UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 15 May 2024
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General Studies – 1
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
1. The continental shelf of the Indian Ocean holds significant economic potential due to the presence of various resources that can be exploited for both commercial and strategic purposes. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question: To write about the resource richness of the Continental shelf of the Indian ocean and its economic implications. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start the answer by stating various resources available in the continental shelf such as natural gas, minerals such as manganese and oil etc. Body: First, draw a neat diagram showing major resources. Write in detail the economic implications of the resources mentioned in the introduction. Then mention the nutrient richness of the continental shelf, promoting diverse marine animals and their economic significance. Further, mention the corals and mangrove vegetation that not only promotes the biodiversity but also protects the economic activities of the coastal region by protecting it against vagaries of climate change events. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that the continental shelf of the Indian ocean is hugely resource rich and we need to have a sustainable approach to harness them.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the resource richness of the Continental shelf of the Indian ocean and its economic implications.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start the answer by stating various resources available in the continental shelf such as natural gas, minerals such as manganese and oil etc.
First, draw a neat diagram showing major resources. Write in detail the economic implications of the resources mentioned in the introduction.
Then mention the nutrient richness of the continental shelf, promoting diverse marine animals and their economic significance. Further, mention the corals and mangrove vegetation that not only promotes the biodiversity but also protects the economic activities of the coastal region by protecting it against vagaries of climate change events.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that the continental shelf of the Indian ocean is hugely resource rich and we need to have a sustainable approach to harness them.
Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
2. Preventing ethnic clashes in diverse societies requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of conflict. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: The editorial discusses the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur emphasizing the government’s inadequate response. Key Demand of the question: To write about the causes of ethnic clashes in diverse societies and evaluate the significance of civil society organizations in mitigating these conflicts. Directive word: Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Briefly give context of the ethnic clashes in the country. Body: First, write about the underlying causes of ethnic conflicts, which may include historical grievances, political factors, economic disparities, cultural differences, and competition for resources. Next, write about the ways to prevent ethnic clashes – inclusive governance, economic equity, intercultural dialogue, and legal protections, societies can work towards fostering harmony and preventing violence. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The editorial discusses the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur emphasizing the government’s inadequate response.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes of ethnic clashes in diverse societies and evaluate the significance of civil society organizations in mitigating these conflicts.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly give context of the ethnic clashes in the country.
First, write about the underlying causes of ethnic conflicts, which may include historical grievances, political factors, economic disparities, cultural differences, and competition for resources.
Next, write about the ways to prevent ethnic clashes – inclusive governance, economic equity, intercultural dialogue, and legal protections, societies can work towards fostering harmony and preventing violence.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
3. Entrance examinations in India have long been criticized for their heavy emphasis on marks and scores, often leading to intense competition and undue stress among students. Reforms are essential in the entrance exams for promoting a more equitable, inclusive, and supportive educational system. Evaluate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question: The article talks about stress faced by students due to entrance exams. Key Demand of the question: To write about the issues in entrance exams and ways to reform them. Directive word: Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the various challenges students face in entrance exams – emphasizes marks, leading to detrimental effects such as stress and inequality, pressures, suicides etc. Next, suggest measures to overcome the above challenges – broader assessment criteria, including non-academic skills, and recommends fostering mental health support and diverse pathways to success etc. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The article talks about stress faced by students due to entrance exams.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the issues in entrance exams and ways to reform them.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about the various challenges students face in entrance exams – emphasizes marks, leading to detrimental effects such as stress and inequality, pressures, suicides etc.
Next, suggest measures to overcome the above challenges – broader assessment criteria, including non-academic skills, and recommends fostering mental health support and diverse pathways to success etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
4. Chabahar port is crucial for India. Discuss the steps that India must take to avoid US sanctions while maintaining strategic autonomy. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question: The article discusses the potential risk of US sanctions on India due to its deal to operate Iran’s Chabahar port. Key Demand of the question: To write about importance of Chabahar port for India and ways to prevent US sanctions. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the importance of Chabahar port for India – strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and counters China’s regional influence. It enhances trade and economic ties while strengthening India’s geopolitical leverage. Next, write about the ways to prevent US sanctions while maintaining strategic autonomy. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The article discusses the potential risk of US sanctions on India due to its deal to operate Iran’s Chabahar port.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about importance of Chabahar port for India and ways to prevent US sanctions.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about the importance of Chabahar port for India – strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and counters China’s regional influence. It enhances trade and economic ties while strengthening India’s geopolitical leverage.
Next, write about the ways to prevent US sanctions while maintaining strategic autonomy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
5. India faces several obstacles to achieving energy security, but transitioning to renewable energy sources can help overcome these challenges. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3. Key Demand of the question: To write about the various obstacles to energy security in India and ways to ensure energy security. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context regarding the energy security in the country. Body: First, write about the various impediments to India’s energy security – High capital costs, Lack of transmission infrastructure, Land acquisition, Storage, Financing challenges etc. Next, write about ways to in which renewable energy can play a part in addressing energy security concerns. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various obstacles to energy security in India and ways to ensure energy security.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the energy security in the country.
First, write about the various impediments to India’s energy security – High capital costs, Lack of transmission infrastructure, Land acquisition, Storage, Financing challenges etc.
Next, write about ways to in which renewable energy can play a part in addressing energy security concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
6. The alarming trend of weather-related disasters causing more displacement globally than conflict and violence presents a pressing need for comprehensive action to address the impacts of climate change on the human population. Elaborate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question: The article highlights how weather-related disasters, such as floods and storms, are displacing more people globally than conflict and violence. Key Demand of the question: To write about the displacement caused by disasters and measures needed to prevent it. Directive word: Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context by giving statistic. Body: First, write about the displacements caused by climate related disasters and its impact. Next, write about measures needed to prevent it – mitigation, adaptation, community empowerment, policy integration, and international cooperation. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The article highlights how weather-related disasters, such as floods and storms, are displacing more people globally than conflict and violence.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the displacement caused by disasters and measures needed to prevent it.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context by giving statistic.
First, write about the displacements caused by climate related disasters and its impact.
Next, write about measures needed to prevent it – mitigation, adaptation, community empowerment, policy integration, and international cooperation.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
Topic: Case Study
7. In the fictional town of Hawaipura, a history of social divisions has led to marginalized communities facing systemic discrimination. The oppressed groups are often relegated to low-paying jobs and subjected to degrading practices. Praneeth, an empathetic and idealistic officer, assumes the role of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Hawaipura, and he soon becomes aware of the deeply rooted discrimination that pervades the society.
Praneeth arrives in Hawaipura with a commitment to justice, aiming to address the long-standing social injustices that have plagued the town. Despite the challenges, he is determined to create a more equitable and fair environment for all residents.
Upon beginning his role, Praneeth witnesses the stark realities of social discrimination. Certain communities face limited opportunities, are subjected to derogatory treatment, and are engaged in dehumanizing tasks that compromise their dignity.
Praneeth grapples with an ethical dilemma as he confronts the deeply entrenched biases and systematic discrimination in Hawaipura. He faces the challenge of balancing his official responsibilities with his moral duty to alleviate the suffering of marginalized groups.
• What measures should Praneeth take in the short term and long term? How can Praneeth bring about social change? Do you think an individual is enough to bring about change? State your opinion.
• What measures should Praneeth take in the short term and long term?
• How can Praneeth bring about social change?
• Do you think an individual is enough to bring about change? State your opinion.
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