[Insights Secure – 2018] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 12 March 2018
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How to Self-evaluate your answer?
LIST of TOPICS (Static)
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times; Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
1) Examine the role played by the British in rediscovering India’s history. (250 Words)
Why this question?
Important question similar to few asked by UPSC previously in Mains. This question is based on combination of two topics from the syllabus – which is again a trend in previous UPSC papers.
Key demand of the question:
Direct question. Examine what role important Britishers played in rediscovering India’s past – mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Directive Word:
Examine– Just examine relevant information, neatly arrange and present in your answer.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write 1-2 line stating that while they plundered, the British also helped discover and to an extent preserve India’s history.
In the body, divide answer either temporally (based on timeline), spatially or personalities-wise(important discoverers) . Under each sub-heading, write 2-3 points with examples.
In the conclusion, how re-discovering history and preserving is a continuous job and lessons (if any) present generations should learn from these Britishers.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times;
Why this question?
It’s in our topic list.
Key demand of the question:
This question combines tow topics from the list. These types of questions test your conceptual clarity of two different topics and ability to compare them. UPSC has asked similar questions previously.
Directive Word:
Compare and contrast– you should identify both similarities and dissimilarities between two types of architecture.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write how both styles, though rock-cut, are influenced by different traditions and reflect the same.
In the body, write comparisons and contrasts in a table format. You should identify 5-6 broad features such as rock type, form, style, influence, themes etc. Don’t write about who built and all (not required)
In the conclusion just write a line about grandeur of these temples and need for preservation. Or write any related conclusion.
TIP: In these types of question, don’t scratch head over good introductions and conclusions. Write 1-2 topic related line and focus more on body.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources.
Why this question?
It’s in news thanks to exams season. This issue is important from education reforms point of view.
Key demand of the question:
Discuss how government can ensure quality in eduction by bring robust and transparent admission system in higher education. You should focus on criticising existing system and highlighting merits of one entrance system or transparent admission system in higher education.
Directive Word:
Discuss: Examine various dimensions of this issue and discuss them.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 2-3 lines importance of providing quality higher education and significance of measures such as transparent and streamlined admission process in this regard.
In the body, divide answer into 4-5 dimensions: admission system, application process, interview process, etc. For each dimension, give example.
In the conclusion, write in 1-2 lines about the need for other reforms such as curriculum, teacher training, funding etc make education system robust in the interest of harnessing demographic dividend.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Energy; Food security
Why this question?
Very important concept that combines two topics in the syllabus. Important for Mains.
Key demand of the question:
First, discuss types of bioenergy and progress made in its use. Second, how bioenergy is posing challenges to food security.
Directive Word:
Discuss: question itself has two dimensions, in addition briefly discuss other dimensions such as suggestions etc.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write 2-3 lines about the paradox of having hunger on one side and need for finding cleaner fuels to mitigate climate change.
Define bioenergy.
In the body, there should be TWO mains part: one to discuss progress made in bioenergy – types, their magnitude etc. In the Second part, write about challenges posed by bioenergy to food security around the world. Write about India related points too. Here, in the second part, divide it further into sub-categories such as impact on food prices, land use, environment, cropping pattern etc.
In the conclusion, write on the need for prioritising food over fuels. Or write any other thoughtful conclusion.
TIP: Data is very important in these kind of questions. Collect data related toe energy, hunger etc and try to correlate them.
Topic: Agriculture – Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices
Why this question?
Very important concept to learn. It’s often in news whenever there is debate on agrarian crisis.
Key demand of the question:
Direct question: findings, recommendations and relevance. Give more weightage to recommendations part.
Directive Word:
Examine: inspect what’s already there. However, in relevance part, you should present facts from current affairs to support its relevance.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 1-2 lines about timelessness of Dr Swaminathan’s report in the Indian context. Write a line on need for implementing its recommendations.
In the body, in THREE main parts, examine and present findings (data mainly), recommendations (try to categorise if possible – Pricing related, Crop pattern related etc) and the Relevance part – write various farm movements and their demand for implementation of the report, provide data to show dismal state of agriculture (hence relevance).
In the conclusion, write about the political will (need for it to implement recommendations). Or sarcastically write a line such as need writing off farmers loan rather than rich corporate’s debts.
Topic: Environmental pollution
Why this question?
Very good concept to learn and it’s in news.
Key demand of the question:
Direct question – what are POPs, dangers they pose to health and environment, brief note on new rules (what’s there in these rules and significance)
Directive Word:
Write a NOTE: Write major dimensions very briefly.
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction write in 1-2 lines about Stockholm Convention, dangers of POP (major danger) and need for strictly implementing new rules in India.
In the body, in THREE parts, address demand of the question (What are POPs, their dangers and brief note on POP rules 2018). Under the Second part, divide into Health and Environment parts.
In the conclusion, write why fight against pollution is a battle on many fronts. Also how addressing pollution will lead to netter health and environment for a healthy living.
Related question, HERE
General Studies – 4
Topic: Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct
Why this question?
ARC has recommended this step. It’s important in the larger context of civil services reforms in India.
Key demand of the question:
Your opinion regarding giving public service values and code of ethics a statutory backing is needed. You should write briefly on public service values and code of ethics and then justify why they should be included in a legislation(civil services bill) or not.
Directive Word:
Justify: Through various reasonings, defend why you have taken a specific stance.
Structure of Answer:
Write an introduction on the need for inculcating public service values in public servants and how India has failed to do so. Then write a line stating your opinion (should these be part of legislation or not)
In the body, first define what’s public service values and code of ethics (with examples).
Then, once again state your opinion and start defending it. There should be at least 5-6 good points. Start with ARC recommendation. You can refer to ARC Here(285-287) for more points. Also use your own arguments. Give current examples which have necessitated giving code of ethics statutory backing.
In the conclusion write in 1-2 lines about complimenting this step with other reforms related to recruitment, training etc.
TIP: In GS-4 answers, examples are extremely important. On day to day basis, note down any interesting example from newspapers to quote in ethics answers.
Other IMPORTANT issues that are NOT covered Today in Secure/Covered Previously:
- Andhra – Special Status – 14th Finance Commission’s Role
- Common Cause v. Union of India – Euthanasia Case
- Agraria Distress – Maharashtra Kisan Protests
- National Health Protection Scheme – Is it a good public policy?
