editorials,
current affairs compilation, budget, economic survey are a number of the important sources to remain well
abreast with current affairs, that is extremely important part of the IAS preparation
process, as quite half of the
syllabus in Civil Services Mains is all about current affairs.
Give important emphasis on every subject:
- Every subject in UPSC Mains exam is
equally necessary and thus the aspirants should make sure that they set right schedule and divide equal time and stress of every subject, alongside the
optional one.
Practice
answer writing:
- Answer writing is one amongst the foremost important
parts of the preparation process, and aspirants are always suggested to begin out the blend writing
practice a
day after forming a base knowledge of subject. UPSC features a set time-frame for each exam,
and it's important
for aspirants to execute writing well framed answers covering all the size within the stipulated time.
Keep
revising on regular intervals:
- Aspirants must confirm to dedicate at
least each
day during a week for less than revision of what has been studied the entire week. Revision is vital to
retain the vast syllabus of IAS Mains exam and make proper notes which can be
quickly revised even at the end most moment.
Make
short and precise notes:
- As aligned within the point , it's usually
advised to make short,
precise and handy notes of the important topics for a fast cram weekly
and at the last moment. Make separate notes for each subject,
including the current affairs
and thus the notes
should be designed in such a fashion which may remind
you of the entire topic
studied throughout the revision.
Solve
previous year question papers:
- Once you get an honest hang over the
syllabus and acquire sound
knowledge of the
topic through NCERTs and standard books, and next step
is to unravel previous 5 years question papers. It is not going to only assist you in
answer writing practice, but also will offer you a honest idea of the examination pattern and analysing
the trend of questions.
Enroll in mains test series:
- One of the foremost crucial step
after forming a base knowledge of Mains subjects is enrolling for Mains Test
Series and assessing your preparation level. Ghaziabad IAS Academy offers Mains
Test Series assessing by experts under the guidance of Mr. Sanjeev Pandey
exactly following the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam pattern. Mains Test Series
not only helps student do a practice of answer writing and understand the exam
pattern, but also gives a good idea of the probable question and most significantly gives
you a opportunity to urge assessment
by the UPSC experts.
Keep
yourself involved
in important discussion and alter your perspective
from a
standard man to an administrator:
- UPSC not only search for candidates with
strong knowledge of the theoretical subjects given in mains examination, However,
a candidate who features a problem solving approach and an
administrator like perspective alongside with right deciding ability of these can
only be incorporated within the personality by involving oneself within the important
discussions about the problem being long - faced within the society, or on the topics of National and
International importance; then searching for the solutions. This must even be reflected
in your answers in IAS Mains Exam.
To write down a good answer there are
certain basic tips that you simply got to know and these are
mentioned below:
Solve Previous Year Question Papers
Write Approximately 15 Words per Mark
- In the
case of a 250 mark question paper that has got to be
attempted in 3 hours, understand that you simply are
expected to
write down approximately 4000 words. UPSC mains exam is both
about the
standard and quantity of your answers. Don’t waste
energy rewriting and paraphrasing an equivalent points.
Write approximately 15 words per mark.
·
So,
your target should be, 200 words per 8 min approx. for a 12 mark question
ü
200
words and
eight minutes approximately for a 12 mark question
ü
150
words and 6 minutes approximately for a ten mark question
Get to the purpose instead of Beating round
the Bush
- There
is no got
to waste crucial time in writing unnecessary introductions.
If you're still
keen on writing one, keep it short and minimally obscure.
Right Pointers
- You
must attempt
to write approx. 20 points for each answer.
This might
sound difficult as you’ll need to spend an honest chunk
of your precious time recalling the items you’ve learnt
about. Attempt to imagine a real-life scenario and relate
your answer to
it, rather than investing time in recalling what you’ve
read. Your sense and
logic must precede recall.
Learn to Link to other Questions
- While you need
to answer on to your question, it's helpful to
link points that are relevant to the queries asked.
Try to keep it Simple
- The UPSC doesn't take care of the ornamentation of your answers. What they
expect to read is applied ideas and understanding written down as a definite comprehension in basic vocabulary. Continually use relevant and layman
terms concerning queries asked. You need to check that that relevant
keywords are appropriately used. For instance, within the gesture regarding sectors of the economy, the
relevant keywords would be goods and services.
Adding Quotes to Your Answer
- Adding Quotes to Your Answer advantages in
your evaluation Make use of the quotes you jotted down in your notes. A relevant quote
by an authority in relevance to the question
asked can add weightage to your answer.
Your Handwriting Neat and Clean
- You
Should Keep Your Handwriting neat and Clean Remind you of what
your academician told you in school, please write in a very neat and legible handwriting. We all know that you simply have
a time-frame to
stay to, and therefore the tension of the examination hall
paired with the
necessity to recall just makes it tougher. This can
be why you need to apply daily to write down within the set time we mentioned in
point 1, in clear, neat and presentable handwriting.
Add Diagrams to Your Answers
- Adding diagrams to your answers will always help facilitate if you
don’t have plenty of points to write down. Make diagrams as
long as the question demands it. For instance, it's not
necessary to draw pie-diagrams showcasing the GDP share of
various sectors. Simply highlight them in your words.
Write in Points over Paragraphs
- Writing in points makes your answer more readable,
clear, legible and presentable for the examiner. If your answer demands
paragraphs, confirm to separate them
into small paragraphs of 4-5 lines each.
Try to Target every a part of the Question
- You must answer
all the
various parts of the question, whether asked implicitly or expressly.
Don’t forget to answer any a part of the question, it also can cause your
marks getting deducted.
Try to Target Longer Hours of Practice
- While practising, don't target only a couple of
questions. Instead, write for an entire section. This may assist you adapt
yourself to the
ultimate day’s continuous writing method. You’ll begin
by writing continuously for an hour and move it up to 4. This daily answer writing practice is crucial
otherwise your hand and brain can quit on
you within the UPSC examination hall.
Don’t Leave Any Questions
- There
is negative marking while answering the questions within the mains.
Hence it's recommended that you simply attempt
each question asked in the exam paper. It’s fine to not
know the solution. You should try to attempt to answer
this question together
with your logic.
Don’t Scan the Question Paper
- You
must attempt
to finish
half the paper within the
primary 90
minutes. to avoid wasting time, avoid rummaging through the whole paper within the beginning. Simply
start with the first question, and
tackle the remaining sequentially.
Here are some directives
used in questions with their meanings:
Enumerate:
- Simply list the
points concerning the subject and do not give careful
explanation.
Narrate
- 'Early to
late' this is can be however narration happens. So, temporal (time
related) sequencing is vital. You’ll be able to even predict the
course in future if asked.
Define
- This simply means
write the definition.
Guage /
Assess / Examine:
- Detailed
explanations are needed. Write in details whatever you recognize, include
one to 2 lines of introduction followed by three to four lines in
favour and three to four lines against the given topic. One to
2 lines of implications if any, then limitations of the
concepts and eventually the conclusion in two to 3 lines must be
added.
Opinion
/ Comment / Views:
- Whenever your
opinion is asked, it should be filled with optimism and your answer
should be filled with zeal and enthusiasm. Give constructive opinions
with optimistic, future homeward-bound and
progressive ideas. But your opinions ought
to be for the most part acceptable.
Purpose
/ Goal / Objective / Target:
- What is to be
achieved, what's the aim, the goal, the objectives or the targets?
Analyse:
- When
it involves analyse, it's an identical, evaluation,
assessment or examination plus your opinion is additionally required
here. So, once you give your opinion it means that you’re deciphering the
event consistent with your knowledge aside from exception
of fully explanations.
Discuss:
- A frequently used
term, it means you'll be able to write whatever you
recognize however, the foremost important thing is to write
down as if you're lecture the examiner. A differing
opinion may be used.
Describe:
- This is the
simplest thing to try to and just simply theoretical knowledge
is required here. You’ve got to write down essentially basically
its parts, what it's made from, constituents, characteristics
and attributes.
Critically
examine:
- An important term
and a favourite of Civil service examination.
Whenever it's asking Critically Examine, Critically Comment or
Critically Analyse simply keep in mind that you just need to write both
pros and cons and provides a good, unbiased or value loaded
judgement.
Elucidate
/ Elaborate / Expand / Exemplify:
- These are more or
less similar words however not precisely the same. Elucidate means
that build it clear with examples to form it clear. Elaborate and
Expand mean detailed explanations. Exemplify means - provides
a typical example of that individual category. Please include up
to date affairs, connections or current affairs.
Implications
/ Consequences / Outcomes / Results:
- Write about the
possible scenario or impact of the event in question.
Contrast
/ Distinguish:
- It means write
differences not similarities. You’ll be able to write
similarities also as differences if asked to match and
distinction.
Significance
/ Importance
- What happens as it
exists or what happen if it doesn't exist.
Justify
/ Advocate:
- Here you've
got to argue in favour of and write favourable comments as far as
reasonably possible.
Illustrate:
- Use examples;
information, data, diagrams and charts to form it clearer.
Some more Tips to stay in Mind
- You
must use applicable headings and jot them down as they are available into your mind.
- Do not
forget to stay a check on time.
- Do not
waste time on questions you aren’t sure about. Start with those you'll answer simply.
- Sometimes it's alright to use
indefinite words. You’ll use words like almost, presumably, probably, etc.
but limited.
- When
it involves answering writing
practice for the UPSC mains, we highly suggest you can join our test series and also offer the
advantage of your answers being reviewed and remedied by a mentor.
Conclusion
- Conclude your
answer with a well-balanced conclusion. You’ll be able balance your
conclusion with a healthy positive opinion. The
opinion doesn't necessarily need to be original but ideally
(and mostly) has got to be a positive one. Never endways a negative
note or tone, you want to be ready to see the bright
side within the clouds. Also, never end the conclusion by motility
another question. If you would like to pose an
issue as a part of your answer, do so within the main
body of the solution only. Also, avoid ending your answer within
the rhetoric and instead attempt to suggest an
answer or a way-forward. This shows a positive bent of mind and a
willingness to seek out solutions - things that any UPSC Aspirant
should possess. We provide you a transparent idea
of the way
to write answers during this UPSC mains
exam. Use the
following pointers for daily answer writing practice for
UPSC. For more such tips you'll visit the Ghaziabad IAS Academy's website. Ghaziabad IAS Academy also offers regular test
series during which the scholars can
enrol to enhance their skills. Students can inspect all the
courses also available
on the website.
We provide help
to students through personal mentors who guide aspirants in their
UPSC preparation keeping everything in line with their strength and
weakness.
