The civil services main test consists of descriptive types of questions. It focuses on testing the seeker in colorful situations. The time limit for the essay paper is 3 hrs without a word limit, but for the voluntary paper, there are questions with specific word limits like 250 words for involuntary subjects and 250 words, 150 words, and 20 words for general studies. The seeker also has to prepare himself to answer all types of questions. Thus it becomes necessary to answer these questions snappily and effectively and in minimal words. I strongly suggest you join the best UPSC coaching for Mains Answer Writing Practice.
One Common Mistrust that scholars have is with regard to the style of answering questions, whether to borrow the paragraph or the point style of answering questions. Though there’s no set rule, it’s wise to borrow a style depending on the question asked. However, assay or critically examine, it would be better to answer the question in paragraph format, If the question says to be bandy. On the other hand, if the question asks you to list the advantages or give reasons for/ against., it’s better to go in for the point format of answering.
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- Write about 15 – 18 words per mark for a 250- mark question paper to be tried in 3 hours i.e. you should be writing about 3750 – 4500 words in three hours. And remember one thing this has to be good quality stuff. UPSC in my experience demands both- volume and quality. The rate is this for a 250 mark question paper “ 1 Mark = 15 – 18 words = 40 seconds”
A. for 10 markers – it is 150 words in 6 min 40 seconds
B. for 12.5 markers it is 190 words in 8 min 40 seconds.
- Come directly to the point which has been asked in the question. Don’t waste time writing an unwanted preface. At the maximum, you may write the preface as follows:
- Question: How to alleviate poverty in India?
- Answer: Poverty can be soothed in India in the following manner and also start writing the answer ahead. Please don’t start defining poverty or quoting the UN on poverty. Please Come directly to that point that which been asked of you.
- Use simple English. Use apt words. No place, space, or time for the exhibition of your skill in the language. The monitor should get to understand your maximum number of points in a minimal number of words and a minimal quantum of time. Use keywords and expressions that one would like to hear. e.g. If I’m describing to you what sugar- style can the answer be complete without keywords like sweet?
- Use indistinct terms whenever you need them. Like probably, huge chance, almost, largely, generally, etc.
- Use data for UPSC Answer Writing if you know it. Don’t use data if you don’t know it. It hardly makes a difference. I scored good marks without important data. Actually, the trick is that you don’t need to make a special focus on data. You’ll remember some data without really riveting on it. Like the donation of husbandry to the GDP of India and so on.
