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[Tips] Nine Types of Questions in UPSC Mains Exam: How

to write answers?
Tips2 years Ago43 Comments

For ACIO & Insurance AO

Maths: Fast-track Rajesh VermaReasoning: RS AgrawalEnglish: SP Bakshi


This article was originally written by Sivaharimani on ioforum way back in 2007.
1. 9 types of Questions in Mains Exam

2.

Break the Question in 3 parts

3.

7 steps answer writing

9 types of Questions in Mains Exam


In UPSC Civil service Mains exam, by and large youll face these nine types of descriptive
questions:
Question is instructing
you to

What should you do?

Discuss

Give both the positive and negative points(prelution and conclusion are

Describe

focuss should be only on that particular subject matter(for ex: e-governance

must)
only)(prelution is must but conclusion is your optional)
the answer should be based on answering in detail Why, How, for what, of

Explain

that subject of the question.ie., we have to give all the important points.
(prelution and conclusion are must)

Distinguish

answer should be based on How the suject of question differs from

Differentiate

there should be detailed comparision and distinguishing(as said above) the

Examine

the answer should consist of the how good, what disadvantages, what

otherthings.(only prelution is must)


subject of question with others.(only prelution is must)
impact of the subject of question.

Enumerate

first list out the all the relevant points, then explain one by one.(prelution
and conclusion are must)
Find out what is the correct reason for the subject and explain one by one

Reason

without side heading but highlighting the point with dots or numbers.(only
prelution)

Analyse

try to give your view with future impact and goods and bads.(both prelution
and conclusion are must)

Break the Question in 3 parts


First step is break the question into its configuration parts.
For example, consider this question asked in General Studies (Mains) exam of 2004
Discuss the e-governance in Indian context
Lets start the process of breaking this question.
1. Focus on topic on e-governance (subject of question)
2. How to do in the cotext of india(base of question)
3. What to do dicussing the positive and negative points of view(tool of question)

7 steps answer writing


1. Find out the conclusive theme, when you read the question at first.
2. Write shortly what is meant by e-governance(should be ideal/neutral)
3. Directly go to the discussion neutrally.
4. Try to begin with the positive points
5. Give a negative point only after a positive point. This shows you to the evaluator that you
are on the correct way of the answering the question and understood the question
perfectly.
6. Carefully keep the word limit

7. At the end, give a finishing touch with the positive points. Why because, the evaluator
provide marks only at the end of the answer, if you do so, it will make a good impression
in the minds of the evaluator. Then we will get more and plus marks.
8. Draw a conclusion in accordance with your answer. Do not give your suggestion but give
the existing fact with currant context of India. Worth noting when handling a
question(what you are asked to do)
Tags: UPSC-Tips-Misc

Can you clarify the meaning and approach one should follow while answering the question with
different phrases like Discuss, Critically analyse, Evaluate, Elucidate etc.
-Pratap
Following is Copy paste from Sivaharimanis thread on IO forum
How to Write Answers
The civil services main exam consists of descriptive type of questions. It focusses on
testing the candidate on various levels. The time limit for the essay paper is 3 hrs without
a word limit, but for the optional paper, there are questions with specific word limit like
250 words in optional subjects and 250 words, 150 words and 20 words in general
studies. The candidate then has to prepare himself to answer all types of questions. The
most important thing to be kept in mind is the time constraint. Therefore it becomes
necessary to answer these questions quickly and effectively and in minimum words. One
common doubt that students have is with regard to the style of answering questions,
whether to adopt the paragraph or the point style of answering questions. Though there
is no set rule, it is wise to adopt a style depending on the question asked. If the question
says to discuss, analyse or critically examine, it would be better to answer the question
the paragraph format. On the other hand, if the question asks you to list the advantages
or give reasons for/ against etc., it is better to go in for the point format of answering.
HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ANSWER:
It is just not enough to know all the facts and information but the most important thing
to be kept in mind is to write an answer which has a clear and a logical frame, which

presents information in a clear and concise manner, which does not contain any
irrelevant or piling up of information, which is interesting and able to hold ones
attention. So the next logical step is to know how to write a good answer. The first step is
to prepare the framework where one can list all ideas, thoughts and facts and write them
down. It is important to adopt an answering style which is natural, original and to the
point. Emphasis should be given to the kind of language used, one which is simple and
clear without unnecessary use of nouns and verbs. Use of archaic and fancy words or
language should be avoided at all costs. Care should be taken to avoid grammatical
mistakes which will give a negative opinion however good the answer may be. Last but
not the least, it is very important to have a good and a legible handwriting.
Try to give answers in accordence with the logic of questions.
If a question seems to ask positive answer, then give a positive answer.,
if it seems to be negative approach, carefully approach the question to give a negative
writing.
never try to give a challenging answer to a challenging question ie against
Constitution / govt policy
for ex: Analyse the impact of SEZ , is it creating political charisma?
2.emergency provisions need to be revamped. comment
3.gandhianism, practically ignored concept in the constitution. Critically analyse
4. Critically analyse the indian foreign policy with US
you may feel that these questions are simple and need a wide kowledge. You are right
but the trap of UPSC is there in hyde. for this question we have to give positive or
balanced approach. Giving negative answer is not good. We are not officers or policy
makers to criticise the emergency provision/indian forign policy, but we are just
candidates to go by with the constitution/policy.
Give a continuty to the answer when you sift over to next page.

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