Mains Answer Writing

Strategies for Writing Good Answers

 

To excel in answering UPSC questions, candidates must exhibit a profound grasp of pertinent subjects and the capacity to dissect and reconcile conflicting socio-economic aspirations. UPSC seeks concise responses that offer pertinent insights and demonstrate analytical depth. Candidates are expected to present coherent perspectives on diverse issues while maintaining relevance and meaning in their answers. The emphasis lies on furnishing succinct yet substantial responses that encapsulate the essence of the question. Thus, mastering the art of writing good answers entails a blend of understanding, analysis, and clarity, aligning with UPSC's criteria for evaluating candidates' comprehension and articulation skills.

Tips for Writing Good Answers

 

 

Understanding the Question:

• • Prioritize reading and understanding questions within the initial five to ten minutes of the exam.
  • Beware of questions designed to confuse, potentially leading answers off-topic.
  • Pay close attention to directive words and keywords to guide the response.
  • Ensure equal attention is given to all parts of multi-part questions based on their significance.
  • Avoid beating around the bush, sticking to relevant points to leave a positive impression.

Writing Answer According to Directive Words:

• • Tailor the response according to the directive word used in the question.
  • For instance, if the directive word is "Discuss," structure the answer accordingly.

 

Terminology	Meaning and Demand of the directives/commands
Discuss	Write two or all aspects of an issue analytically without criticism. Conclude with a brief summary of all sides.
Critically Discuss	Similar to discuss but includes evaluation of pros and cons. Provide both positive and negative aspects systematically.
Explain	Describe the meaning and all aspects of the problem, addressing all 'why' questions. Write without criticism or personal opinion.
Examine	Scrutinize the statement/question, presenting both support and criticism. It requires evaluation based on certain criteria, indicating merits and demerits.
Evaluate	Write pros and cons of the given statement, offering a balanced view.
Critically Evaluate	Evaluate the statement/question and argue for its rejection, yet include positive aspects initially. Conclude with a decisive stance.
Comment	Analytically present different aspects of an issue or problem, including personal opinion.
Critically Comment	Evaluate and comment systematically on various aspects of the issue or problem. Provide a view after thorough evaluation.
Analyse	Provide an in-depth view of the given statement, examining underlying causes and dimensions.
Critically Analyse	Analyze underlying causes and interrelated aspects of the given phenomenon. Offer a detailed evaluation without simply criticizing.
Describe	Simply describe a phenomenon or statement without criticism or analysis, focusing on apparent features.
Elaborate	Expand the given statement/question substantially, providing detailed explanation without criticism.
Elucidate	Expand the statement/question with appropriate examples, without criticism, using diagrams or flow charts if necessary.
Illustrate	Explain with diagrammatic/figurative explanation, including diagrams or flow charts.
Enumerate	List the features or points about the given statement in order.
Distinguish	Write differences between two or more phenomena, distinguishing all aspects.
Compare and Contrast	Briefly present meanings of phenomena, then compare similarities and differences. Conclude by summarizing which aspects are more prominent.
Substantiate	Prove a particular proposition by presenting only positive aspects, convincing the examiner like a lawyer.

 

Answer Structure and Presentation:

• • This section holds paramount importance in the answer writing process.
  • Adapt the writing style based on the question's requirements.
  • Use paragraph format for questions demanding discussion, analysis, or critical examination, while opt for point format for listing advantages, reasons for/against, etc.
  • Include introduction, body, and conclusion in the answers.
  • Provide multiple dimensions rather than delving deeply into a single aspect, as UPSC favors breadth over depth.
  • Present facts and figures in an engaging manner, avoiding a dry essay-like presentation.
  • Incorporate diagrams, subheadings, flowcharts, maps to enrich the answer quality and potentially earn higher marks.
  • Underline relevant points to grab the examiner's attention.
  • Adhere to word limits, as exceeding them may compromise time for other questions.
  • Use simple language and avoid technical jargon.
  • Regular practice in answer writing is essential for mastering these skills.