In UPSC Civil Service Examination as Prelims is a qualifying exam, marks secured in the Main written examination are considered for the merit list. Considering the significance of Main examination answer writing holds the key for success in Civil Service Examination.
To score good marks in the Main Examination the aspirants have to understand the demand of the question and should know the exclusive meaning of the term used in questioning like ‘describe’, ‘critically evaluate’, ‘comment’. Understanding the meaning of words is the first step in producing a good answer.
To help the aspirants understand the questions properly and secure good marks, here we provide you with the list of the terms and what is to be written for that term in the answer.
Mains Answer Writing Terms
Analyse- Analyse an issue by breaking it down into its individual components. Take the time to explore each component thoroughly. After that, weigh the arguments for and against each aspect to gain a balanced perspective.
Assess- Weigh up to what extent something is true. Identify any weaknesses and present alternative viewpoints as well. Finally, share your level of agreement with the original proposition.
Comment upon- Identify the key aspects of a topic and share your perspective on it. Support your viewpoint with well-reasoned arguments. It’s beneficial to reference relevant evidence and incorporate insights from any additional reading you have undertaken.
Compare– Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ will often feature together in an essay question.
Consider- Say what you think and have observed about something. Support your comments using appropriate evidence from external sources, or your own experience. Include any views which are contrary to your own and how they relate to what you originally thought.
Contrast- Similar to compare but with a focus on the dissimilarities between two or more phenomena. You might consider what sets the ideas apart from one another. Point out any differences which are particularly significant.
Critically evaluate- Evaluate the validity of a statement or findings presented in a research study. It’s important to express how much you agree or disagree with these claims. Support your analysis by referencing a diverse array of sources, including those that both support and challenge the argument. Reach a comprehensive conclusion by considering what you determine to be the most significant factors at play. Lastly, explain the rationale behind your decision, highlighting the reasoning that guided your choice.
Define- To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Highlight any problems posed with the definition and different interpretations that may exist. By acknowledging these complexities, we can foster a deeper understanding and engage in more fruitful discussions.
Demonstrate- Show how, by providing examples to illustrate your points.
Describe- Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens.
Discuss- In this exercise, we will engage in a written debate that emphasises the use of reasoning supported by evidence. The objective is to explore both sides of an argument, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages within a given context. As we progress, we will aim to reach a thoughtful conclusion that encapsulates the insights gained from our analysis.
Elaborate- To give in more detail, please provide additional information on the topic.
Evaluate- Please refer to the details provided regarding the concept of ‘critically evaluate’ for further clarification.
Examine- Examine the topic closely to identify the key facts and significant issues at play. This analysis should focus on a critical evaluation, where you articulate why the highlighted facts and issues hold particular importance. Additionally, consider exploring the various perspectives through which these elements can be understood, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Explain- To enhance understanding of a topic, it’s beneficial to provide a thorough explanation of how and why it occurs. Additionally, offering definitions of terms within their specific contexts can greatly aid clarity. Strive for precision in your writing to ensure clear communication. When discussing intricate procedures or sequences of events, a detailed description can help demystify the information. Defining key terms where applicable and supporting your arguments with relevant research will further strengthen your points and enrich the overall discussion.
Explore- Embrace a questioning mindset and explore a diverse range of perspectives. Aim to harmonize differing viewpoints whenever possible by presenting a cohesive and balanced conclusion.
Give an account of- When describing something in detail, focus on providing a comprehensive portrayal of its features and characteristics. It’s important to distinguish this from ‘account for,’ which not only seeks to explain what occurred but also delves into the reasons behind it. A detailed description should enhance understanding by painting a vivid picture, while ‘account for’ aims to clarify context and causation.
Identify- Identify the essential points to focus on and consider the potential implications of these points.
Illustrate- A similar instruction to ‘explain’. it involves a detailed demonstration of a concept or process. It’s beneficial to include specific examples and relevant statistics to enhance your explanation and provide a clearer understanding. This will help to substantiate your points and make the information more impactful.
Interpret- Showcase your comprehension of an issue or topic by discussing specific terminology or insights gained from research findings. In this context, highlight any noteworthy patterns or causal relationships that emerge, and consider their implications. This approach not only deepens your understanding but also encourages critical thinking about the topic at hand.
Justify- Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. Present a balanced argument by considering opinions which are different to your own. Finally, state your conclusion.
Outline- Focus on conveying the key ideas while highlighting the overarching global structures and relationships. Emphasise the connections and interdependencies rather than getting bogged down in intricate details.
Review- Take the time to explore a subject in depth. Focus on providing a critical analysis that goes beyond mere description, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Show how- Outline the stages and contributing factors that lead to a particular outcome in a clear and logical sequence. Support your presentation with relevant evidence.
State- To effectively highlight the key aspects of a topic, it’s important to present them clearly and concisely. Incorporating relevant evidence and examples can further enhance understanding while keeping the descriptions straightforward.
Summarise- Please provide a condensed version that highlights the main facts while omitting unnecessary details. Brief or general examples typically work well for this type of response.
To what extent- Evokes a similar response to questions containing ‘How far…’ , often require a careful evaluation of the evidence to support your argument. It’s helpful to consider and discuss any alternative explanations that may be relevant, as this can provide a more comprehensive perspective on the topic.