How to Write Answers in CSS Papers

In CSS papers, the quality of your answers comes into the picture. Not everyone is blessed with excellent command over language or the ability to convey his or her thoughts through beautifully-presented answers. Many falter and eventually fail to get through. The reason behind this is a lack of effective guidance due to which aspirants feel little lost about how to approach answer writing. Here are some generic insights into writing individual answers as well as attempting the question paper as a whole. Aspirants, especially those who lack guidance, would surely find them helpful.

Structuring an Answer

1. Content is the king!

Good quality in individual answers helps you fetch those above-average marks that lead you to success. It is important to show some form of structure to the answer. “Introduction, Body, and Conclusion” format is one of the tried-and-tested approach. It also helps create an impression on the evaluator and portrays you as a thoughtful and organized person.

1. Introduction

It acts as a way into the answer where one builds-up to the main content. It shouldn’t be more than 10% of the answer, else the evaluator may lose the connect to your answer by the time important points are being discussed.

Some common approaches used are:

• Using a quote (try only if you are comfortable; don’t unnecessarily force them into your answers)
• Defining the concept being discussed
• Quoting stats and figures along with their source
• Mentioning the context in which the question is asked. It shows the examiner that you are aware of the recent developments.

For example: if a question talks about religious tourism, you should mention the opening of Kartarpur Corridor and Sharda Temple corridor in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

1. Body

It is the part where you do the heavy lifting. It has the maximum weightage and needs to be addressed well. Various aspects and subparts of the questions need to be answered. Some important tips for writing the “body” of your answer:

• Keep in mind the various directives given in the questions such as Elaborate, Discuss, Critically Analyse, etc. In questions with “critically analyse” directive, you need to present both the sides. First criticise and then give the positives. It ends your answer on a good note.
• Quality of arguments is very crucial to get good marks. It is important to prioritise points and write the best ones at the start. Generalist points should be written later.
• Avoid writing 1-2 word points. Also don’t be too verbose and explaining a lot. There has to be a fine balance between writing less and not over-explaining.
• Use “data” smartly. Don’t fret over mentioning them in your answers excessively. Excess of anything looks bad. There needs to be a balance of opinion and facts.
• Although not necessary, diagrams, flowcharts, etc do help a lot. If creativity is not your forte, don’t do it. If you can think and present using them, it can certainly provide you some edge. Diagrams are especially needed for geography answers.
• Always split the questions into multiple subparts (if not done in the question already) and write on them sequentially. It will streamline both your thoughts and your answer.
• Addressing all the subparts and highlighting them is important if the question itself has subparts. Provide adequate heading, make a box around it or write it in block letter or underline it. But do not forget to highlight and address them. Also, give adequate weightage to all the subparts in the question with respect to content allocation in the main body.
• Neat presentation is very important. It helps the examiner in evaluating the answer. Generally, examiner evaluates by having a quick glance and then reading the points in depth.
• Try to ensure proper space between words and lines.
• Proper alignment and indentation is also very important.
• Highlighting various subparts helps in easy identification.
• Underline keywords. It helps catch the eye in first look. But desist from underlining whole sentences.

1. Conclusion

It is a very important aspect of your answer. Do not underestimate its value. It leaves that lasting impression and provides a sense of closure to the answer. It can be just a single line but don’t leave it at any cost.

• Try to be optimistic and forward-looking and, if possible, avoid writing qualifiers like So, Therefore, Hence, etc.
• Do not criticize unless you can provide some solution.
• For time management, keep a watch in front of your eyes all the time. Ensure that none of the subparts is taking too much time and as the allotted time is about to end, try to quickly conclude and “move on” to the next question. “Move on” implies that you stop thinking about the past (what you have written) and focus on the next question/sub-part.
• Once you have answered a question, DO NOT THINK about it at all. You can’t change anything in the past.

Miscellaneous Tips

• Make it a habit of reading the question twice. Sometimes the smallest mistakes cost you the most.
• Do not rush yourself. Read the question twice and give yourself 15-20 seconds to structure the answer and then start writing.
• Avoid writing loooong sentences. You have to do this consciously, else you may end up writing paragraph-like sentences.
• Just write as if you are in a primary class. Short to-the-point sentences are the way to go.
• On the day of the examination, write for 15-20 minutes before leaving for the test centre. This will get your hands moving and you will not feel rusty when the paper starts – Control whatever you can!