currents of the time like 1st WW, NCM, CDM etc. i.e. some context should be provided as why the question has been asked.
Answer writing Ravi Anand AIR#79 CSE-2017
Disclaimer • This was what I had done • There are many other ways to score high • Take only those things which you feel can suit your style
Structure 1. Introduction: a) b)
2. Body a) b) c)
Depended upon the topic of the question In maximum 3 sentences Address the demand of the question Key words should be kept in mind Sub-heading can be used
3. Maps/Diagrams a) b) c)
This should involve standard maps/diagrams It has to be well labelled It should be understood by the examiner
4. Conclusion a) b) c)
On a positive note First 2 sentences can be way forward The last two sentences can include schemes, policies etc.
Answer = Facts + Analysis
Art & Culture • Introduction: Can be definitional or some contextual background • Body: The demand of the question • Map: Map of India highlighting the region where the asked art form exists • Diagram: Eg. Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, IVC Script on seal, Temple styles etc. • Conclusion: Whether any recent initiatives by the Ministry of Culture or any institution is taking place; or it can be the contribution of the art form in Indian culture
Modern India & World History • Introduction: Try to associate the introduction with the major currents of the time like 1st WW, NCM, CDM etc. i.e. some context should be provided as why the question has been asked • Body: Address the demand of the question directly • Map/Diagram: Region where the event asked had taken • Conclusion: The future impact of the event in shaping Indian freedom struggle etc. • For World History questions, map of the region can be drawn.
Society • Introduction: “Dynamic” i.e. Why the issue has been in news; or, give some finding of any report w.r.t. the issue asked • Body: Address the demand; focus on the meaning of the terms given in the question e.g. core vs periphery etc. • Map/Diagram: Life cycle approach can be shown through flowchart; or, map of India can be drawn to locate the regions where a particular issue has occurred e.g. Dalit atrocities in Una, Bhima Koregaon etc. • Conclusion: Any specific body, policies, schemes etc. meant to address such issues can be cited.
Geography • Introduction: For physical geography questions, names of theories can be given. For human geography questions, a general trend on the distribution, pattern etc. can be provided. Sometimes, reports can be cited • Body: Write what was given in the theory, i.e. for physical geography, core concepts should be written. For human geography, any recent sociopolitical developments can be written to meet the demands of the question • Diagram: At least 1 for 10 markers and at least 2 for 15 markers; Map of India and world can be practiced • Shading: Three shades should be used • Conclusion: Any recent Agreement, policies etc. can be cited. Eg. In every question related to climatology, global warming and the Paris Agreement can be cited
Polity • Introduction: Articles, CAAs, SC Judgements, names of important cases with the year etc. can be used • Body: address the demand but through the language of constitution/law. Eg. using words like federalism, basic features etc. Use of constitutional articles in brackets for constitutional bodies • Maps/Diagrams: Very Less scope • Conclusion: Widely accepted view among the intellectuals; OR substantiated by SC judgement; OR basic feature
Governance • Introduction: Can be dynamic, stats-based or from any report of government • Body: Address the demand. It is important for questions on governance to identify the various stakeholders and the role of the various implementing agencies • Reports and Committee names can be given wherever required • Conclusion: The recent steps taken to tackle the previous governance deficit in given sector can be highlighted. Also, use of SDGs.
IR • Introduction: Dynamic • Body: Meeting the demand of the question. Here, arguments need to be substantiated by facts like India-Nepal Treaty of 1950 etc. • Map of India/world or specific region like the SCS • Conclusion: How our approach with the international partners are in line with our foreign policy. Article 51 can also be cited
Economy • Intro: Two data sets to compare the progress e.g. 1947 vs 1991 or 1991 vs 2008; OR give the relevant figure to substantiate or negate the statement of the question; OR it can be dynamic • Body: Facts + Analysis • Maps/Diagrams: Yes • Conclusion: Schemes, policies of govt. etc .
S&T • Intro: Dynamic; OR definitional • Body: Address the demand • Diagrams: Must be drawn e.g. 3 stage nuclear program, stem cells etc. • Conclusion: What DST has been doing in the relevant field
Internal Security • Intro: Dynamic; OR definitional; OR historical context • Body: Answer what’s been asked directly • Maps: Should be drawn • Conclusion: Any recent initiative of the government
Ethics (Theory) • Intro: Should define the meaning of each term asked in the question in your own words • Body:
• Address the demand of the question. • Mention personal as well as professional (well known) examples to substantiate. • It is also important to use the terms given in the syllabus to write the answers. Eg. CoC, CoE, accountability, etc.
• Diagrams: in the form of flowcharts • Conclusion: Always present an ethical stance; name of reports can be cited but only to a certain extent
Ethics (Case Studies) • • • •
Mention the facts of the case Identify Stakeholders Identify ethical dilemmas (if any) Start addressing the questions:
• In giving solutions, practical/ life scenarios should be considered rather than only the context of the question • As such, government schemes and policies can be incorporated in your answers. Eg. Aadhaar, DBT, Ambulance service etc. • It is better to avoid mentioning ARC or any other report, rather present their finding as your own thoughts
• Merits and demerits should be given for each choice/option, but they should not be obvious • Also, not all answers demand point format or merit-demerit approach. Some answers can be plainly written in paragraphs
Thank You!
