UPSC CSE Mains Answer Writing Practise (How to Begin)
MASTER THIS ART FIRST
1. Identify the Type of question.
2. Tailor your approach accordingly.
3. Follow the Directive as mentioned in the question.
Descriptive Questions
• Focus: These questions generally ask about facts, figures, and explanations.
• Approach: Provide clear, accurate, and concise information. Include definitions, descriptions, and relevant data.
Example Practice Question: "Describe the primary objectives of the Make in India initiative."
Approach:
1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the Make in India initiative.
2. Main Body: List and explain its primary objectives such as boosting manufacturing, creating job opportunities, promoting sustainable development, etc.
3. Conclusion: Summarise the objectives' potential impact on the Indian economy.
Analytical Questions
Focus: Analysis of a situation, policy, or event.
Approach: Break down the topic into components. Discuss cause and effect, pros and cons, or different perspectives. Provide a reasoned argument.
Example Practice Question: "Analyse the role of social media in shaping public opinion in modern democracies."
Approach:
1. Introduction: State the growing importance of social media.
2. Main Body: Discuss various roles - like information dissemination, platform for public discourse, influence on voting patterns, and potential for misinformation.
3. Conclusion: Conclude with an analysis of its overall impact, balancing both positive and negative aspects.
Problem-Solving Questions
Focus: Focus on finding solutions or suggesting improvements.
Approach: Identify the problem, discuss its implications, and suggest practical, feasible solutions. Include examples where similar solutions have worked.
Example Practice Question: "Suggest measures to improve the nutritional status of children in India."
Approach:
1. Introduction: Highlight the issue of child malnutrition in India.
2. Main Body: Identify reasons for poor nutritional status, then propose solutions like improving food supply chains, enhancing mid-day meal schemes, and promoting nutritional education.
Conclusion: Summarise how these measures can effectively address the roblem.
Critical Evaluation Questions
Focus: Evaluate or critique a policy, idea, or argument.
Approach: Present both sides of the argument. Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses, and provide your judgement supported by evidence.
Example Practice Question: "Critically evaluate the performance of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan-Yojana in financial inclusion."
Approach:
1. Introduction: Introduce the scheme and its objectives.
2. Main Body: Analyse its achievements (like increased bank account openings) and challenges (like dormant accounts).
3. Conclusion: Offer a balanced judgment on its overall effectiveness in financial inclusion
Hypothetical Questions
Focus: These are based on 'what-if' scenarios.
Approach: Use your imagination and logical reasoning. Discuss potential outcomes and implications.
Example Practice Question: "If India moves towards electric vehicles, what would be the potential challenges and benefits?"
Approach:
1. Introduction: Briefly contextualise the shift towards electric vehicles.
2. Main Body: Discuss potential benefits (environmental protection, reduced oil dependency) and challenges (infrastructure development, high costs).
Conclusion: Speculate on the overall impact of this shift on India.
Case Study Based Questions
Focus: Application of knowledge to a specific situation or case. Approach: Analyse the case study, identify key issues, and apply relevant theories or concepts to find solutions.
Example Practice Question: "Using the example of the Smart Cities Mission, discuss the challenges in urban development in India."
Approach:
1. Introduction: Introduce the Smart Cities Mission.
2. Main Body: Use specific examples from the mission to highlight challenges like funding, urban planning, and stakeholder engagement.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how these challenges affect urban development in India.
UPSC DIRECTIVES SIMPLIFIED
1. Analyse: Examine in detail to understand the nature or meaning.
2. Assess: Judge the value, significance, or extent of something.
3. Comment: Give your opinion or reaction to the issue or idea.
4. Compare: Show how things are similar or different.
5. Contrast: Focus on the differences between two or more things.
6. Criticise: Evaluate merits and faults in a reasoned manner.
7. Define: Give the precise meaning of a term or concept.
8. Describe: Provide a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern, or process.
9. Discuss: Offer a balanced review of a topic, including different perspectives.
10. Elaborate: Provide more details or information.
11. Evaluate: Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert, including advantages and disadvantages.
12. Examine : Inspect in detail to determine nature, condition, or significance.
13. Explain: Clarify, interpret, and spell out the material, giving reasons for important features.
14. Illustrate: Use examples or diagrams to show how something works or clarify a concept.
15. Interpret: Explain the meaning or significance of something.
16. Justify: Show or prove why something is reasonable or necessary.
17. Outline: Give the main points or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details.
18. Prove: Demonstrate the truth of something with evidence or argument.
19. Review: Examine and assess something critically.
20. Summarise: Give a brief statement of the main points.
How to master the art of writing well structured answer in UPSC CSE Mains Examination. Practise this simple exercise to begin with your answer writing session. It will help you fetch maximum marks in your mains exams. Best of luck.
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