"BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO UPSC ANSWER WRITING: WHEN AND HOW TO BEGIN"

 "BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO UPSC ANSWER WRITING: WHEN AND HOW TO BEGIN"

This journey of UPSC CSE preparation especially mains, is a bit like setting off on an exciting road trip. You've got your destination, which is acing the UPSC CSE, but the path to get there might seem a little unclear. Don't worry; this post is trusty GPS for this adventure.

"Answer Writing: The UPSC Art You Can't Afford to Ignore!"

E. M. Forster, the maestro of storytelling, once shared a thought that beautifully resonates with the journey of UPSC Mains preparation: "Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice." In the world of UPSC, your journey begins with a well-documented roadmap – the syllabus, books, and resources, making it all seem straightforward. However, just as Forster suggests, the practice is where the true challenge emerges. The real test lies in the practical application of your knowledge, and in UPSC terms, it's all about how you put pen to paper.

The UPSC Mains is worth a substantial 1750 marks. While papers A and B act as qualifiers, the significance of the next 7 papers, each valued at 250 marks, underscores the vital role of answer writing in your success.

After all, knowing the importance is just the beginning; Answer writing practice for the UPSC Mains can be quite puzzling and overwhelming, especially for those who are just starting their journey. Here are some common questions that UPSC aspirants often ask about answer writing:

When should I start practicing writing answers?

How should I start practicing writing answers?

How often should I write answers?

How many practice questions should I attempt in a day?

How can I be sure I'm writing correctly?

How can I get feedback on my answers to improve?

Remember, every successful UPSC candidate began with these same questions. Let's decode each one of these questions step by step.

WHEN SHOULD I START PRACTICING WRITING ANSWERS?

·       Have adequate understanding of the syllabus and the previous year questions.

·       Start with the fundamentals like NCERTs.

·       Build a strong foundation by referring to various standard resources.

·       Don't make the error of starting to write answers right from the very beginning, without following the above steps.

1.       HOW SHOULD I START PRACTICING WRITING ANSWERS?

·       Understanding the demand of the question is a fundamental step before you begin your answer writing practice.

·       Going through past UPSC Mains questions regularly exposes you to question patterns and types.

·       This practice helps you spot common themes and understand how questions are asked and what the exam demands.

·       Initially one can start with practicing the previous year questions or refer to any questions available online.

 

2.       HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WRITE ANSWERS?

·       Start with one answer per day.

·       Consistency is your best friend. It's like building your endurance for the UPSC race.

·       Quality trumps quantity. Choose questions that align with the theme or subject you're currently studying.

3.       HOW MANY PRACTICE QUESTIONS SHOULD I ATTEMPT IN A DAY?

·       After having practiced questions for some time, dedicate one day a week to a full-length mock test.

·       Evaluate your progress and set new targets for the following week.

·       Imagine preparing for a rigorous sport without a coach. It's possible, but the chances of success are significantly lower.

·        Similarly, mentorship and guidance are the coaches in your UPSC Mains journey who can help in dealing with such seemingly small but unavoidable doubts.

4.       HOW CAN I BE SURE I'M WRITING CORRECTLY AND GET FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE?

·       If you're attending a coaching institute, don't hesitate to ask your teachers there to review and assess your answers.

·       Team up with fellow aspirants for group answer writing sessions.

·       Join study groups or online forums to share your answers and receive feedback.

In the vast world of UPSC exam preparation, having a mentor is like having a guiding light that helps you navigate even in the most challenging times.

When you have the right mentor, your journey becomes easier, more targeted, and less overwhelming.

So, don't hesitate to look for mentorship and guidance; it can make a significant difference in your UPSC Mains preparation.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS:

1.       WORD AND TIME LIMITS: It's essential to be mindful of word limits. Set a timer while practicing questions.

2.       KEY WORDS: Keywords like Enumerate, critically discuss, comment are to be kept in mind while framing the answers.

3.       PRACTICING IN STANDARD FORMAT: UPSC has provided a specimen of the answer booklet. It is advised that aspirants must make use of the same format while practicing.

4.       ANSWER BOOKLETS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES: They demonstrate how successful candidates structure their responses and present their ideas.

5.       IMPORTANCE OF CURRENT AFFAIRS: When you integrate current affairs, you can critically analyze and evaluate various aspects of an issue in depth, showcasing your ability to think beyond textbook knowledge.

Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience. -Hyman Rickover

The above quote gives us the wisdom that good ideas don't just happen on their own; they require diligent practice and unwavering patience to become a reality. It's much like preparing for a cricket match, where success is built over time through consistent practice.

Just as cricketers don't wait until the last moment to refine their skills, UPSC aspirants should kickstart their answer-writing practice early. Building a strong foundation and honing your writing abilities take time, and it's the daily practice that moulds you into a successful aspirant.

 

The "MAINS SUCCESS LAUNCH VEHICLE MSLV Course" from Tathastu ICS is like a trusted tool for conquering the UPSC Mains syllabus. It's custom-made to help you ace the exam. This program covers everything you need to know, and it comes with the guidance of experts to show you the way. It's like having a personal trainer for your UPSC journey.

This course has a clear plan to help you understand and answer questions effectively. It's like having a secret recipe for success. Plus, you'll get to practice with regular tests and receive personalized feedback, just like a pro athlete refining their skills.