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Answer Write

This document provides definitions and examples for 8 key answer writing keywords that commonly appear in UPSC Mains exam questions: discuss, evaluate/assess/examine, critically examine/assess/evaluate, analyze, explain/elaborate/comment, elucidate, substantiate, and justify. It explains that questions using these keywords vary in the level of analysis, balance of perspectives, and use of examples and data required to comprehensively address the topic or statement presented.

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SURYA jayan
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21 views3 pages

Answer Write

This document provides definitions and examples for 8 key answer writing keywords that commonly appear in UPSC Mains exam questions: discuss, evaluate/assess/examine, critically examine/assess/evaluate, analyze, explain/elaborate/comment, elucidate, substantiate, and justify. It explains that questions using these keywords vary in the level of analysis, balance of perspectives, and use of examples and data required to comprehensively address the topic or statement presented.

Uploaded by

SURYA jayan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ANSWER WRITING KEY WORDS

UPSC
MAINS 2023
ANSWER WRITING
KEY WORDS

NOTES

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ANSWER WRITING KEY WORDS

Answer writing keywords:


1. Discuss: This is the most frequently asked term in the paper, and perhaps the easiest to
understand and write on. It simply means to write whatever one knows about the topic.
Different opinions can be incorporated into this keyword. Depending on the question, an
aspirant can resort to an explanation of the topic, can present pros and cons of the topic etc.
The most important aspect of this keyword is to write as if you are having a discussion with
someone.
For e.g., ‘The RTI Act is not all about citizen empowerment alone, it essentially redefines
the concept of accountability.’ Discuss.
2. Evaluate/Assess/Examine: It essentially means to give a detailed explanation on the topic
given. One should weigh both sides of the argument in these types of questions and present
a balanced view of the topic given. In the conclusion, one should take a positive outlook.
For e.g., Whether the Supreme Court judgement (July 2018) can settle the political;
tussle between the Lt. governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.
3. Critically examine/assess/evaluate: Whenever the term ‘critically’ is used in the question, it
essentially means to weigh both the positive and negative outcomes of a question and
present a balanced view of the topic given. One should be able to support and also
repudiate a statement: it essentially means to have a debate with oneself.
A common mistake made in this type of question is that aspirants generally just give the pros
and not the cons, thus leaving the answer incomplete. It is necessary to present both
viewpoints in these types of questions. It is also necessary to present a fair judgement of the
topic in the conclusion.
For e.g., The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional
inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically
examine.
4. Analyse: This keyword does not differ much from evaluate/assess/examine. Here too, one
must look into different aspects of the topic and conclude by addressing the central idea of
the topic. Generally, one can break the question into its constituent keywords and then
present the views about the question. However, looking into different angles of the topic is
necessary.
For e.g. The North – East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very
long time. Analyse the major reasons for the survival of Armed insurgency in this region.
5. Explain/Elaborate/Comment: This keyword is the easiest to understand and write answers
on. It simply means to properly expand on the topic and the question given. There is no
need to present pros and cons in this type of questions, just one view would suffice.
Generally, these questions are straightforward, with limited to no subparts to the question.
For e.g., From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative
powers of the courts, ‘Principle of federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’
have emerged. Explain.
6. Elucidate: To elucidate is to take a topic that was not clear before and make it clear. In these
types of questions, using data and facts are absolutely necessary. The introduction should
properly define the topic given t=in the question, the body should explain it and the
conclusion should summarise all the points given so that the examiner cannot point out that
you were not able to explain the topic.

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ANSWER WRITING KEY WORDS

For e.g., The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own
innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective Poverty alleviation and women
empowerment programme. Elucidate.
7. Substantiate: Essentially, give data/facts/examples in support of the statement given.
Generally, these questions will be such that one cannot present the counterview of the topic
given. Giving examples is absolutely necessary in this type of questions- generally, it is
mentioned that you should give examples in the question itself.
For e.g., “The growth of cities as I.T. hubs have opened up new avenues of employment,
but has also created new problems.” Substantiate this statement with examples.
8. Justify: This keyword essentially means you have to support the statement given in the
question. In these types of questions, the examiner already has taken a particular stand, and
is mot asking for your view, he is simply asking you to justify the stand that he has already
taken in the question. One does not have to give counterarguments in these questions, jyst
supporting data or examples are enough. In another type of questions, the question will asl
your opinion on a topic, and then ask you to justify your stand.
For e.g., Do you think India will meet 50% of its energy needs from renewable energy by
2030? Justify your answer.

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