Good writing skills is the golden step to enhance your chances in the civil service exam. Besides having exceptional knowledge and command over the subject, most candidates fail to express their ideas and knowledge in a simple manner which can be explicitly understood. As the allotment of the marks in the writing section primarily depends on the simple and best answers that are clear and straightforward, candidates must have ample writing practice. Here are some tips to aid you:
1. Appropriate articulation
There should be a proper flow to your answers. The answer should be divided into three connecting ways:
Introduction: This requires enriched content such as definition, facts, and so on. In the general studies section, it should not exceed two lines, as the length may reduce the main body content due to strict word limit guidelines.
Main body: It should depict different dimensions asked in the question. If the answer is related to pros and cons or similar to that, then, it should be explained in the pointers. This will help increase the different dimensions covered, and you will be able to maintain the word limit. Whereas, in answers related to critical analysis, proper paragraphs should be placed under each dimension with justification of it.
Conclusion: It should always depict the crux of the topic written upon.
2. Develop the right perspective
With respect to the Mains exam questions, there are various factors to consider such as approach to the question, word limit, and so on. Sometimes, the question may not be straightforward, thus leading to confusion. As a result, they answer the complete question based on one dimension and fail to analyse the correct perspective. Thus, understanding of the following terms is a must:
Assess and analyse: Try to break the issue or event into components and consider the importance of each.
Compare and contrast: Briefly examine the similarities and differences of the questions.
Describe and discuss: Give a detailed account of the topic and explain the answers with a logical argument.
Examine and evaluate: Consider the weightage of the question before answering.
Illustrate and justify: Use examples from a range of sources to demonstrate your understanding of the subject.
Review: Try to examine how a topic has been studied, and comment on its value of treatment.
3. Place examples
Concrete examples should be placed to justify the point. The examples should be based on some case study, governance, and so on. You must avoid writing examples that are controversial in nature.
4. Enrich the answer
As the questions are quite analytical in nature, the answer should incorporate multiple dimensions. Placing different dimensions requires proper understanding of the question, as well as good active reading skills through which a student may be able to note down relevant points from the article, report and place that at the right time at the right place.
More practice helps in consolidating the information; practise as many topics as possible for the writing section, as it will not only enhance your capability to put the knowledge and ideas in the right direction, but also provide an edge among your peers.
The writer is director, GSSCORE, an institute for civil services.
