ipsacharya.in | ANSWER WRITING

Answer writing is an art and one has to master that art to clear civil service examination. As correctly said that Rome was not built in a day. And even if it was built in a day, it might have taken a long time to perfect it. Answer writing takes time and with time and practice, one gradually achieves the perfection.

Few Tips for Answer Writing

The most important part of mains preparation is answer writing. So, one has to devote considerable period of preparation timing for practicing. But it always advisable to start practicing only after you complete the syllabus of that particular GS paper.
Every answer has a structure – Introduction, Body and Conclusion – one need constant practice to internalize this structure while writing answers. At the beginning few model answers of each GS paper can be prepared. It will help the aspirants to build their own writing style as well as few fixed templates of INTRODUCTION and CONCLUSION can be developed for ready reference.
Answers must have a flow, means the first sentence of a paragraph must have a sense of continuity with the last sentence of previous paragraph. Similar style can be followed within a paragraph also.
There is no fixed formula to decide whether to write answer of a particular question in paragraph or in points. Based on the type of question and available time one has to decide whether to write in paragraphs or points. If time is very less even bullet points along with one or two flow chart can fetch few marks. It’s always better to write something rather than leave a question completely, if it’s from the known sources. Only with practice and experience, aspirants will be able to take such timely decisions.
It’s always advisable to use flowcharts, diagrams, schemas, structural outline as much as possible. These will easily help u to fetch one or two marks extra.
In the beginning, do not focus on writing answers in a fixed time. Take your own time – try to inculcate the structure in each & every answers. Once the structure comes naturally in most of the answers, start working on reducing the time.
Finally, writing the mock papers in exactly three hours and their evaluation is a must, to score good marks in mains.

Mains Test Series

Joining a test series for mains is recommended. For General studies VISION IAS Mains Test Series is undoubtedly one of the best since years
One can also get the mains test series free on https://freeupscmaterials.org website.
There are other platforms which evaluate mains answer copies at nominal costs unlike reputed institutes. The catch is, the questions and answers would be provided by you, and the platform would just evaluate them and give you suggestions to improve, one of such platform – https://www.ias.network/.

Answer writing
Ravi Anand AIR#79 CSE-2017

Ravi Anand, AIR 79, UPSC Civil Services 2017, scored highest in the General Studies section. Sharing his suggestions and one lecture video regarding answer writing. As told by Ravi
This was what I had done
There are many other ways to score high
Take only those things which you feel can suit your style

**Marksheet Comparison: Ravi Anand (AIR-79, CSE-2017)**

Structure

Introduction:
- Depended upon the topic of the question
- In maximum 3 sentences
Body
- Address the demand of the question
- Key words should be kept in mind
- Sub-heading can be used
Maps/Diagrams
- This should involve standard maps/diagrams
- It has to be well labelled
- It should be understood by the examiner
Conclusion
- On a positive note
- First 2 sentences can be way forward
- The last two sentences can include schemes, policies etc.

Answer = Facts + Analysis

Art & Culture

Introduction: Can be definitional or some contextual background
Body: The demand of the question
Map: Map of India highlighting the region where the asked art form exists
Diagram: Eg. Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, IVC Script on seal, Temple styles etc.
Conclusion: Whether any recent initiatives by the Ministry of Culture or any institution is taking place; or it can be the contribution of the art form in Indian culture

Modern India & World History

Introduction: Try to associate the introduction with the major currents of the time like 1^st WW, NCM, CDM etc. i.e. some context should be provided as why the question has been asked
Body: Address the demand of the question directly
Map/Diagram: Region where the event asked had taken
Conclusion: The future impact of the event in shaping Indian freedom struggle etc.
For World History questions, map of the region can be drawn.

Society

Introduction: “Dynamic” i.e. Why the issue has been in news; or, give some finding of any report w.r.t. the issue asked
Body: Address the demand; focus on the meaning of the terms given in the question e.g. core vs periphery etc.
Map/Diagram: Life cycle approach can be shown through flowchart; or, map of India can be drawn to locate the regions where a particular issue has occurred e.g. Dalit atrocities in Una, Bhima Koregaon etc.
Conclusion: Any specific body, policies, schemes etc. meant to address such issues can be cited.

Geography

Introduction: For physical geography questions, names of theories can be given. For human geography questions, a general trend on the distribution, pattern etc. can be provided. Sometimes, reports can be cited
Body: Write what was given in the theory, i.e. for physical geography, core concepts should be written. For human geography, any recent socio- political developments can be written to meet the demands of the question
Diagram: At least 1 for 10 markers and at least 2 for 15 markers; Map of India and world can be practiced
Shading: Three shades should be used
Conclusion: Any recent Agreement, policies etc. can be cited. Eg. In every question related to climatology, global warming and the Paris Agreement can be cited

Polity

Introduction: Articles, CAAs, SC Judgements, names of important cases with the year etc. can be used
Body: address the demand but through the language of constitution/law. Eg. using words like federalism, basic features etc. Use of constitutional articles in brackets for constitutional bodies
Maps/Diagrams: Very Less scope
Conclusion: Widely accepted view among the intellectuals; OR substantiated by SC judgement; OR basic feature

Governance

Introduction: Can be dynamic, stats-based or from any report of government
Body: Address the demand. It is important for questions on governance to identify the various stakeholders and the role of the various implementing agencies
Reports and Committee names can be given wherever required

Conclusion: The recent steps taken to tackle the previous governance deficit in given sector can be highlighted. Also, use of SDGs.

IR

Introduction: Dynamic
Body: Meeting the demand of the question. Here, arguments need to be substantiated by facts like India-Nepal Treaty of 1950 etc.
Map of India/world or specific region like the SCS
Conclusion: How our approach with the international partners are in line with our foreign policy. Article 51 can also be cited

Economy

Intro: Two data sets to compare the progress e.g. 1947 vs 1991 or 1991 vs 2008; OR give the relevant figure to substantiate or negate the statement of the question; OR it can be dynamic
Body: Facts + Analysis
Maps/Diagrams: Yes
Conclusion: Schemes, policies of govt. etc .

S&T

Intro: Dynamic; OR definitional
Body: Address the demand
Diagrams: Must be drawn e.g. 3 stage nuclear program, stem cells etc.
Conclusion: What DST has been doing in the relevant field

Internal Security

Intro: Dynamic; OR definitional; OR historical context
Body: Answer what’s been asked directly
Maps: Should be drawn
Conclusion: Any recent initiative of the government

Ethics (Theory)

Intro: Should define the meaning of each term asked in the question in your own words
Body:
- Address the demand of the question.
- Mention personal as well as professional (well known) examples to substantiate.
- It is also important to use the terms given in the syllabus to write the answers. Eg. CoC, CoE, accountability, etc.
Diagrams: in the form of flowcharts
Conclusion: Always present an ethical stance; name of reports can be cited but only to a certain extent

Ethics (Case Studies)

Mention the facts of the case
Identify Stakeholders
Identify ethical dilemmas (if any)
Start addressing the questions:
- In giving solutions, practical/ life scenarios should be considered rather than only the context of the question
- As such, government schemes and policies can be incorporated in your answers. Eg. Aadhaar, DBT, Ambulance service etc.
- It is better to avoid mentioning ARC or any other report, rather present their finding as your own thoughts
Merits and demerits should be given for each choice/option, but they should not be obvious
Also, not all answers demand point format or merit-demerit approach. Some answers can be plainly written in paragraphs