UPSC MAINS QUESTION KEYWORDS [EXPLAINED]

UPSC mains question keywords are important for mains examination as drafting as per question demands is very important. Even if we know everything, it will go wrong if not drafted as per question demands. Following are the major question keywords.

How to approach UPSC question keywords (Explained)

1. Discuss
2. Comment & Critically comment
3. Examine  & critically examine
4. Do you agree / Do you think?
5. How far do you agree?
6. Define & explain
7. Illustrate & compare  .. etc are explained in this section

Nb: You can download 11 keywords explanations as pdf at the bottom of this post.

How to approach upsc mains answer writing based on question demands is most requested question. Its necessary to understand question demands to answer effectively. You may feel questions are simple; but marks wont be as expected. Even if you know the answer ;you may fail to full fill question demands.. So we decided to give you a detailed overview to approach MAINS examination.

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1. UPSC mains question keyword: Discuss.

How to approach Discuss type Questions?

This is one of the most common question word in upsc mains examination. Question demands discussion on that topic with decent introduction ;Body and proper conclusion. Essentially it could be a written debate substantiating advantages & disadvantages with evidences and examples.

There should be apprehensions / limitations even if demanded significances or benefits only. There is scope for way forward suggestions if there is demand for challenges explicitly in question.

2. IAS mains question keyword: Comment.

How to approach  a Comment? 

As it suggests you are supposed to comment. It doesn’t requires accurate facts /definitions. just comment on the biased/unbiased statement given in a neutral manner. Dont limit your comments as you comment in facebook. It need a proper transition from beginning to end with a view point of your own.

Nb: If a question seems to ask positive answer, then give a positive answer.
if it seems to be negative approach, carefully approach the question to give a negative writing without challenging ideologies or ideas against Constitution / govt policy.

3. UPSC mains question keyword: Critically comment.

How to approach  Critically Comment? 

This is also a comment but you should be critical. Even if the statement is positive ;You are supposed to mention negatives. Ideally you should cover pros & cons with a middle stand conclusion. Never conclude with a side view. Don’t go much critical to a community or constitutional provisions or government policies.

4. UPSC mains question keyword: Examine.

How to approach Examine ?

How to approach  Critically Examine ?

How to approach if asked to Define? 

This needs pretty more accuracy. Give precise definition or meaning of something. Focus more on exact problem or different interpretations if any. Eg: Define global warming.

7. How to approach if asked like How far do you agree?

This is not a common question word, still its seen in recent papers. In similar ones, you should cover both side arguments with an extra hit for the one you prefer to agree /conclude.

General introduction is recommended with range of agreement / disagreement at conclusion.

8. How to approach if asked like Do you agree / Do you think, Justify ?

This is a common type where your opinion & its justification is expected. Express opinion first with clarity, then an overview followed by justification arguments with clarity. Conclusion inline with opinion is recommended.

9. How to approach if asked to Explain ?

This question may be familiar to all as everywhere we gets this question. Explain why you are late. Explain in detail as possible. You need to explain in simple words with clarity as its understandable to all. You dont need to express your expertise in this topic. Eg: How & why it occurs,What is its relevance in the particular context.You can also use examples if necessary.

10. UPSC mains question keyword: Illustrate

This is somewhat similar to explain but you need to illustrate working of something with suitable diagrams /flow charts/Block diagrams. You can use detailed statistics and examples to substantiate your explanations.

11. UPSC mains question keyword: Compare

You will be normally asked to compare A and B. So you need to point out similarities and differences. It doesnt needs detailed introduction and conclusion . Just compare point by point or in parallel. Eg: compare code of ethics and code of conduct.

Final words

These are general approach for the most repeated question words. Understanding these terms well is enough for a good approach. Note that its not a common rule for all cases. There are exceptions which will be explained in daily writing feedbacks eventually. Join our daily writing series with official review since 2016 with best in class feedbacks .

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