How can one improve answer writing skills for the Mains examination?

Give complete answers: It is important to take a multi-dimensional approach to answer writing in the IAS mains exam. You should approach the answer from 360 degrees and start writing.

Use keywords: Always use keywords to highlight important and scoring points in your answers. Try to underline the keywords.

Substantiate your answers: Don’t forget to substantiate what you claim in your answers. This will give legitimacy to your answers, not to mention, make you look well-read to the examiner. In some questions, you will be asked to ‘substantiate’. In these cases, it is mandatory to give real-life examples to situations. Look at the following question that was asked in UPSC mains exam 2014 (GS Paper II).Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as a denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.Here, you should use examples of Supreme Court rulings and cite real cases to justify what you are saying in your answer.

Presentation: Your answers should be written in neat and legible handwriting. Give headings and subheadings wherever necessary. Also, have tables and figures if it will augment the quality of your answers.

Simple language: Always write in a simple and error-free language. Your writing should be clear, complete and concise. Avoid using jargon and flowery language as this can induce ambiguity in your answers and reduce marks.

Points or paragraphs: A lot of aspirants have this doubt – whether to write in points or paragraphs. There is no rule set here that you should follow. It depends on your comfort level and what you are used to. If you feel you can write better in points, continue doing so; and if you are comfortable expressing yourself in paragraphs, you should follow that practice.

Adhere to the word count specified by the UPSC.

Practice: This is the most important tip anyone can give. Practice writing a lot of answers in all the subjects as part of your IAS Mains Preparation