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Mains Answer Writing

Essay & Answer Writing

Useful for: UPSC Civil Services

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Overview

Mains answers must address every part of the question within word limits, using a clear structure and relevant examples.

Key points

10-mark answers: about 150 words; 15-mark answers: about 250 words.
Time: roughly 7–8 minutes per answer.
Introduction defines or gives context in one or two lines.
Body uses short paragraphs or points with subheadings.
Address every part of a multi-part question.
Conclusion offers a balanced way forward.

Practice MCQs

From the perspective of definition and scope, which one of the following statements about Mains Answer Writing is correct?
1. Decode the directive word before writing: discuss, examine, critically analyse and evaluate require different emphasis.
2. Every Mains answer should use the same template regardless of the directive word or question demand.
3. Mains Answer Writing is unrelated to institutions, processes or real-world applications.
4. Mains Answer Writing has no exceptions or limitations in exam analysis.
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Answer: (a) Decode the directive word before writing: discuss, examine, critically analyse and evaluate require different emphasis.. Decode the directive word before writing: discuss, examine, critically analyse and evaluate require different emphasis.
Consider the following statements on Mains Answer Writing, focusing on definition and scope: 1. Decode the directive word before writing: discuss, examine, critically analyse and evaluate require different emphasis. 2. Every Mains answer should use the same template regardless of the directive word or question demand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: (a) 1 only. Statement 1 is correct; Statement 2 is a common misconception.

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Notes and questions are written by Kundali IQ for practice. They are not official papers; always check the latest official notification for the syllabus and pattern.