5 best tips to improve answer writing skills in UPSC IAS main exam - Times of India (2024)

The Union Public Service Commission has a reputation for surprising candidates, not just during the Preliminary examination but also in the Mains examination.

UPSC Mains

is exhaustive in nature with all the papers consisting of descriptive answer-type questions. It doesn't just evaluate your knowledge; it also assesses your analytical and communication abilities.
Writing answers in the

UPSC Mains Examination

requires a meticulously structured and methodical approach to effectively articulate your ideas while showcasing your grasp of the subject matter.
Here are some tips on how to write answers in the

UPSC Mains exam

:
Exam Pattern

Effective writing requires a thorough understanding of the examination. Review the syllabus and scrutinize the exam format to assess your readiness. Carefully read the question and understand what the examiner is actually looking from you.
Structure Your Answer
It is crucial to keep in mind that crafting a well-structured response enhances readability and comprehension. Start your answer with an introduction, mentioning your argument or point in the first paragraph. Subsequently, write the body paragraph that supports your argument with examples and evidence, if possible. Lastly, conclude your response by summarizing the key points you have presented.

Clear & Concise Style
Mains answer writing should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using flowery language and jargon. Carefully proofread your answers before submitting them. This practice will help you catch any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
Be Original
As part of UPSC Mains preparations, you must have read hundreds of editorials and opinion pieces. But try not to repeat the information that you have memorized. Try to put your perspective through your answers to show the examiner that you have a good understanding of the topic and concept.
Substantiate Your Answers
It is important to have an opinion, but effectively conveying it through your writing is an art. In the UPSC IAS Mains examination, simply making assertions won't be beneficial. It is important to substantiate your arguments with evidence drawn from credible sources, such as articles, books, and government reports. Incorporating numerical data and statistics can greatly enhance the quality of your response in the Mains exam.

  1. How do I write in a clear and concise style in UPSC Mains?

    When you write your answers for UPSC Mains, make them easy to understand. Don't use fancy words or complicated terms that the person grading your paper might not get. And always check your answer for mistakes before you turn it in.
  2. How to use evidence to support Mains answer?

    Make sure to back up what you're saying with proof. This proof can come from different places like research papers, official reports, or news stories. And when you use this proof, remember to give credit to where you got it from by citing your sources properly.
  3. How to manage time during the IAS Main exam?

    Managing your time well during the UPSC Mains exam is very important. You must finish each answer within the given time limit. To do this better, practice writing answers with a timer. Also, come up with a plan for answering various kinds of questions.
5 best tips to improve answer writing skills in UPSC IAS main exam - Times of India (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 5516

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.