Purpose and Scope:

This document encapsulates the proposed guidelines to be followed for answering questions
posted on Bartleby. These guidelines cover the methodology and ground rules to be followed
while answering the questions.

Responsibilities:

1. The contents of this document are the property of Barnes and Noble Education (BNED) and
should by no means be shared with any third party without the consent of authorized
personnel from BNED.
2. All solutions must be authored as per the instructions provided in this document.

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Bartleby Q&A Answering Platform
Bartleby answering platform is a web-based portal where subject matter experts associated with
BNED author Q&A solutions to questions which are posted by users on www.bartleby.com.
Following describes the steps to be performed by an expert in order to access the portal and
author solutions.

1) Go to https://portal.bartleby.com and enter your log in your credentials.

2) Once you login, you see the main page which is called expert’s dashboard. You must verify
that the dashboard displays your name on the top left side of the page. If you see someone
else’s name and not yours then ensure you have logged in with our credentials and if required
report to your manager immediately.

3) After logging for the first time, you must change your password immediately. You will see
‘Change Password’ link on the top right corner of the page. Click on that and change your
password. Once you have changed the password, you will have to log in again with the new
password.

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4) There is ‘View Question’ button at top center of the page. Below that button you will see a
table with list of subjects that you cover and count of questions available in those subjects for
you. If you see any subject missing or an extra subject that should not be part of your profile,
then contact your manager immediately.

5) After verifying your name and list of subjects, you are now ready to view questions and
answer them. For that click on ‘View Question’ button. This will display the first question to
you from one of the subjects that you cover. This will begin ‘Question Review’ session.

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6) Question Review Session – In this session, you can see the whole question posted by the
user. You can also see the primary and secondary subjects, below the Bartleby logo, in which
the question was posted. There are maximum 10 minutes available for you to review the
question and take an appropriate action.

Go through the question and take one of the following actions.

a) Accept the question – If the question is answerable and you decide to answer the question
then click ‘Accept’ button on the right. This will begin the ‘Answering Session’ which is
described in detail in the next step.

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 b) Decline the question – You will decline the question if
i) Question is not answerable and must be rejected back to the student. There will be
various reasons why a question needs to be rejected. This is covered in detail as part
of Decline Workflow later in the document.
ii) Question is answerable but you are not capable of answering the question. In this
case, you will skip the question to the next expert. This is again covered in detail as
part of Decline workflow.
7) Answering Session – Once you decide to answer the question and click ‘Accept’ button,
answering session starts.
Following is the complete description of the answering session.
a) You can see the entire question on the top of the answering page. In case required, you
can go through the question once again.
b) Answering Time Limit – you have maximum 120 minutes to author and submit the entire
solution. However, submit your solution as soon as you have authored it and don’t wait
until last minute. If you don’t submit your solution within 120 minutes, then your session
is dropped, and your work is discarded. Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute to
submit the solution and plan to submit it well before the timer ends in order to avoid
possibility of session getting dropped or submitting incomplete solutions.

c) By default, two blank steps will appear the moment you start the answering session. This
is because, minimum two steps are mandatory in every Q&A solution that you author.
d) Every step is associated with an editable step label. If required, you can edit the step label
by mentioning the step title or heading alongside the step number. You can also remove
the step numbers if you feel your solution don’t need them. However, you cannot keep
the entire step label blank. So, either it will have step numbers, or step heading or both.
As a common practice, you should not remove step numbers unless there is a strong
requirement to do so.

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e) You can start authoring the solution from step 1. You can type the text and insert images
in the same editor box available for each step.

f) Text Formatting – there are basic text formatting functionalities available as part of the
text editor. You can use them as per your requirement.

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g) Insert Images – to insert an image, first make sure you have your image available in one
of the local folders of your computer. Please go through some do’s and don'ts related to
the use of images given later in the document.
h) Mathematical Expressions – to insert any Math expression, first create it in MathType of
Word Equation Editor and then save it in the form of an image in your local folder. Once
it is available in the form of an image, you can insert it as per guidelines covered in
previous point.
i) After creating first two steps, if you need more steps in your solution, then click ‘Add
Step’ button at the bottom of the page, below the last step. This will add a third blank step
and you can create it using the same guidelines mentioned above.

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j) If your solution has three or more steps, then you can see ‘Remove Step’ button available
next to each step. By clicking on it, you can remove/delete that step completely. If you
remove any step using ‘Remove Step’ button, then step numbering in step label fields
will adjust automatically. You must verify it. However, if your steps have step titles
along with numbers then numbering won’t adjust automatically and you will have to do it
manually. Make sure you adjust the step numbering in step label fields.

k) Once your solution is ready with all the steps, you can go through it once to make sure it
is complete and can be posted. To post the solution click ‘Submit’ button on the right side
of the page. Click on ‘Yes’ on the Confirm Answer Submission dialog box.

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 l) You can decline the question while you are answering it if you figure out that you cannot
continue to answer the question. You can click ‘Decline’ and chose appropriate reason
for the decline as discussed later in the Decline workflow. Declines after accepting a
question are tracked by our internal team and any unacceptable occurrences will lead to
the termination of your account.

8) Decline Workflow – On question review session or answering session, you can decline a
question by clicking ‘Decline’ button. You will decline the question in following scenarios.

a) Graded Question – if a question is graded then it must be declined and sent back to the
user. Click on Decline button and a window with a complete list of primary decline

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 reasons will open. On this window, select ‘Graded Question’ category. You will now see
a new window with default and non-editable rejection message that will be sent to the
student. Click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the decline process.

b) Incomplete Question/Missing Information – if a question is not complete, has missing

data and because of which it cannot be answered then it must be declined and sent back
to the user. Click Decline and select ‘Incomplete Question/Missing Information’
category. You will then see a window with default but editable rejection message. You
MUST edit the message by removing “<specify missing info>” phrase and mentioning

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the actual information that is missing. Don’t change rest of the message. Read it
completely after you have edited it. Finally, click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the
decline process.

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c) Wrong Subject – this category is applicable under two scenarios.

i) If the user has posted a question from a subject that is not covered on Bartleby Q&A
then it must be declined and sent back to the user. For example, user might post
Nursing question under Biology or Biochemistry question under Chemistry, questions
in such cases must be declined as we don’t cover Nursing and Biochemistry subjects
on Q&A platform. Click ‘Decline’ and select Wrong Subject category. You will now
see a window for secondary decline reason. Select ‘Subject Does Not Exist’ option.
You will then see a window with default but editable rejection message. You MUST
edit the message by removing “<actual subject>” phrase and mentioning the actual
subject of the question. Don’t change rest of the message. Read it completely after
you have edited it. Finally click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the decline process.

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ii) If the user has posted a question in the wrong subject but the actual subject is covered
on Bartleby Q&A then it must be re-routed to its actual subject queue and NOT sent
back to the student. For example, user might post Chemistry question under Biology
or Physics question under Chemistry, questions in such cases must be re-routed to
their correct subject queues. Click ‘Decline’, select Wrong Subject category and then
select ‘Incorrect Subject (Re-route)’ option. You will see a window with a drop down
that has all the remaining subjects other than the one under which question was
posted. You MUST select the correct subject of the question and finally click
‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the re-route process. Question will automatically be
moved to the subject queue that you selected and will now appear to experts form that
new subject.

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d) Out of Q&A Scope – this category is applicable under three scenarios.

i) Complex Question – if the question is too complex or will require you to work on
paid software (like MATLAB, Jupyter Notebook, etc.) and hence cannot be answered
under the scope of Bartleby Q&A then it must be declined and sent back to student.
Click Decline and select ‘Out of Q&A Scope’ category. You will now see a window
for secondary decline reason. Select ‘Complex Question’ option and on a new
window you will see a default and non-editable rejection message that will be sent to
the student, click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the decline process.

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ii) Subjective/Opinion based or writing based – if the question is subjective and based on
personal opinion or it is writing based question then then it must be declined and sent
back to student. Click Decline and select ‘Out of Q&A Scope’ category. You will
now see a window for secondary decline reason. Select ‘Subjective/ Opinion/
Writing’ option and on a new window you will see a default and non-editable
rejection message that will be sent to the student, click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete
the decline process.

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iii) Support Question – if the question is a support question then it must be declined and
sent back to student. Click Decline and select ‘Out of Q&A Scope’ category. You
will now see a window for secondary decline reason. Select ‘Support Question’
option and on a new window you will see a default and non-editable rejection
message that will be sent to the student, click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the
decline process.

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e) Insufficient Subject Knowledge – if you cannot answer the question because of
insufficient subject knowledge then the question must be skipped and sent to another
expert. In such a case, click ‘Decline’ and select ‘Insufficient Subject Knowledge’
category. On the next window click ‘Confirm Decline’ to complete the skip process. You
won’t get this question again for next 60 minutes.

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Important Instructions for SMEs
1. After logging in to https://portal.bartleby.com/ SME must verify his/her name and
subjects appearing below the ‘View Question’ button. If there is any discrepancy then
SME must report to the floor manager asap.
2. Only use Chrome browser.
3. DON’T use Incognito mode.
4. Sound must be enabled on all the systems.
5. SME must allow notification to be generated by Chrome. For this when SME logs in for
the first time on https://portal.bartelby.com/ chrome will ask for the permission to allow
notifications. SME must click ‘Allow’.
6. Make sure your system does not get locked out or enter in hibernate mode while
answering session is on. To avoid this, one can change the settings where system lock out
never happens.
7. DON’T close the tab or log out while answering session is on. If that is done, then the
session will be dropped after 15 min. and it will be counted as a skip.
8. Keep checking the draft saving message below the Submit button. Your solution drafts
must save automatically after every minute if you are working on the answering session.
If your answering session is idle and you are preparing solution somewhere else, then the
drafts will save after every 10 min. In summary, if drafts did not save for more than 15
min. time then that would mean that your session is no longer active.
9. If any technical issue occurs then TAKE THE SCREENSHOT of the entire desktop
displaying the error message or unexpected behaviour and share with all the details
related to the issue with your floor manager. If the issue is reoccurring then capture a
video through mobile and share that too with other details.

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Bartleby Q&A Answering Guidelines
The main objective of answering a question is to help students understand how to solve the
problem at hand and provide helpful approach to solving similar problems on their own.

• Each solution must have sufficient and relevant explanation with calculation steps.
• The solution must be conceptually correct and error-free.
• Necessary equations, diagrams, graphs and charts must be provided. The symbols and
notations must be mentioned clearly with respect to equations.
• Unnecessary or irrelevant content must be avoided.
• Single step solutions or direct answers without necessary explanation or answers with
missing steps or incomplete solutions will not be accepted.
• No Plagiarism – the solution must be provided in one’s own words and not be copied
from any textbook or external sources.
• Language used in the solution must be meaningful and easy to understand. The content
should be free from typos & grammatical errors.
• Copyright issues: Certain information in the textbooks or external sources may be
protected by copyright. The only content in textbooks that can be copyrighted are the
original concept of the author(s). Universal facts and laws, across all subjects, presented
in the textbooks or the content which has copyrights are not copyrightable and can be
used in your solution. Creative thinking and careful analysis of the textbook content
while answering solution will help avoid copyright issues.
• Hypothetical or fictitious data, names, or situations included in a question may be
creative elements that could be subject to copyright protection. Fortunately, such types of
information are not necessary to express or convey ideas in the solutions. Instead of
copying such data, names or situations, use unique abbreviations. For example, the name
“Joe”, the car company called “Toyota”, and the town “San Francisco” could be replaced
with “Person J”, “Company T” and “City SF”.

1) Explanation or solution for the given question

• Sufficient explanation must be provided in a minimum of two paragraphs each of which

must have a minimum of 2 sentences.
• Intermediate steps and calculations must be provided before the final answer.
• Each step must start with an explanatory sentence and end with a conclusion statement.
• Introductory sentences must outline what will be accomplished within the step. Sentences
must be conversational and direct in tone.
• Break down the solution into multiple steps which have proper logical flow.
• Reference other steps in the solution with proper notation.
• Do not start any sentence with variables, numbers or equations.

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 • Variables should be italicized everywhere – in sentences, equations, tables, diagrams, and
graphs.
• There may be more than one method of solving a question, expert must follow the
method specified in the question. If no method has been specified expert must use the
more commonly followed method.

2) Text in the solution

• Text forms an important part of a solution and it will be present extensively in most of
the solutions.
• Text consists of sentences which should be short, grammatically correct, and easy to
understand. Phrases should not be used in place of sentences.
• Sentences should be conversational and direct in tone. For example, “Add the values” has
a conversational and direct tone, while “One should take the summation of all the values”
is neither conversational nor direct.
• If there are several consecutive sentences, group them into paragraphs, each containing
not more than five sentences.
• Italics, bold text, highlighter, or bullet points should be used to emphasize important
points. Note that regular text should be black in color.
• Do not reiterate information given in the question unless explanation demands it.
• Don’t rewrite the question or parts of the question in the solution.
• Do not use high-flown language and explain in simple words.

3) Mathematical Expressions and Equations

• MathType (A plug-in software) must be used to write equations and mathematical

expressions in the solutions.
• Every equation or mathematical expression in a solution including those within sentences
must be created using MathType to render a consistent look and feel.
• Multiple lines can be clubbed together in a single calculation step (often useful when
simplifying expressions). However, limit the number of lines in a single calculation step
to no more than Five.
• When multiple equations appear one after the other, then make sure that the “=” symbols
are aligned. Use the feature available in MathType to align “=” symbols.

Example:

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• To ensure that MathType equation does not spill into the page margins, the width of the
MathType object should not exceed 6 inches.

Incorrect Format:

Correct Format:

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• MathType need not be used to refer to single variables (examples: a, x, G, etc.) within
sentences.

Example: The weight of the equity is “ WEquity ”. ( WEquity is the Math type expression)
The tax rate is “t”. (t is a text style format)

• Use relevant styles for Text, values, variable, and symbols.

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 • All variables in the equation must be explained when first used in a solution.

Example:

WACC = (WEquity  REquity ) + (WDebt  RDebt  (1 − t ) )

Here,

The weighted average cost of capital is “WACC”.

The weight of the equity is “ WEquity ”.
The cost of equity is “ REquity ”.
The weight of the debt is “ WDebt ”.
The cost of debt is “ RDebt ”.
The tax rate is “t”.

4) Diagrams, graphs, charts, and tables

• All diagrams, graphs or tables included in solutions must be originally authored by the
expert and not scanned, snipped or copied from the textbook or any other source.
• All diagrams, graphs or tables must be created using suitable computer software. Hand-
drawn versions can be used on in case of complex diagrams.
• Diagrams, graphs, tables or charts must be legible, clearly labelled and visually
appealing.
• No step of a solution should start with a diagram, graph, or table. All steps in a solution
must start with a sentence to provide context.
• Do not use unnecessary diagrams or graphs only to embellish the solution.
• Tabulate data wherever necessary.
• If the solution to a problem requires the expert to add labels or highlight portions of a
diagram, graph, or table given in the textbook, then recreate it in the solution.
• When recreating a diagram, graph, or table, the expert should avoid referencing any
copyrighted content from the textbook or other sources. For instance, a diagram in the
book that shows the route between San Francisco and Dallas should be recreated as a
diagram showing the route between points “City S” and “City D”.

5) Different types of questions

i. Theory based questions

• Conceptual introduction in the first step must be followed by adequate explanation.
• The solution must have a minimum of two steps.

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ii. Numerical based questions:

• Conceptual introduction in the first step must be followed by adequate explanation.

• Intermediate calculations must be shown clearly.

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iii. Multiple Choice questions (MCQs)

• MCQs generally have four answers out of which one is the correct answer. MCQs must
be answered by refuting/disproving wrong options and explaining the right option as
concisely as possible.

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iv. Very short answers:

Generally, very short answer type questions have a brief answer. Although, it may be
tempting to be very brief, such questions require sufficient explanation covering the
underlying concepts. Therefore, every solution should have at least two steps. In the first
step, explain the concept supporting the answer. In the second step, provide the actual
answer.

Example:

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v. True or False questions:

Every solution must have at least two steps. Give appropriate explanation of the concept in
the first step. In the second step, state whether it is true or false.

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vi. Fill in the blank type Questions:

Fill in the blank solution should have at least two steps.

• In the first step, explain relevant concepts pertaining to the question.
• In the second step, conclude with a statement - “The blank can be filled with________.”
• To avoid plagiarism issue, do not copy the question as it is in the solution.

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6) Answering Methods

i. Typed
• This solution will have text that is typed and images that are created in a drawing tool.
• You can directly type the text in the text editor or you can first type the whole solution in
Word and then copy paste it to the answering page step by step.
• For mathematical expressions and formulas, use of tools like MathType or Word
Equation Editor is recommended.
• Diagrams/graphs/charts must be made using standard drawing tools.
• Mathematical expressions and diagrams must be saved as images before using them in
the solution.

Example:

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ii. Mixed
• Some solutions involve complex diagrams or very long and complex mathematical
expressions.
• In such solutions, these expressions or diagrams can be hand written/hand drawn.
• However, the text is still typed as per the instruction given in ‘Typed’ answer category.

iii. Handwritten
• Write down the complete solution on a good quality plain un-ruled white blank paper.
Follow the step-by-step structure of Q&A solution and write only on one side of the
paper.
• Capture the images of the handwritten solution using good quality phone camera.
Preferably, capture images using scanner app to remove the background noise and
improve the brightness of the images.
• Save these images in jpg or pdf form in the phone.
• Transfer the image files to a computer and save them in a folder. Now, use Windows
snipping tool to create step by step jpg images. There will be one image for one step.
• Upload these images in whiteboards of tutor.com classroom app and submit your
solution.
• Do’s
o Use good quality, un-ruled, white paper.
o Use legible (clear and readable) handwriting; maintain moderate font size (not too
small and not too large).
o Create each step of moderate size that can be fitted in one image while posting an
answer.
o While capturing images, keep paper on a flat surface.
o Remove the background noise (if any) and use crop feature to remove extra white
spaces.
• Dont’s

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 o Don’t use ruled paper and don’t write on both sides of the paper.
o If possible, avoid cursive handwriting.
o Don’t use blurred images.
o Don’t use large images while posting an answer.
o Avoid too many strikethroughs in the answer.
o Don’t stretch the images after they are copy-pasted to whiteboard of tutor.com.
• Click the URLs below to see some samples of handwritten solutions.
o https://www.bartleby.com/questions-and-answers/gaussian-surface/251fc360-4cde-
4d7d-a199-d79763be62dc
o https://www.bartleby.com/questions-and-answers/if-2-lessxlessl-x2-18-given-the-
function-fx-2x-if-x3-a-what-is-the-domain-of-fx-evaluate-f0-and-f-b-/7e799b8a-
8e5b-42d3-ae76-cf2975571910

7) Q&A Concise Solution Guidelines

• Q&A solution must be concise and should not be too detailed or too wordy with
redundant information.
• Pre-requisites details should be avoided.
• Given information just adds to the length of the solution and can be avoided.
• Explanations and definitions of key words can be avoided.
• A separate step for Formulas and Theorems should be skipped (We can show the formula
directly in the calculation step.)
• In Step by Step calculations, the basic steps (like addition, subtraction etc. or any other
simple operations) should be avoided.
• Repetition of formulae must be avoided.
• Final ‘Answer’ step can be avoided. Try to add final answer in the calculation step it self.
• In theory or discussion questions –
o explanation of concepts must be crisp without any embellishments
o commonly used terms don't have to be explained unless asked in the question.
o explanation of concepts must be to the point

Specific Scenarios – Graded Questions, Multiple/Multi-part

Question

1. Graded Questions
• Sometimes, students may submit graded questions from their test assignments. As per
our honor code, we do not author such questions and decline (Reject) the question by
sending it back to the student.
• There are many ways to identify a graded question. Some examples are given below.
• If there are grade, marks or points mentioned anywhere in the question then we treat it as
a graded question.

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• If question has word ‘test’ or ‘exam’ written then that question is identified as a graded
question.

• If a question has some specific terms like “Examination Institute”, “Div Ched”, “ACS”
etc. then that is a graded question and we do not answer such questions.

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2. Multiple Questions/ Multi-part Question

• Sometimes, student may post multiple questions or a question having multiple sub-
questions/sub-parts in it. In such a scenario following minimum is expected.
• In case of multiple questions, answer the first full question
o UNLESS student asks for a specific question to be answered
o For instance, if the student requests for “Answer #2” then pay attention to the
request and answer the appropriate question.
• In case of a question with multiple sub-parts, answer first three sub-parts
o UNLESS student asks for a specific sub-part
• Start your solution with below message to the student –
“Since you have asked multiple question, we will solve the first question for you. If you
want any specific question to be solved then please specify the question number or post
only that question.” OR
“Since you have posted a question with multiple sub-parts, we will solve first three sub-
parts for you. To get remaining sub-part solved please repost the complete question and
mention the sub-parts to be solved.”.

Subject Specific Guidelines

1. Physics

• While solving questions from a chapter, use concepts discussed in that chapter or in
chapters prior to it.
• Same procedure/method used in the examples of a chapter must be followed for solving
the exercise problems of that chapter.
• Correct representation of the terms in all formulas and equations are very important.
• For problems related to mechanics, always provide the Free Body Diagram first followed
by the equilibrium equations.
• Sign convention must be specified wherever necessary.
• Units of all the quantities must be provided in every step of substitution and
simplification.

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 • The vector quantities must be represented by a variable with bar/arrow symbol above

2. Chemistry

• Explain answers with related equations/reactions whenever necessary.

• All chemical formulae, chemical symbols and units should be written using Mathtype for
Microsoft Equation.
• Use MS Excel to draw graphs/Tables.
• Units need to be mentioned in every step of numerical solutions.
• For cases where units need to be converted, show the conversion rather than putting up
the converted unit directly.
• Significant figures should be considered in every calculation.
• Organic molecular structures:
o Use Che draw/MS Word to draw organic molecular structures.
o Write the name of the compound below every structure.
o Indicate the configuration in organic structures whenever required.
o Relevant explanation must be provided for organic mechanisms.

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3. Mathematics

• For cases where the steps need to be explained, add comments beside the respective steps
of the solution.
• If there are multiple parts in the question, do not repeat the same content in every step.
• Formatting issues should be taken care of.

• Provide diagrams and drawings wherever applicable. For example, in this image, the
figure should have been redrawn for explaining the problem better.

• While drawing a curve, the details of the x-axis, y-axis and the scale should be given.

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4. Biology

For MCQ / True or False:

Incorrect

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CORRECT

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For Analysis / Review

WRONG

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CORRECT

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Numerical:
• Equations and images with proper labelling must be included wherever possible
irrespective of whether the question specifies this. This will help in illustrating the answer
better.
• Images and tables must be drawn using specialized software and/or MS Word. Do not
copy images directly from the textbook or other sources.
• For problems that ask to refer to some other problem’s solution, important points from
the previous solution must be mentioned in the introduction part, so that the answer does
not look incomplete or start off in an abrupt manner.

5. Statistics

• Any ambiguous variables or notations used in the solution must be defined plainly.
• Do not round off intermediate calculations. Only the final answer must be rounded off as
per instructions.
• Do not use any software that are not open source (such as Minitab, SPSS).
• While solving questions in Excel, always use CTRL + tilde to show Excel
calculations/formulae.
• In case of assumptions / hypotheses, always state them distinctly at the beginning of the
solution.
• While solving for test-statistics or p-values, statistical tables and formulae must be used.
Online calculators should not be used except for verifying the solution.
• Illustrate the solutions with statistical tables / charts wherever applicable.
• Comprehensive as well as original solutions are required for theoretical questions. So,
extensive research is expected for such questions.
• For MCQs, reasoning in favour of the correct alternative/s and/or arguments against
incorrect alternative/s must be provided.

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6. Finance

• Any ambiguous variables or notations used in the solution must be defined plainly.
• Do not use approximation formulae unless it is specified in the question.
• Do not round off intermediate calculations. Only the final answer must be rounded off as
per instructions.
• While solving questions in Excel, always use CTRL + tilde to show Excel
calculations/formulae.
• Do not use lengthy and confusing calculations. Standard formulae are always preferable.
• Comprehensive as well as original solutions are required for theoretical questions. So,
extensive research is expected for such questions.
• For MCQs, reasoning in favour of the correct alternative/s and/or arguments against
incorrect alternative/s must be provided.

7. Accounting

• All answers must be reported with their unit of measurement. For example, amount in
dollars, overhead rate in dollars per machine hours.
• Do not round off intermediate calculations. Round off the decimals in the answer as per
the instruction in the question. In absence of instructions, round off the answer to 3
decimal points.
• Always write Journal Entries in a tabular format using Excel. A brief narration of the
transaction must be provided.

• Any negative amount should be either written within round brackets ( ) or with a – ve
sign before it.
• The formulae must be followed by the explanation or workings to derive the answer.
Working should form part of the answer.
• Balance sheets should be prepared in tabular vertical format and the classification must
be based on GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) rules. Please refer to the
sample below.

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8. Economics

• Any ambiguous variables or notations used in the solution must be defined plainly.
• Do not round off intermediate calculations. Only the final answer must be rounded off as
per instructions.
• While solving questions in Excel, always use CTRL + tilde to show Excel
calculations/formulae.
• Comprehensive as well as original solutions are required for theoretical questions. So,
extensive research is expected for such questions.
• For MCQs, reasoning in favour of the correct alternative/s and/or arguments against
incorrect alternative/s must be provided.
• Supplement theory with well-labelled diagrams and graphs wherever possible.

9. Electrical Engineering

• The circuit diagram in the problem, if recreated, should have all the details required.
• Draw diagrams, wherever applicable, for better understanding of the solution.
• The formulae and equations used in the solutions must be same as in the textbook. It is
necessary to mention what the terms in the formula represent.
• For current direction, voltage etc., the sign convention should match those in the
textbook.
• Units in the answers should be same as asked in the question.

10. Civil Engineering

• A solution should be brief and clear enough for the student to understand. It must not be
out of context.
• Solutions should be categorized under different sections: To Determine, Explanation,
Answer, Conclusion.
• The question should be explained properly under the “To Determine” section.
• Under “Explanation”, mention the theory or formula used, or any other pre-requisites.
This section should be precise and to the point.
• Standard codes, tables or values, if used, should be clearly mentioned. Use ASI and
AASHTO codes for solving problems, wherever applicable.

An example is illustrated below.

Insufficient Explanation:

The figure can be assumed to be made up of two members W12 × 40 and W14 × 48.
For W12 × 40; The area A1 = 11.7 in 2 .

Correct Explanation:

Here it should be specified that “using steal tables, the area of W12 × 40 is taken as 11.7 in 2

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• Solutions must include detailed diagrams, graphs or tables, formulae used and unit
conversions (wherever required). Questions must be solved properly in a step-by-step
manner. Equations must be typed carefully in the same font which is used in the text part
of the solution.

• For questions where forces, moments or flow diagrams are required, specify every detail
in a pictorial format. Specify the notations clearly wherever required. The forces as well
as the different points where the forces are acting must be clearly indicated using
directional arrows.
• For design-related problems such as design of sedimentation tanks, beams, footings,
foundations, slabs, water tanks etc., the final diagram must have all the details of various
elements and dimensions associated with that design.

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 • The last step must contain the conclusion where the final answer needs to be mentioned.
For example, if it is SFD/BMD, the diagrams must be represented clearly in the answer.

11. Mechanical Engineering

• If certain assumptions are to be considered while solving a question, clearly indicate them
wherever necessary.
• For material properties related problems (like thermal conductivity, specific heat, young's
modulus etc.), mention the conditions (like temperature, pressure, etc.) at which they
have the specific values.

Example:
Thermal conductivity of aluminium is 240W/mK (wrong notation)
Thermal conductivity of aluminium at 150 degree Celsius is 240 W/mK (correct notation)

• The procedure/method used in the examples of the particular chapter must be followed
for solving the exercise problems (like for drawing SFD, BMD diagrams, resolving
forces, etc.).
• Include diagrams wherever applicable to make the student understand the solution better.
• The formulae and equations must have the same notation as given in the textbook.
Correct representation of the terms is very important.
• For problems related to Mechanics, always provide the Free Body Diagram at first
followed by the equilibrium equations.
• The sign convention must be specified wherever necessary. In general cases, for
representing vector quantities such as velocity, force etc., follow the same sign
convention as used in the textbook.

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 • Units of all the quantities must be provided in every step of substitution and
simplification.
• The vector quantities must be represented by a variable with bar/arrow symbol above it.

12. Computer Science / Computer Engineering:

• Code indentation is a MUST, especially for code written in indentation-sensitive

programming languages (such as Python).
• Include comments in the code wherever feasible.
• Include program execution output image.
• Include a short explanation of the program structure / algorithm / pseudocode.
• For large programs, indentation is very important. It is necessary to use adequate program
comments to demarcate different sub-parts / functions / subroutines.
• While generating images of program execution output or any diagram, look out for typos
and/or presence of cursors and mouse pointers, which might have been captured by
mistake. Also, coloured highlights of auto-spell check / auto grammar check which are
usually displayed by editors such as Microsoft Word ®, should be disabled while
generating the images. If these errors are genuine, then correct them before taking the
screenshot / image capture.
• Use diagrams in case of complex explanations. Words used in diagrams should match
those inside the explanation body.
• In case of multiple diagrams, assign a number to each diagram inside the explanation
body to avoid confusion.
• Do not stretch screenshots / images unnecessarily as that can cause the image to develop
blurred edges.

13. Operations Management

• While generating images of program execution output or any diagram, look out for typos
and/or presence of cursors and mouse pointers, which might have been captured by
mistake. Also, coloured highlights of auto-spell check / auto grammar check which are
usually displayed by editors such as Microsoft Word ® should be disabled while
generating the images. If these errors are genuine, then correct them before taking the
screenshot / image capture.
• Use diagrams in case of complex explanations. Words used in diagrams should match
those inside the explanation body.
• In case of multiple diagrams, assign a number to each diagram inside the explanation
body to avoid confusion.
• Do not stretch screenshots / images unnecessarily as that can cause the image to develop
blurred edges.
• In case of modelling in Microsoft Excel® or any other statistical tool, include images to
show the model formulae/functions.

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