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.
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
If you master these principles, you will be far ahead of your competition in any exam or endeavour!!
A not-to-be missed thread!
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Pareto Principle (Focus on the Important):
According to this rule, 80% of your outcomes come from 20% of your efforts.
When studying, focus on key concepts and topics that are likely to yield the most results in your exam. Prioritize your study time for maximum efficiency.
Zeigarnik Effect (Unfinished Business):
Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik found that incomplete tasks stick in our mind more than completed ones.
Break study sessions into parts, leaving some questions unanswered to pique your curiosity and keep you engaged in your study.
13 powerful Latin phrases that can not only add gravitas to your discussions/answers/ essays but also guide you in life.
A thread 🧵
Pls retweet for wider reach
Fiat justitia, ruat caelum
"Let justice be done, though the heavens fall."
This is my favourite and is used to express the belief that justice must be realized regardless of the consequences.
🧵 2/n
Primum non nocere
"First, do no harm."
This is a fundamental ethical principle in medicine and healthcare, underscoring the importance of considering potential harm in decision-making processes.
🧵 3/n
Looking to add depth to your essays and ethics answers?
Starting with John Locke, I will unpack the ideas of leading philosophers, equipping you with impactful quotes and theories to add value to your answers.
Locke, often called the "Father of Liberalism," played a key role in developing political philosophy, epistemology, and education theory.
His ideas on tabula rasa, property rights, separation of powers, Social Contract, character building etc laid the foundations.
Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" rejects patriarchalism, proposing a "tabula rasa" or "blank slate" theory of the mind.
His view that "Government has no other end, but the preservation of property," is foundational to liberal political philosophy.
The New Parliament building houses a Foucault’s pendulum signifying the integration of the idea of India with that of the cosmos!
- Also represents the spirit of scientific inquiry and scientific temper enshrined in Article 51A
Let's understand what it is & how it works:
It's one of the most captivating and insightful demonstrations of Earth's rotation.
Invented by French physicist Léon Foucault in 1851, this simple yet elegant device offers concrete proof that our planet is indeed spinning on its axis. It created a sensation with its 1st demo!
The pendulum's apparent change in direction was clear, tangible proof of Earth's rotation, something that had been known but not concretely demonstrated before.