Reading books gives us an unfiltered amount of information, leading to a decent knowledge base. But the answers that are supposed to be written in the Mains Exam are about\u00a0\"what is being asked\"\u00a0<\/i>rather than\u00a0\"what do you know\".\u00a0<\/i>Thus,\u00a0<\/i>the crux of answer writing is having the ability to address the demand of the question. Because at the end of the day, it is our answer that is being judged by the examiner based on its fulfilment of the things asked in a question. A critical thing to be observed here is that 1750\/2025 marks are given based on the answers that we write. Therefore, answer writing is something that we cannot ignore at all.<\/p>\r\n When we visit a good restaurant with the intention of eating good food, our experience is never restricted to specific food only, as the starters, the aroma, and the ambience all have an impact on our appetite. It is only after these that we get the main course, the food we actually want to consume to fill our stomachs. Nevertheless, it doesn\u2019t even end with the main course food item, as we all know, \u2018desserts\u2019 matter a lot. A good ice cream, a good halwa, or a sweet dish will make the meal complete, and we will feel satisfied. Exactly the same analogy goes for an answer, either of\u00a0General Studies<\/u><\/a>\u00a0or the\u00a0Optional subjects<\/u><\/a>. Not just the content, but the manner in which the content is presented and arranged, has an impact on the examiner\u2019s judgement.<\/p>\r\n Before we learn the Art of Answer writing let\u2019s see what a good answer looks like and what its key components are. An answer consists of the following basic components \u2013 Introduction, Body, Conclusion, Flow and Presentation.<\/p>\r\n Let us divide this journey of writing a good answer into milestones.<\/p>\r\n It\u2019s very important to understand the exam, as it will help in writing a better answer and preparing for it.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n In this manner find important themes for each subject. This will help in doing a targeted study of the syllabus. You will not only understand what topics are important, but you will also get an idea of what exactly has to be read under those topics once you analyse the PYQs.<\/p>\r\n The\u00a0<\/strong>process of answer writing starts with understanding the question and its exact demand correctly. The better the question is comprehended; the better answer will be written. For this:<\/p>\r\n In this manner try to understand exactly what the question is demanding from you.<\/p>\r\n Once you read the question, frame a macrostructure of the answer, i.e., decide how your answer will look at the end. It would include how many headings will be there, where will they be placed and how many words are to be written under each heading depending on the marks assigned to that question.<\/p>\r\n Once you understand the question and its structure, start with the introduction.\u00a0<\/strong>It should show the examiner that you have understood the question and its demand. And it should set the context for the question.<\/p>\r\n This is the most important part of an answer. It addresses the actual demand of the question.<\/p>\r\n This\u00a0<\/strong>is the last part after which the examiner would award the marks \u2013 hence it should be given due importance as it\u2019s the last chance to impress the examiner.<\/p>\r\n Once the basic foundation of Answer writing is created, the next most important thing is to add more value to the answer to move ahead in the competition.<\/p>\r\n It is very crucial that the answer should have a good flow. The points should make sense and should be prioritised accordingly.<\/p>\r\n It acts as the icing on the cake and fetches those extra brownie marks to get a good rank, service and cadre.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Here is a step-by-step process to develop one\u2019s answer-writing skills.<\/p>\r\n Take up a topic from the syllabus \u2013 pick up a bunch of questions on that topic from PYQs, NCERTS, and daily practice sessions \u2013 read and prepare the topic \u2013 then solve the questions chosen \u2013 then get it evaluated from your mentor \u2013 do the necessary changes suggested \u2013 re-write the answers incorporating those changes (it is very important to re-write so that you remember the suggestions in the future) \u2013 get it evaluated again \u2013 make any changes suggested \u2013 then revise these answers later to clearly remember what mistakes you made and what suggestions were suggested.<\/p>\r\n In this manner, you will gradually start writing a good answer. Once you understand how to write a good answer, then it\u2019s all about how much practice you do to make it your second nature. Practice is the key once learning is done. Therefore, be patient with the process.<\/p>\r\n Here are certain key points that you need to keep in mind while writing answers:<\/p>\r\n There are certain processes through which the answer writing journey can be smoothened in the examination.<\/p>\r\n Often the aspirants face multiple difficulties while learning the whole process of answer writing. A few are mentioned below along with their solutions to soothe your nerves.<\/p>\r\n The process that we have learnt till now is meant to ace the Mains exam. But before you write the Mains exam keep the following things in mind.\u00a0Short notes\u00a0<\/strong>on each important topic (both factual and analytical notes) should be prepared to make the revision process more effective.\u00a0Practising and brainstorming\u00a0<\/strong>a lot of answers will help in reducing stress during the exam. Try to\u00a0attempt all the questions\u00a0<\/strong>in the exam as even a single mark counts. Lastly, one needs to have\u00a0faith in themselves\u00a0<\/strong>to ace the exam.<\/p>\r\n One needs to keep in mind that Answer writing is ultimately an art. It takes time in its development and hence requires not only patience and perseverance from the aspirants but also the right guidance in this journey. This journey might become overwhelming for some aspirants, but if the process discussed above is judiciously followed one will see rapid progress in the journey to write a good answer.<\/p>\r\nComponents of an Answer<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Understanding the Exam and Its Pattern<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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<\/p>\r\nUnderstanding the Question<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Macrostructure of the Answer<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
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Body<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
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Conclusion of an Answer<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
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Value Addition<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Flow<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Presentation<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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The Process to Improve Presentation:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
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The Process to Learn the Answer Writing Skills\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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The Level-Wise Process to Learn the Skill<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Laws of Answer Writing<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Steps to Make Answer Writing Easier and Faster<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Challenges Faced by an Aspirant and Ways to Overcome Them<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
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Prerequisites for the Mains Exam<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n