As it is said that writing is an art and art can not be forced into a single framework. Same is the case with UPSC Mains answer writing. There are some tips that need to be followed but it cannot be said that this is the most perfect way to write the answers.
Here are some “To do list” that need to be followed for writing a good answer | Mains answer writing practice.
- Get Familiar with the syllabus
- Read NCERTs and then go for standard books
- Stay tuned with all sources of current affairs
- Give important emphasis on each subject
- Make short and precise notes
- Go through with the previous year question papers
Now let’s understand, what method should be followed in a good answer.
- The standard format of the answer is “introduction, followed by body, followed by conclusion.”
- Introduction should not be very long, it should be done under 3-4 lines. Introduction gives the glimpse of your answer. It could be definition related to the question, it could be facts and figures related to the question or it could be any relative concept.
- Body is the main part of the answer and here you address the demand of the question.
- Conclusion is the part of your answer where you give closure to your answer. It should be optimistic. It could be way forward, it could be significance, it could be importance etc.
- When you are writing answers, in body parts try to cover multidimensions. Mention at least 5 points and try 3 different perspectives from the PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors) approach while answering.
- One of the most important steps after forming a base knowledge of Mains subjects is enrolling for answer writing practice is very important. Answer writing practice is not only helping the aspirants to understand the exam pattern, but also gives a fair idea of exam pattern and most importantly gives an opportunity to get assessment by the field experts.
- There are two way of practicing answer writing.
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- WRITING at home by using the online platform where you could make your answer reviewed. There are many online platforms like IAS BABA, INSIGHT India, Forum IAS etc. One can take benefit of any platform but there you will get the peer review.
- Enrolling in any Coaching Institute which are providing answer writing programme. EDEN IAS, is one such coaching institute which provides two kind of answer writing programme.
- Beginners Answer Writing Programme: SUGAM
- Advanced Answer Writing Programme: STEPS
Why you should join any institute for answer writing let me elaborate you!!!
A good answer writing programme not only guide you but it can also help you maintain a time-table.
Besides, it will also tell you where you have fared well and where you need to be work more. In any case, having a regular report card, reviews and remarks on your answer writing is always going to help you in all the possible way.
You will get a guide and mentor and then you will also be able to periodically get your answers checked by them. Then, you can also go for peer review where aspirants check each other’s answers.
The bottom line is that you should not keep writing answers solely but get feedback as well.
You will also be able to learn manage time while attempting the Mains examination mean that you know how to allocate the right amount of time to each question so, that you can complete all the questions within 3 hours.
Feedback is a very important part of the learning process and good feedback can help you with course correction in your preparation, and also help you in the evaluation of progress in your daily answer writing practice for UPSC.