The School for Competitive Exams

Ajit Abhyankar

NOTE: HOW TO WRITE AN ANSWER

What does the question test?

 Higher abilities: Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation capabilities
of a candidate.
 The capability to understand the subject matter.
 The capability at logical thinking.

Types of Questions:
This note discusses two types of questions. Objective type ( multiple
choice) questions and essay type questions.

Essay Type Questions

There are two forms of essay type of questions. Short notes and long
answers. The basic ingredients for all such answers are the following:

A) Introduction: Placing the question in a context ( historical, political,

social etc. ) This introduction indicates that you have grasped the
essence of the question. This should be brief and to the point. The
length would be about 10% of the entire answer.

B) The main body of the answer : The central question must be

examined in detail. This may have both descriptive or analytical
dimensions, depending upon the question asked. Preferably one
paragraph for each point. This part would constitute 70% of the
answer.

C) The conclusion: This part does three things. It sums up the central
argument. It presents your view in summing up. It also updates the
topic in terms of current relevance.

P.S. You could also start the answer with defining the key words in the
question itself.
In a descriptive type answer avoid giving unnecessary information,
especially such information that is not asked. For example if a question
is on liberalization policy of India do not spend time with Nehru’s
mixed economy model.

Ina analytical answer or quotation type answer the introduction is very

important. The introduction must spell out the thrust of the question
as you have understood it. This will indicate whether you have
understood the question in the first place.

Short Notes

Short notes are usually of 150 to 300 words. Information required is

precise and to the point. Usually short notes are of descriptive nature,
not of analytical nature.

Example:

Q. Nonalignment ( Here the focus is on the concept )

Ans: 1. Place the concept in the specific historical context. Indicate

background / origin in the context of the cold war
( 10% )
2. What is NAM – criterion ( 30 – 35% )
3. Sweeping survey of the concept through summits ( 30 – 35 % )
4. Conclude by updating on the present status – NAM in post cold war
era ( 15% )

Q. Pokhran Test ( here the focus is on the event )

Ans : 1. Place in the context of nuclear capability – mention that this
was the second test ( 10% )
2. Present scientific and other factual details of the test ( 30% )
3. Present the political / security implications and the debate within
and outside the country ( 40% )
4. Conclude with implications and future problems. ( 20% )

Long Answer Questions

These are of two types:

a) Questions which seek analysis of events / situations / processes.
These are straightforward descriptive, analytical questions.

Q) Analyse the events in the Babri Masjid demolition from the point of
view of stability and integrity of the nation.
A) Here the introduction must place the demolition in the context of
stability and integrity. This introduction would mention two things; the
brief historical details of pulling down the Babri Masjid structure; and,
this is to be discussed in the context of stability and integrity of the
nation or the implications to stability and integrity. Subsequent
answer would deal with the problem of religion and the conflict it has
caused, etc. Since the focus is stability and peace the entire answer
should focus on that.

Q) Analyse the events in the Babri Masjid demolition from the point of
view of secularism in our Constitution.
A) In this question the event is the same, but the context has
changed. Therefore the framework in the introduction must be of
secularism and not stability and integrity as in the earlier question.
The subsequent answer must follow the logic of secularism and issues
dealing with it.

b) The second type of long answer questions are those which use
quotations.
Understand the meaning of these terms:

Explain or Elucidate: To make clear or plain with illustrations. This is a

descriptive question requiring more of description than analysis

Comment: Make critical observations and explain. The position taken

by the examiner is usually right and the questioner expects critical
comments and analysis and not total disagreement. You may disagree
a little but must accept the fundamental position given in the
statement.

Discuss: This is an open invitation for debate. Present both sides. You
may take any position.

Example:

Q) ‘Privatisation is necessary for India’s economic revival’

Explain the nature of privatization process and analyse its necessity.
Q) ‘Privatisation is necessary for India’s economic revival’
Comment / Do you agree

Q) ‘Privatisation is necessary for India’s economic revival’

Discuss

Ineach of the above questions the thrust of the answer will change.
The basic information about privatization would remain the same.

In the first answer you are to explain this phenomenon and analyse
how it would be useful. You are expected to write a descriptive and
analytical answer supporting the statement. You are not expected to
disagree with the statement.

In the second question you may be critical upto a limit. You must
agree with the fundamentals of the statement, while disagreeing on
some of the issues.

In the third question you are open to state your stand

Example of an answer giving irrelevant information

Q) Relevance of ‘Panscheel’ in the new world order?

A) This answer should have a brief introduction on the concept of
Panscheel with a mention of its historical context. This should be about
10% of the answer. The answer must then focus on the developments
in the post 1991 era. Answers that give details of the evolution of
Panscheel from 1960 or discuss the criterion in detail are irrelevant.
They would not get any marks.