Someone asked me, what constitute a good answer. According to | Shubham Kumar: Strategy and Notes for UPSC(CSE)
Someone asked me, what constitute a good answer. According to me any answer should address what is being asked in the question.
The difference in checking between any coaching evaluators and UPSC evaluators is that they don’t focused much on facts, figures, committees, intro, conclusion or whether you have written a particular value addition point or not. Rather they focus more on whether you have addressed the demand of the question or not. Whether it presents a complete picture to the question being asked or not.
After analysing many answers, a good answer should have:
1) Time Management and Space allocation based upon the degree of importance to the different part of the question. Some part of question has more weightage than other parts. Space should be allocated accordingly
2) Presentation and format: the handwriting should be legible and good. Underline, Making Boxes, Flow charts and diagrams enhances this.
3) Context: Hitting the nail directly- answer the question directly and address the demand. Initial one may get the feeling that if one answers the question directly then he/she may not write the entire page. But with practice, one can fill the space at the same time write contextually.
Putting forward valid argument first and then substantiating with facts is very important
4) Coherency: the answer should have the logical flow. Sub heading should be made from the question itself. If the question has been asked about the challenges then after writing all the challenges, the answer should contain some way forward.
Example of Logical flow format is Prospects-Issues/Challenges-Way forward (+-+). Ending should be in optimistic/positive direction. Generally question is asked in a logical flow.
5) Value addition: Now facts/figures/committees/diagrams/flow charts should be added in support of the arguments put forward and shouldn’t replace it.
Finally a good conclusion helps in giving a sense of completion. Apart from broad aspects, it is important to include the language of question in concluding your answer !!
Best Wishes !!
