The question descriptors greatly determine what and how much you need to write. Here is the list of common question descriptors used in Lok Sewa Aayog question papers.
- Descriptive (What type) : These types of keywords expect you to describe. You may even list down points in bullets.
- Define: To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed with the definition and different interpretations that may exist.
- Meaning: To provide a clear and precise explanation of the meaning of a term, concept, or idea.
- How to answer: Give the essential characteristics or boundaries of the subject, making its meaning unambiguous. Avoid lengthy descriptions or analysis—just focus on what it is and how it is distinguished from similar ideas.
- Example: If asked to “define inflation,” you would say, “Inflation is the general increase in prices over time, leading to a decline in the purchasing power of money.”
- Elaborate: To give in more detail, provide more information on the topic
- Meaning: To provide more detail or expand on a topic, giving a fuller explanation.
- How to answer: Go beyond a basic explanation by adding more information, discussing nuances, and explaining how different aspects connect. This involves expanding on key points and providing depth to your answer.
- Example: If asked to “elaborate on the causes of inflation in Nepal,” you would not just list the causes, but also explain each in detail—such as how supply-side constraints, rising import costs, or monetary policy decisions contribute to inflation—and discuss their specific effects on the economy.
- Illustrate:
- Meaning: To explain or clarify something by giving specific examples or statistics or case studies or visualizing it.
- How to answer: Provide examples, diagrams, or case studies to demonstrate the point you’re making. This term asks for real-life instances or data to support your explanation.
- Example: If asked to “illustrate the impact of inflation on investment in Nepal,” you would cite specific periods where rising inflation led to lower real returns on investments, causing businesses to hold back on expanding operations. You might use recent inflationary trends to make the case clearer.
- Distinguish: To distinguish is to notice or understand the difference between two things. It stresses that two things are not just different from each other, but that they have recognizable differences which make them unique and of different kinds.
- Meaning: To highlight the differences between two or more things.
- How to answer: Clearly identify the unique characteristics of each item or concept being compared, pointing out how they differ from one another. This may involve comparing definitions, features, or functions.
- Example: If asked to “distinguish between fiscal federalism and economic federalism in Nepal,” you would explain that fiscal federalism deals with the allocation of tax revenue and expenditure responsibilities across different levels of government, while economic federalism broadly covers the autonomy of regional governments in managing their economic policies, including regulation and trade.
- Compare: Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others.
- Meaning: To identify similarities and differences between two or more things.
- How to answer: Focus on both the commonalities and distinctions between the subjects. This requires discussing how they are alike in certain aspects and how they differ in others.
- Example: If asked to “compare the investment climates of Nepal and India,” you would highlight that both countries face challenges related to bureaucratic delays and infrastructure deficiencies, but India has attracted more FDI due to its larger market size and more robust legal frameworks, whereas Nepal struggles with political instability and regulatory inconsistencies.
- Contrast: Similar to compare but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or more phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which are particularly significant.
- Meaning: To highlight the differences between two or more subjects in a clear and direct manner.
- How to answer: Focus exclusively on the distinct characteristics or aspects that set the subjects apart, often emphasizing their opposing qualities.
- Example: If asked to “contrast the public financial management systems of Nepal and a developed country like Sweden,” you would note that Nepal’s system faces challenges such as limited transparency, high levels of corruption, and inefficient revenue collection, while Sweden benefits from a highly transparent system, efficient tax collection, and strong accountability mechanisms. This clear delineation of differences emphasizes how each country’s approach to financial management reflects its broader economic context.
- Highlight: emphasize
- Meaning: To emphasize or draw attention to specific points or aspects of a subject.
- How to answer: Identify and focus on the most important or significant features, issues, or trends, making them stand out in your discussion.
- Example: If asked to “highlight the challenges faced by the Nepalese tourism sector post-COVID,” you would discuss key issues such as reduced international travel, the need for improved health and safety measures, and the importance of diversifying tourism offerings to attract domestic tourists, thereby underscoring the critical areas that need attention for recovery.
- Mention: refer to (something) briefly and without going into detail.
- Meaning: To refer to or briefly indicate a specific point, idea, or subject without going into detail.
- How to answer: Provide a succinct reference to the relevant aspects or topics that are significant to the discussion, often as a way to introduce them for further exploration.
- Example: If asked to “mention the key sectors of the Nepalese economy,” you would list sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, providing a brief indication of their relevance to the overall economic landscape without elaborating on each one.
- Suggest: tell about your idea
- Meaning: To propose or recommend an idea, action, or solution based on reasoning or evidence.
- How to answer: Offer practical recommendations or alternatives, explaining the rationale behind them and how they could address a specific issue or improve a situation.
- Example: If asked to “suggest measures to improve the investment climate in Nepal,” you might propose increasing regulatory transparency, enhancing infrastructure development, and fostering public-private partnerships, explaining how these measures could attract more foreign direct investment and stimulate economic growth.
- List: Provide an itemized series of parts, reasons or qualities, possibly in a table.
- Meaning: To present a series of items or points in a sequential format, typically without extensive explanation.
- How to answer: Provide a straightforward enumeration of relevant topics, ideas, or elements, often using bullet points or numbers for clarity.
- Example: If asked to “list the major economic indicators of the Nepalese economy,” you would provide items such as:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Inflation Rate
- Unemployment Rate
- Balance of Payments
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Levels
- Summarize or outline: Just give the main points, not the details. Just give the main points, not the details.
- Meaning: To present a structured framework or organized list of the main components or steps in a topic.
- How to answer: Lay out the key points or steps in a logical order, often without going into much detail, to provide a clear sense of structure.
- Example: If asked to “outline the structure of Nepal’s fiscal policy,” you would briefly mention:
- Revenue collection (tax and non-tax)
- Public expenditure (capital and current)
- Fiscal deficits and debt management
- Define: To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed with the definition and different interpretations that may exist.
- Explanation (How/Why type) : These types of keywords expect you to describe. You may even list down points in bullets.
- Describe:
- Meaning: To provide a detailed account or depiction of a concept, process, or situation, often including characteristics, qualities, or features.
- How to answer: Explain the subject thoroughly, covering its important aspects, features, and relevant details, often painting a clear picture for the reader.
- Example: If asked to “describe the structure of Nepal’s foreign trade,” you would explain that Nepal’s foreign trade is heavily reliant on imports, particularly from India and China, while its exports primarily consist of agricultural products, handicrafts, and textiles. You might also mention challenges like trade deficits, limited product diversification, and infrastructural bottlenecks in trading routes.
- Explain: Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood.
- Meaning: To clarify or make a topic understandable by detailing how something works, why it happens, or what it involves.
- How to answer: Break down the subject into simpler components, providing reasons, examples, or evidence to clarify the concept, process, or cause.
- Example: If asked to “explain the determinants of economic growth in Nepal,” you would discuss factors like capital investment, labor productivity, infrastructure development, and government policy, and explain how each of these elements contributes to or constrains Nepal’s overall economic growth trajectory.
- Demonstrate: Show how, with examples to illustrate
- Meaning: To show or prove something clearly through evidence, examples, or reasoning.
- How to answer: Use specific examples, data, or step-by-step reasoning to show how something works or to prove a point.
- Example: If asked to “demonstrate the impact of public debt on Nepal’s fiscal policy,” you would use figures showing Nepal’s rising debt-to-GDP ratio, explain how increased debt obligations affect government spending priorities, and provide evidence of how fiscal deficits have led to cuts in capital expenditure or increased reliance on foreign loans.
- Substantiate: provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.; provide examples; or facts if possible
- Meaning: To provide evidence or reasoning that supports or proves a statement or argument.
- How to answer: Use facts, data, examples, or logical reasoning to back up a claim or argument, showing why it is valid or credible.
- Example: If asked to “substantiate the claim that tourism is a key driver of Nepal’s economy,” you would cite statistics such as tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment rates in the sector, and government revenues from tourism-related activities, along with policies aimed at enhancing tourism post-COVID, to prove the importance of the sector.
- Account for: what, and why something happened.
- Meaning: To explain the reasons or causes behind something, often involving justification for a situation or outcome.
- How to answer: Provide a detailed explanation of the factors or circumstances that led to a specific event or result.
- Example: If asked to “account for the persistent trade deficit in Nepal,” you would explain that factors like heavy reliance on imports (especially from India), limited export diversification, weak industrial production, and high import bills for fuel and consumer goods are the primary reasons for the ongoing trade imbalance.
- To what extent: Evokes a similar response to questions containing ‘How far…’. This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your argument. Explore alternative explanations where they exist.
- Meaning: To evaluate the degree or limits of the validity or impact of a statement or concept.
- How to answer: Assess the strength or effectiveness of a claim, argument, or event by considering evidence for both its positive and negative aspects, and then make a balanced judgment about its overall significance or influence.
- Example: If asked “to what extent has globalization benefited Nepal’s economy,” you would discuss both the positive impacts, such as increased foreign investment and access to global markets, and the negative effects, like the vulnerability to global economic shocks and the widening income inequality. You would then conclude by determining whether the overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- Justify: Give reasons to support a statement – it may be a negative statement, so be careful!
- Meaning: To provide reasons or arguments in support of a particular statement, decision, or course of action, explaining why it is valid or reasonable.
- How to answer: Present evidence, facts, or logical reasoning to defend or support the idea or claim in question.
- Example: If asked to “justify the need for increased public investment in infrastructure in Nepal,” you would argue that improved infrastructure is critical for economic growth, facilitating trade, attracting foreign direct investment, and boosting tourism. You would back this up with examples of how infrastructure deficiencies, such as poor road connectivity, have hindered Nepal’s economic development.
- Clarify: make (a statement or situation) less confused and more comprehensible with examples
- Meaning: To make something clearer or easier to understand by providing additional details or simplifying the explanation.
- How to answer: Break down the topic into simpler terms or elaborate on any confusing or complex aspects to remove any ambiguity.
- Example: If asked to “clarify the difference between current account and capital account convertibility in Nepal,” you would explain that current account convertibility allows individuals and companies to freely exchange domestic currency for foreign currency for trade in goods and services, while capital account convertibility refers to the ability to convert currency for investment purposes like foreign direct investment or the purchase of foreign assets. You might add that Nepal has partial current account convertibility but limited capital account convertibility.
- Examine: Take apart its constituents and describe a concept in great detail.
- Meaning: To inspect or investigate something closely, considering all relevant details and aspects, in order to understand or evaluate it thoroughly.
- How to answer: Analyze the topic by exploring its components, causes, effects, or implications, often looking at both strengths and weaknesses or different perspectives.
- Example: If asked to “examine the causes of inflation in Nepal,” you would look into factors such as rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, increased government spending, and currency depreciation. You would analyze how each factor contributes to inflation and evaluate their individual and combined impacts on the economy, considering both short-term and long-term effects.
- Trace: Give a brief description of the logical or chronological stages of the development of a theory, process, a person’s life and so on. Often used in historical questions.
- Meaning: To follow the development or progression of a subject over time, outlining its historical context, evolution, or changes.
- How to answer: Provide a chronological account or a step-by-step description that highlights key events, milestones, or transformations related to the topic.
- Example: If asked to “trace the evolution of the banking sector in Nepal,” you would outline significant events such as the establishment of the Nepal Rastra Bank in 1956, the liberalization of the banking sector in the 1990s, the introduction of private banks, and recent trends in digital banking. You would discuss how each of these developments influenced the sector’s growth, regulatory environment, and the overall economy.
- Describe:
- Opinion (Discussion type) : These types of keywords expect you to describe. You may even list down points in bullets.
- Discuss
- Meaning: To explore a topic in depth, presenting various viewpoints, arguments, and implications related to the subject.
- How to answer: Provide a balanced examination of the topic, considering different perspectives and supporting your discussion with evidence or examples.
- Example: If asked to “discuss the impact of globalization on the Nepalese economy,” you would explore both the positive effects, like increased foreign investment and trade opportunities, and the negative effects, such as potential job losses in local industries, providing a nuanced view of the issue.
- Opinion: a view or judgement formed about something, preferably based on fact or knowledge.
- Meaning: A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on certainty or proof, often reflecting an individual’s perspective on a particular topic or issue.
- How to answer: Clearly state your viewpoint on the subject, providing reasons or justifications for your perspective, while recognizing that it is subjective.
- Example: If asked to give your opinion on “the effectiveness of foreign aid in Nepal,” you might state that, in your view, while foreign aid has played a crucial role in supporting development projects and disaster recovery, it often leads to dependency and may not always align with the actual needs of the population. You would justify your opinion by citing examples of both successful aid projects and instances where aid has not resulted in sustainable development.
- Elucidate:
- Meaning: Elucidate means to explain in detail / to make clear. Present cause-effect correlation. Bring out the connection more clearly by citing evidence and examples
- How to answer: Break down the concept or idea, clarify its meaning, and provide a straightforward explanation. You may need to clarify any complex terms or ideas and offer examples to help the reader understand it fully.
- Example: If asked to “elucidate the causes of trade deficit in Nepal,” you would explain how factors like limited export diversity, high dependence on imports (especially from India), and lack of industrial competitiveness contribute to the persistent trade deficit in Nepal.
- Critically Examine: Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic. You should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as explain the different ways they could be construed.
- Meaning: To analyze a topic in depth, assessing its merits and limitations, and evaluating evidence, arguments, and implications in a balanced manner.
- How to answer: Investigate the subject thoroughly, considering various viewpoints, strengths, weaknesses, and potential biases. Provide a reasoned analysis that highlights both positive and negative aspects, drawing conclusions based on the evaluation.
- Example: If asked to “critically examine the impact of remittances on Nepal’s economy,” you would analyze how remittances contribute to poverty alleviation and household consumption, but also consider potential downsides, such as dependency on foreign income and the impact on labor supply. You might evaluate statistical data showing the percentage of GDP derived from remittances, discuss policy implications, and reflect on whether this reliance promotes sustainable economic growth or creates vulnerabilities in the economy.
- Discuss: Talk or write about (a topic) in detail, taking into account different issues or ideas. Back up by the ideas carefully with evidence to make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Arrive at a conclusion in the final paragraph.
- Meaning: To talk about a topic in detail, exploring various aspects, viewpoints, and implications, often leading to a deeper understanding or exploration of the subject.
- How to answer: Present multiple perspectives on the topic, analyzing different arguments and evidence while encouraging critical thinking about the issue.
- Example: If asked to “discuss the challenges facing the agriculture sector in Nepal,” you would explore issues such as limited access to modern technology, inadequate infrastructure, climate change impacts, and the effects of government policy on farming practices. You might include viewpoints from farmers, policymakers, and economists to provide a well-rounded analysis of the challenges and potential solutions.
- Analyze: Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another. Criticize its sub-parts in detail. You have to be methodical and logical.
- Meaning: To break down a topic into its constituent parts to understand its structure, meaning, and underlying patterns, often examining relationships and implications.
- How to answer: Focus on identifying key components, relationships, and their significance, providing a detailed examination of how these elements interact and contribute to the overall subject.
- Example: If asked to “analyze the current strategic management practices of Nepal Rastra Bank,” you would examine factors such as the effectiveness of its strategic planning process, challenges in implementation, and alignment with overall organizational goals. You might explore issues like the need for better stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and adaptability to changing economic conditions, ultimately assessing how these elements impact the bank’s performance and future direction.
- Assess: Describe a topic’s positive and negative aspects and say how useful or successful it is, or consider its contribution to knowledge, events or processes
- Meaning: To evaluate the significance, quality, or value of something based on specific criteria.
- How to answer: Provide a systematic evaluation of the topic, considering its strengths and weaknesses, and drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.
- Example: If asked to “assess the effectiveness of the corporate governance framework in the Nepalese banking sector,” you would evaluate how well the framework addresses issues such as accountability, transparency, and ethical practices. This might include examining recent reforms, compliance with regulations, and the impact of governance practices on stakeholder trust and bank performance, ultimately determining areas for improvement and recommending enhancements to strengthen the governance framework.
- Comment: Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion, reinforcing your point of view using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have done. Remember not to comment from your side but based on what you have read.
- Meaning: To express an opinion or provide observations about a specific topic or issue.
- How to answer: Offer insights or perspectives that may include agreement, disagreement, or personal interpretations of the subject matter.
- Example: If asked to “comment on the impact of corruption control strategies in Nepal,” you might say: “The effectiveness of corruption control strategies in Nepal remains a significant concern. While there have been efforts to strengthen regulations and increase transparency, issues such as political interference and inadequate enforcement often undermine these initiatives. A more robust approach that includes public participation and accountability mechanisms could enhance the effectiveness of these strategies.”
- Critically Evaluate: Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are true, or to what extent you agree with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your choice
- Meaning: To thoroughly assess a topic by examining its merits and drawbacks, and providing a reasoned judgment based on evidence.
- How to answer: Analyze the subject in detail, considering various perspectives, strengths, weaknesses, and implications. Your evaluation should be balanced, weighing both sides before reaching a conclusion.
- Example: If asked to “critically evaluate the role of the Nepal Rastra Bank in promoting financial stability,” you would analyze its policies, regulatory frameworks, and actions aimed at ensuring a stable financial environment. You might assess the effectiveness of its monetary policy, the challenges posed by inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, and its responses to banking sector crises. In your evaluation, you would highlight successes, such as improved regulatory oversight, as well as shortcomings, like delayed responses to emerging financial issues, ultimately concluding with recommendations for enhancing the bank’s effectiveness in maintaining stability.
- Criticize: Point out a topic’s mistakes or weaknesses as well as its favorable aspects. Give a balanced answer (this will involve some analysis first).Point out a topic’s mistakes or weaknesses as well as its favorable aspects. Give a balanced answer (this will involve some analysis first).
- Meaning: To express disapproval or highlight faults in a subject, often providing a detailed examination of its shortcomings or failures.
- How to answer: Point out specific issues, weaknesses, or problems associated with the topic, supporting your critique with evidence or examples.
- Example: If asked to “criticize the ethical practices in the Nepalese banking sector,” you might point out issues such as a lack of transparency in financial dealings, inadequate measures to prevent fraud, and the prevalence of conflicts of interest. You could provide specific cases or data illustrating these ethical failures and discuss how they undermine public trust and hinder the sector’s overall development. Additionally, you might suggest areas for improvement, such as implementing stricter regulations and promoting a stronger culture of accountability within banks.
- Suggest: Give possible reasons – analyze, interpret and evaluate. (This is also the verb most commonly used to quote another author.)
- Meaning: To propose ideas or recommendations for action or consideration based on reasoning or evidence.
- How to answer: Offer practical solutions or alternatives to address specific issues, explaining the rationale behind your suggestions and how they could improve the situation.
- Example: If asked to “suggest improvements to the internal audit processes at Nepal Rastra Bank,” you might recommend implementing more rigorous auditing standards, increasing the frequency of audits, and enhancing auditor independence. You could argue that these measures would strengthen the overall accountability and transparency of the bank, thereby improving stakeholder confidence. Additionally, suggesting the incorporation of advanced technology for audit tracking and reporting could streamline the process and reduce the potential for human error.
- Review: a formal assessment of something with the intention of instituting change if necessary. Suggest a way forward.
- Meaning: To assess or evaluate something critically, often providing a summary of its strengths and weaknesses, and offering a comprehensive analysis.
- How to answer: Summarize the key aspects of the subject, including its main points, findings, or arguments, while providing an evaluation of its overall effectiveness or quality.
- Example: If asked to “review the strategic plan of Nepal Rastra Bank,” you would summarize the main objectives and initiatives outlined in the plan, such as improving financial inclusion and enhancing risk management practices. You would evaluate how well these objectives align with the bank’s overall mission and the current economic context. Your review could include an analysis of the plan’s feasibility, implementation challenges, and expected outcomes, ultimately offering insights into how effectively the strategic plan addresses the needs of the banking sector and the broader economy.
- Explain critically: present in a way that expresses or involves an analysis of the merits and demerits
- Meaning: To provide a detailed and reasoned analysis of a subject, examining various aspects, implications, and underlying assumptions while considering different perspectives.
- How to answer: Break down the topic into its key components, evaluating their significance and interrelationships. Discuss strengths, weaknesses, and implications, and provide evidence or examples to support your analysis.
- Example: If asked to “explain critically the concept of corporate governance in the Nepalese banking sector,” you would outline its key principles, such as accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. You would critically assess how well these principles are being implemented, identifying challenges such as regulatory inadequacies and cultural factors that may hinder effective governance. Your explanation could include examples of both successful governance practices and notable failures, ultimately leading to a discussion on the broader implications for the banking sector’s stability and trustworthiness.
- Critically Analyze:
- Meaning: To thoroughly examine all aspects of a subject, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses, and assessing its broader implications or underlying assumptions.
- How to answer: Break down the subject into components, assess each in detail, and explore different perspectives. Include evidence and reasoning to support your assessment, while weighing both positive and negative aspects before reaching a conclusion.
- Example: If asked to “critically analyze the issues and challenges of corporate governance in the Nepalese banking sector,” you would first outline the importance of corporate governance in promoting transparency and accountability. Then, you would examine existing challenges, such as weak regulatory enforcement, lack of independent board oversight, and conflicts of interest. Your analysis might include evidence of governance failures, discuss their impact on public trust, and evaluate the effectiveness of reforms aimed at improving governance. Finally, you would conclude with insights on how these challenges affect the overall banking sector’s stability and suggest possible solutions for improvement.
- Argue
- Meaning: To present a case for or against a particular position or viewpoint, supported by evidence and reasoning.
- How to answer: Clearly state your position on the topic and back it up with logical arguments, data, and examples that support your stance.
- Example: If asked to “argue for the importance of sustainable development in Nepal,” you might emphasize its role in ensuring long-term economic growth, protecting natural resources, and addressing social inequalities, using evidence from case studies or policy reports to strengthen your argument.
- Interpret
- Meaning: To explain the significance or meaning of data, texts, or events, providing insights into their implications or relevance.
- How to answer: Analyze the information presented and offer a reasoned explanation of its meaning, context, and possible consequences.
- Example: If asked to “interpret the recent trends in inflation in Nepal,” you would analyze the data on inflation rates, discuss factors contributing to the trends, and explain what these trends mean for the overall economy and consumers.
- Propose
- Meaning: To suggest a plan, idea, or course of action for consideration or implementation based on analysis and reasoning.
- How to answer: Clearly outline your suggestion, providing a rationale that includes the benefits, potential challenges, and implications of the proposed course of action. Support your proposal with evidence or examples to strengthen your case.
- Example: If asked to “propose measures to improve the efficiency of public financial management in Nepal,” you might suggest implementing a more transparent budgeting process, enhancing training for public sector employees, and utilizing technology for better tracking of expenditures. You would explain how these measures could lead to increased accountability, reduced corruption, and improved utilization of public resources.
- Discuss