YOU CAN'T CLEAR UPSC MAINS IF YOU DON'T KNOW THIS
MOST IMPORTANT UPSC MAINS DIRECTIVE KEYWORDS PART-1
1. Define 2. Describe 3. Elaborate 4. Explain 5. Explore 6. Clarify7. Elucidate 8. State
9. Throw light on 10. Identify 11. Demonstrate 12. Substantiate 13. Enumerate 14. Estimate 15. Illustrate 16. Outline 17. Summarise 18. Compare 19. Contrast 20. Analyse 21. Evaluate 22. Differentiate 23. Justify 24. Advocate 25. Review 26. Assess 27. Discuss 28. Examine
29. To what extent 30. Comment 31. Critically Comment 32. Critically Analyze 33. Critically
Discuss 34. Critically Evaluate
1. Define Here, you must outline the precise meaning of the term being referred to. If you don't have a crisp clear and packed definition, then it will be hard for you to score in this question. If the definition is contested then make sure you mention that. Mentioning examples to make it clear to the examiner always helps.
For example, the definition on terrorism, there are many different perspectives. Some say, there is also state sponsored terrorism. Others contest it. Clearly present this in the definition. You need not be an expert. Put it down in your own words.
2. Describe When describing something, you must provide thorough insight into the main
characteristics of the topic in a very objective manner. Eg. When asked to describe a policy. You simply have to list the main issues it tries to address and the salient features. (Ideally doesn't want you to)
3. Elaborate Here, you are required to provide a lot of detail and information on a topic or
argument. Eg. 'Although individuals within a representative democracy possess rights, allowing them to lobby parliamentarians and governments concerning pertinent issues, a collective approach can often exert more powerful pressure on decision makers, as well as consolidating a range of similar ideas and opinions into a cohesive format. Elaborate.(2013) You are expected to discuss, in detail, with examples and arguments on the idea of pressure groups, lobbying in particular.
4. Explain
"Explain' questions expect you to basically clarify a topic. When answering such questions, it helps to imagine you are writing for someone who knows absolutely nothing of the subject. And remember two things. To provide as much detail as possible, and to give definitions for any jargon or key terms when used. Keep in mind any 'what', 'how' and 'why' questions as this will help you to structure a clear and logically coherent response. Coherence extremely important in providing explanatory answers.
5. Explore
Needless to say, your answer must be exploratory and thus it is imperative that you adopt a questioning approach when answering such questions. Because of the exploratory nature of such essays, objectivity is key. That is, you should give an overview of all viewpoints before providing any of your own arguments. A somewhat detached, dispassionate tone can be particularly effective, in contrast to the more assertive, argumentative tone you might adopt for other types of essay question. Just remember that the key objective here is to give a nuanced account of a research topic or argument by examining its composite parts.
6. Clarify/elucidate
This means to provide insight into a subject, and quite literally, provide clarification. For example, this could be done by making an argument or topic more clearly by explaining it in simpler terms. in several of the questions, where the examiners use this directive, they present us with a cause-effect linkage asking us to 'elucidate'. In such cases, we have to basically bring out the linkage more clearly citing evidence and examples. Eg. The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India's own Innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate 'Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society: Elucidate. (2018
7. State/Throw light on
To specify in clear terms the key aspects pertaining to a topic without being overly descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate. Eg. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
(2018-10M)
Approach Start with a line like Gandhi is regarded as the greatest Indian since Gautama Buddha and the greatest man since Jesus Christ. Elaborate on the following writing 1-2 lines and you'll score an 8/10. No need to explain too much and go into the depth too much
1. Truth,
2. Ahimsa believer in peace and harmony,
4. Swaraj - Multidimensional concept spanning political, cultural, economic and technological spheres.
3. Satyagraha,
5. Dharma - Multidimensional concept meaning many things depending upon the situation - obedience to law, morality, being virtuous, etc.
6. Trusteeship Model - Though a failed model but inspired Corporate Social Responsibility. The best companies in the world invest heavily in social projects.
7. Ram Rajya/ Decentralized polity - Democracy is about giving power to the masses. Debates around strengthening the Panchayati Raj system all based on this ideal.
8. Sarvodaya and Antyodaya
9. Campaign against untouchability
10. Campaign for cleanliness - Inspired swatch bharat.
11. Ethical journalism - Gandhi was a journalist at heart. He published 4 newspapers and used it as a medium to generate awareness.
12. Opposition to western materialism, appreciation for sciences and bringing back spiritualism from our past.
8. Identify
Questions that require you to identify something in relation to a topic or argument require you to point out and describe the main ideas in a short and coherent way.
Eg. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (2018-15M) Here, you are expected to identify the particular issue that is asked for in the question i.e., Industrial corridor locations. Sticking to the keyword is of utmost significance.
Demonstrate/substantiate
The key to tackling 'demonstrate' questions is to use several examples, evidence, and logical arguments. Essentially, you are required to show how a particular research topic or argument is valid by using evidence and arguments to support your claim. You have to build a strong case. Similarly substantiate require you to substantiate already proven point and not debating between the various points.Eg. Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata' Substantiate your view. (2018-15M)
10. Enumerate Specifically asking you to provide details in a point-wise format.Eg. Enumerate the provisions of RTI Bill. You are expected to list the provisions. But you should also deal with the analysis aspect of it as to how each provision addresses a particular dimension of transparency/accountability
MOST IMPORTANT UPSC MAINS DIRECTIVE KEYWORDS PART-1!
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