In UPSC preparation , you can get matter from
anywhere but how to write answers using that matter is something which requires expertise and practice. These are few insightful instructions of Upendra sir, which I fortunately got to listen during our brief interactions. I have personally found them very useful for both optionals and have added few points myself, based on my recent experience of CSE Mains 2012. Following are the few touch-points, which can be broadly applicable to all, as per current pattern:-
1. Writing practice is key for mains
exam. Preferably practice daily.
2. Questions should be understood
clearly and should be broken into parts if it is a complex one and in one’s own
word about what does it mean as sometimes comprehending the question is itself
a key,
3. Sociology should not overpower the
general understanding of the problem.
4. Every question must be treated as a
problem and you are suppose to solve that particular problem, so it has to be
in a problem –solving mode.
5. Answers must be in a coherent way
and chronologically related.
6. Case studies should be used where they are
required and should be woven in the answer rather than superficially implanting
them merely due to the fact that you know many of them.
7. If you missed some points in the
answer and now recollect them at the conclusion don’t try to justify your
knowledge by again starting a new paragraph after a good conclusion. It
leaves a very negative impact as whole
coherence is lost ,secondly it gives impression that examine e is not arranged,
so avoid it as far a possible.
8. For answer framework, it has 2 options
a) Either you can read whole question
paper and then make mental or pencil framework for all 3 questions which you
are going to answer (there is not much need for 12 marker short notes)
b) Or you can make framework on
question-wise as you proceed, it helps you to get a minute break and rest to
fingers while you deliberate upon it. so ultimately its your choice how you proceed.
9. an important point is that now it seems paper is very deliberately designed to set a trap. this is done by two way. one, by mixing few very tough questions with some to-do questions and that mix can be of seemingly different units. secondly within these questions some questions may appear to be repeated nature which are earlier asked in compulsory part of short notes. so if we pick those questions, then matter and arguments tend to be repetitive which gives a monotonous appearance. so in my view if there is choice between 2 known questions ,we should opt for the one which is not a repetition of short notes.
Hope that these will be of some use to the aspirants preparing for this year or coming times.
