Before writing, read the question very carefully. You need to write what is asked; not what you know. Know the Question Descriptors very well. Click here to learn about the Question Descriptors.

1. Presentation

Your answer sheet is the only way of communication between you and the evaluator.

  1. Layout: Organize your answer correctly. An answer may follow the following structure:
    • Introduction: Give a short introduction to the topic in concern. You may write 3-4 sentences about the topic. Give the definition, facts and figures on that topic.
    • Body: The body of the answer depends upon the question descriptors. For instance, if you are asked for description, describe the topic in simpler words.
    • Conclusion: The conclusion of your answer should summarize your overall answer. Juxtapose the concepts and give a forward-looking way forward.
  2. Neatness: Avoid silly mistakes, properly space the words etc.
  3. Handwriting: A good handwriting gives a good impression to the evaluator.
  4. Margins: Keep at least 3” margin on all sides of the answer sheet.
  5. Paragraphs: Don’t change the paragraph because you feel it’s too long to read. Change paragraphs when you put down new ideas, generally contrasting.
  6. Diagrams: A picture is worth a thousand words.
    • Waterfall: to show a process
    • Spider: to show different aspects or dimensions
    • Block diagram: to show different subsystems or parts
    • Tree: to show hierarchy
  7. Examples: Illustrate with examples whenever possible.

2. Language

  1. Spelling: Avoid spelling mistakes as much as possible
  2. Grammar: Use the parts of speech correctly
  3. Flow: Use correct connectives to connect parts of a sentence or two sentences.
  4. Vocabulary: Use right terminologies at right place

3. Boundary and proportion

Know when to stop writing

Make sure you write what is asked and you don’t miss anything that is asked. Include multiple aspects if the question demands it. Make sure the contents of your answers are in right proportions. Show the positive and negative aspects of the topic in right proportion.

4. Authenticity

Support your answers with facts/figures

Use facts and figures so that it is just enough to support your logic; don’t overload your answer with facts or figures. You may use one or more of the following:

  1. Universal Truth
  2. Quotation
  3. Acts / Policies / Rules / Byelaws
  4. Published articles / Reports / Surveys

5. Answer Enrichment

Include multidimensional aspects whenever possible

  1. PESTELG
  2. TIPS
  3. Time-frame: short-term, medium and long-term
  4. SWOT analysis
  5. different stakeholders