Thread by @neuracap

Topper's answer scripts are the best guide for anyone preparing for the exam.

Launching a deep dive into the answer writing style of this year's UPSC Rank 1, Ishita Kishore!

A thread to understand the writing style, observations and learnings from her answers: 🧵

Q: Let us take a seemingly simple question from Indian Society :

"It is not the diversity, but threat to diversity that imperils the unity of the country. Comment".

This is a 10 mark question to be written in 7 minutes.

Introdunction:

"Diversity, Plurality and multidimensional ways of life are the defining aspects of a country like India. "

Learning: Every word counts & should add to your marks. Be specific and write a concise & effective intro which is not just a repitition of the question.

Body:

- A candidate can write how threat to diversity will impact the unity but may miss writing examples.

- But see how she breaks the question into 2 parts, writing when diversity is not a threat and when a threat to diversity is a concern with examples on each point.

Now coming to the Conclusion:

"The need of the hour for a true ‘Vasudhaiv kutumbakam’ is 'unity without uniformity' and 'diversity without fragmentation'."

- It weaves three important phrases (in single quotes) into 1 line thereby making it a strong conclusion

Let's go to another question:

The viceroyalty of Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon was marked by the full display of colonial relation between India and Britain. Elucidate.

- The Intro talks about tensions vs appreciation in colonial relations. Aptly starts the analysis

- Body: She divides answer into 2 & is clearly structured with bullet points.This helps the examiner follow the thought process easily.

- Mentions all possible facts (like years) so that the examiner knows she is well-read.

- Conclusion:- Sums up the qualities of viceroys.

Let's now analyze the writing style, argument construction, use of evidence, conclusion, etc. and the observations we can draw.

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Observation 1: Conciseness & Clarity

Notice the clear and concise language used in all the answers.

- Most answers are in bullet point format
- Language is simple & clear
- A mix of complete sentences and phrases

Observation 2: Value addition to substantiate most points

- Along with the theory, she refers to the real world where it played out.

- Case laws, statistics, examples from news, govt schemes etc are added where ever possible to strengthen the arguments

Observation 3: Diagrams

Draws diagrams wherever logical and possible. Not unnecessarily but where it fits in and helps save words.

Drawing these maps requires immense practice as you are short of time in finishing an answer in 7 to 11 minutes.

#PresentationMatters

Observation 4: Introduction & Conclusion

Her intro and conlusions are very strong- uses concepts/data/future vision/reports/terms in news etc

- Quotes SDGs, Atmanirbhar, Amrit Kaal, Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat etc.

See some sample conclusions 👇

Observation 5: Time Management

- Her handwriting doesn't worsen in any question
- Always completes the whole paper -> Shows not only time management but also a great level of preparation.
- All pages provided for an answer are filled -> Shows content, improvisation, time mgmt

Finally,

It is clear that her success is a result of clarity in thought, effective time management, and a systematic presentation of answers.

But the core is CONTENT -> which comes from consistent hard work, revisions and perseverance.

Hope this thread helps you in your own exam preparation. Feel free to share your thoughts!

For more deep dives, follow me at https://t.co/gQTaerBmHOt.me/samavasar1