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Answer Writing Tips for Scoring High in UPSC Main Exam

Excelling in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination goes beyond just having knowledge. It involves the development of unique writing techniques that make your answers stand out from the rest. This could be the game-changer that gives you an upper hand in the examination. This article seeks to equip you with the necessary writing skills for this purpose.

This article will be of immense help to candidates preparing for the IAS Exam .

For more insights on how to crack the UPSC Exams, head to the Essential Strategy Articles for UPSC Exams page now!!

Furthermore, the following links will be of great help to candidates in the upcoming exam:

Overview of Writing Tips

Once candidates pass the prelims, they face the challenge of the mains exam, which requires writing descriptive answers. A majority of the candidates have similar knowledge levels, so what separates the high scorers from the rest in the UPSC mains ? What makes their answers unique? While having a good command of language and knowledge is essential, there's more to it. Given that examiners go through numerous answer sheets daily, your answers need to stand out and be engaging. This can make the examiner enjoy reading your answers and consequently award you higher marks. Let's explore some tips using a sample question from the UPSC exam General Studies Paper I.

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Comprehensive View

Your answers should be comprehensive and cover all aspects related to the question. It's important not to have a narrow perspective on issues. Consider the following question from the Essay Paper.

“Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.”

Begin with an introduction about institutions and leaders. Then, delve into historical examples such as Emperor Ashoka and his propagation of peace and non-violence through various institutions. Provide examples from different eras, and compare and contrast them. Discuss leaders from the freedom movement and their leadership styles and the institutions they founded or were associated with. Conclude your answer with a fitting quote.

Concise & Clear

Ensure that your answers are concise and clear. Avoid unnecessary elaboration just to meet the word limit. Use a crisp and simple language for your answers.

Presentation

Structure your answers with headings and subheadings. Avoid writing long paragraphs as they can be tedious for the examiner. Use bullet points wherever possible.

Use of Keywords

Extract keywords from the question and incorporate them in your answers. Highlight important points.

Incorporation of Facts & Figures

Always back up your answers with relevant facts and figures. This not only shows your understanding of the subject but also helps to substantiate the points in your answers.

Engaging Introduction

The introduction and conclusion of your answer should be engaging. This can make the examiner's reading experience enjoyable and may earn you some extra marks.

Utilization of Diagrams/Charts/Flowcharts

Incorporate diagrams and charts in your answers where necessary.

Connection to Current Affairs

Relating your answers to recent news and events can impress the examiner. Provide a balanced perspective on these issues.

To know how you can Study Current Affairs in 7 Simple Ways , visit the linked article

Making it Interesting

It's important to make your content interesting. This comes with extensive reading and writing practice. Try to generate unique ideas and present the information in a creative manner.

Neatness and Legibility

Good handwriting and neat presentation can help you score better. Strive to develop neat and understandable handwriting. Avoid scratches and ink blotches.

Practice Makes Perfect

Lastly, practice is key! Everything can be achieved with diligent practice. Remember the saying, ‘There is no glory in practice, but without practice, there is no glory.’

For more UPSC- related preparation articles visit the links given in the table below. Candidates can also visit the UPSC Syllabus page to understand the general pattern of the exams

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