Dear Friends,
I see that a lot of you are attempting questions on the Mains Marathon, various Test Series / Other Platforms.
Before prescribing what is a good answer, I would want you to go through the below links and download copies of candidates who have secured 400+ marks, not only in 2016, but also in 2015 and 2014 Mains Examination.
( 400 marks was an average score in 2016 Mains, but it was a really good score in 2015 Mains and 2014 Mains )
Here are the links
P.S. The copies are all of ForumIAS Members like you, who were once writing answers and submitting them either for the MGP+ or Mains Marathon or on the Discussion Forum, so I am not specifying Ranks of the candidates here.
They have all secured very high marks in GS in their year and have cleared in their first , second and third attempt after working very precisely and scientifically on their answer writing skills to land where they are now – the Indian Administrative Service.
Task for you :
My request to you is to identify what is the nature of structure and content that you find common across all these papers.
What did they do to score 420+ in GS across multiple years?
Since these students have scored well not only in 2016, but also before that, we should be able to discover what is a good answer and “how toppers write answers”.
Once we have some objective criteria, we will move towards a more rational acceptance on how a good answer should be.
I am posting this because I see a lot of answers here, as well as in ForumIAS MGP+ / other Test Series / MM Portal not being able to comprehend the feedback that is provided .
So lets begin.
I hope to see your comments in the comment box. Will check by evening or next day.
Keep writing!
Until Next Time,
Neyawn
Thanks for the article.
Please plan for MGP Phase 2 for Mains 2017 ASAP.
Waiting Eagerly
Will you be able to come up with the observations you are able to make in the above copies?
Haven’t read them all yet. But Brief Intro, Body and Conclusion is similar on skimming.
By going through copies of 2nd and 3rd link, the way person has present his/her answer stating different dimension relevant to question with good conclusion is required to achieve good marks..
Also in 4th 420 marks link it is cleared to write and stress only on relevant and underlining keywords for convenience of paper checker..
Looks like using deep knowledge is not required.. I really do mistake in this, I thought I require to verbatim books and committee reports in answer far from these answer..
I agree. Most papers have REALLY GENERAL answers. With lots of news paper type examples. I read many reports cover to cover – but I think what is needed is a very general and superficial account of things.
It seems mains answer writing also needs focus towards the questions and not towards answer. Brief intro, demand of the question along with its pros and cons with proper justification as conclusion seems working.
My Observation:
1. One or two liner Introduction then compact body and 1-2 liner conclusion
2. Diversity of points in well structured manner as can be seen from Rank 56 answer sheet
3. Underlining important points and Keywords
4. Few diagrams where ever required
5. Very little grammatical mistakes
6. In 420 marks sheet I didn’t find much emphasis on reports or backing up his/her argument with reports or committee
Great observation regarding the not much emphasis on reports or backing up his/her argument with reports or committee
I agree with you and would like to add two points
1.Answers are very crisp and addresses 70% of QUESTION’S DEMAND
2.They have not left any question unanswered,it means their content as well as writing speed is also good
Sir, I found following points common in structure and content-
1. Precise Introduction and Conclusion-generally of one line, even precise definitions if needed.
2. Clear and spaced handwriting-easy to look on and concentrate to read on.
3. Focused side headings and subheadings- elaboration was given much of the time I think.
4. Use of exact key facts and figures-from bill, act,static part, quoting SC judgements+arc etc. were quite common
5. Sticking to the question asked- I think they are directly addressing the question
6. Underlining was done in most of the answers highlighting key aspects.
7. But the most important part was their knowlege and information level and being able to spell out proper expressive words, especially in World History, society, governance part were engrossing.
Hope I got the correct comparison. Please clarify, sir. Thanks.
Few common points I could notice
1. The simplest skeleton of “intro- body – conclusion” is followed in all answers.
2. They are written in points, content structured in various sub headings according to requirements of question – no answer is not monolithic.
3. They cut to the edge without beating around the bush. They use fairly objective terms as concrete points.
4. Use of diagrams and flowcharts at some places to convey more meaning in lesser time.
5. Simple language – no jargons, totally generalist.
6. Wide perspective by way of writing more points.
7. Emphasis on Keywords (data/committees etc).
8. Conclusion in generally longer, having a perspective broader than originally asked, futuristic and optimistic.
Thanks.
I second u brother..
Same like Ur answer brother …
Hi Aki, long time. How have you been ?
Thank you for your kind words but I am yet to improve my knowledge base to be able to compete toppers in answer writing.
I m fine brother ..how r u ?? And what is ur status about this year mains??writing or not??
By God’s grace, I am writing. How was your result.? I am also fine. 🙂
I didn’t give prelim because of my health issues ..but I m preparing right now for 2018.and for ur mains first of all best of luck and second thing I m 101% sure u will make it ..just few things needed is keep calm and work hard because u have that writing skill the need is content formation which will come through revision and more writing so my brother work hard and give me good news ..in January 2018..best of luck brother
And I have some gift for u if u want it than whatssup me on my phone number ..9904944567
Okay brother. I have noted down your number. Will be glad to stay in touch. Will text you ASAP. Eager to get the gift 🙂 thanks for the love
PS : Now you can delete this comment for your privacy reasons.
Data protection bill is in motion don’t worry brother..
Oh I did not know you were ill. I hope you are totally fine now. Please take care of your health.
Thank you so much for your blessings and messages. I will try my best in mains and certainly keep your 2 cents in my mind.
ATB to you too. Study well.
Hello brother,,, I wrote mains two times,, but coz of my casual approach I am out this time but preparing my arrow for 2018. It will be a pleasure if we contribute reciprocally.
monolithic point is good
Structuring, readability, simple language, use of flowcharts to break the monotony, and good use of space.
And an introduction with a definition is a very good start
Simple answers
Thnx neyawn bhai u r always on spot
@Neyawn:disqus @nelink1:2nd question..discuss directive was not answered
link 2 nd 3:mind blogging answers..use of diagrams,flowchart,and different dimension(multiple points),no repetition or beating around bush..a super diversified ans in total
link 4:good answers..i think the writer would hav taken time to frame and structured neatly
on a lighter note in case of all the link 1 2 3 4:tey didnt followed:(do not write anything outside the box..:)(written at the top of answer sheet)
TO add to others’ observations-
– Clear cut division of answer into different parts even when not explicitly required. Making relevant headlines & then start writing.
– Specific but simple definitions (Like Bureaucracy is the skeleton of administration)
– Mentioning explanatory keywords/key phrases could make the answer precise & succinct (Like Linking social audit with Participatory democracy)
Thank you very much @ForumIAS for setting things in perspective!!
I observed the following points..
1. Concise and to-the-point introduction
2. Diverse points and interlinkages between them
3. Underlining important points
4. Short and simple sentences
5. Clear articulation
6. Relevant facts, constitutional provisions, Acts where ever necessary
7. Conclusion providing suggestions and remedies with an optimistic outlook.
8. Above all, an open mind while reading the question so as to provide an apt answer.
I found link 2 and 3 the best among them all.
The points I observed :
1. I often complicate things thinking of a catchy introduction which wastes a lot of time but after going through their papers, I found that intro are mostly one-two liners but perfectly explained which is what is needed considering the paucity of time.
2. Sticking to the question and mentioning the keywords in the most simple manner in a way that even a layman can understand.
3. Using the available space efficiently by writing diverse views on a topic.
4. Flow charts and diagrams wherever needed which helps the answer become self-explanatory.
5. Clear cut division of intro body and conclusion and use of pointers that helps the examiner.
Thanks 🙂
In addition to other observations
1. Single style of approaching questions was adopted by every individual.
2. Use of headings to answer different parts of question without being verbose.
3. Inclusion of social aspect wherever possible.
Link 2 Answers:
– Excellent CONTENT – clear understanding and ability to recall in the exam. (according to me this is the most important)
– Good language and simple expression
– Good Sub-Headings. (This is a challenge…its difficult to organise points into sub-headings in 8 mins in the exam)
Plus:
– Mug up some important Stats – Education,Health etc etc
– Mug up names of some good NGOs and Sucessful Schemes of State Governments (this tactic is common to all topper papers I have seen so far)
– All questions are not answered with equal precision – some questions the content is self-contradictory and without any relation to the question (Lesson: Do at least 10-12 questions really well)
sir, will you upload all the handouts of mains current affairs classes 2017 ?
I was reading AIR 56 answers and i thought… man! she/he explains in such a simple manner and guess who it is! It is @mittalisethi:disqus . Love the way you write ma’am!
@Neyawn:disqus Thank you very much for the post!
Simple laungage.,direct attack on what was asked,label,simple and related introduction in 2 or 3 line , conclusions are very simple and futuristic and solution oriented..
Does anyone else feel that underlining clutters the answer?
[…] Some sample copies of candidates who wrote good answers and have secured ranks 56 , 43 and 87 […]