UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 28 May 2024

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General Studies – 1

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

1. The Treaty of Versailles played a pivotal role in the outbreak of World War II by fostering resentment, economic hardship, and political instability in Germany. Critically analyse. (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 role of treaty of Versailles in the outbreak of world war-II. Directive word: Critically analyze – 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by briefly mentioning about treaty of Versailles. Body: First, write about the important provisions of the treaty imposed on Germany. Next, write about the reasons in which the treaty became one of the reasons for the outbreak of second world war and to what extent it was responsible. Next, write about the other factors responsible for the outbreak of the war. Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting the role of treat of Versailles in the beginning of world war-II.

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 role of treaty of Versailles in the outbreak of world war-II.

Directive word:

Critically analyze – 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. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by briefly mentioning about treaty of Versailles.

First, write about the important provisions of the treaty imposed on Germany.

Next, write about the reasons in which the treaty became one of the reasons for the outbreak of second world war and to what extent it was responsible.

Next, write about the other factors responsible for the outbreak of the war.

Conclusion:

Conclude by highlighting the role of treat of Versailles in the beginning of world war-II.

Topic: population and associated issues

Topic: population and associated issues

2. What is the gender dividend? Strategies that promote gender equality can lead to sustainable economic growth and a more inclusive society by harnessing the gender dividend. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: India has the potential to reap extraordinary benefits by making the most of the gender dividend. Key Demand of the question: To write about the gender dividend and the advantages it offers. 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 defining gender dividend. Body: First, write about the importance of gender dividend – leading to sustainable economic growth, improved health and education outcomes, driving national progress and development, and a more inclusive society. Next, write about the various policies that are needed to achieve the above – reducing gender gaps in education, employment, and participation. By encouraging women’s workforce participation, supporting female entrepreneurship, and investing in education and skill development etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

India has the potential to reap extraordinary benefits by making the most of the gender dividend.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the gender dividend and the advantages it offers.

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 defining gender dividend.

First, write about the importance of gender dividend – leading to sustainable economic growth, improved health and education outcomes, driving national progress and development, and a more inclusive society.

Next, write about the various policies that are needed to achieve the above – reducing gender gaps in education, employment, and participation. By encouraging women’s workforce participation, supporting female entrepreneurship, and investing in education and skill development etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

3. Governors should adopt a non-partisan approach and respect the mandate of the elected government. Their actions should be guided by constitutional principles rather than political considerations. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2. Key Demand of the question: To write about the various issues between the governor and state’s elected executive and steps needed to ensure a harmonious relations between the both. 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 writing role of the governor in legislative process of the state. Body: First, write about the increasing politicization of the post of Governor and him/her acting as the ‘agent of centre’ and various responses of the state government to it. Mention the recent examples of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Next, write about the relook that is required in the appointment and powers of the governor vis-à-vis the state executive. Substantiate by citing various committees. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward in order to resolve the tussle between legislature and governor.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the various issues between the governor and state’s elected executive and steps needed to ensure a harmonious relations between the both.

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 writing role of the governor in legislative process of the state.

First, write about the increasing politicization of the post of Governor and him/her acting as the ‘agent of centre’ and various responses of the state government to it. Mention the recent examples of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Next, write about the relook that is required in the appointment and powers of the governor vis-à-vis the state executive. Substantiate by citing various committees.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward in order to resolve the tussle between legislature and governor.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

4. By addressing both natural and anthropogenic causes of landslides through comprehensive strategies, the risks associated with these hazardous events can be significantly mitigated. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Print , Insights on India

Why the question: More than 2,000 people could be buried alive by a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea last week. Key Demand of the question: To analyse the natural anthropogenic causes of landslides and to account for their increased risk. 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 introduce landslide by defining them. Give examples of some major landslides in the recent past. Body: Mention the natural factors behind the causes of landslides in India with a few examples. Mention the areas which are most prone to landslides. Draw a small illustrative map showing the same. Next bring in the instances of human activity induced landslides. Bring forth the anthropogenic factors responsible for causing Landslides. Substantiate with facts and figures regarding the incidence of landslides. Reason as to why the increase in anthropogenic induced landslides is alarming and cause of concern. Give solutions to overcome the same. Conclusion: Conclude with a way forward.

Why the question:

More than 2,000 people could be buried alive by a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea last week.

Key Demand of the question:

To analyse the natural anthropogenic causes of landslides and to account for their increased risk.

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 introduce landslide by defining them. Give examples of some major landslides in the recent past.

Mention the natural factors behind the causes of landslides in India with a few examples. Mention the areas which are most prone to landslides. Draw a small illustrative map showing the same.

Next bring in the instances of human activity induced landslides. Bring forth the anthropogenic factors responsible for causing Landslides. Substantiate with facts and figures regarding the incidence of landslides.

Reason as to why the increase in anthropogenic induced landslides is alarming and cause of concern. Give solutions to overcome the same.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

5. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) system in India, designed to protect farmers from sharp declines in market prices, faces significant limitations. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question: The article discusses that import policy must be well-integrated with minimum support policy. Key Demand of the question: To write about the current limitations of MSP and changes that are needed in it. Directive: 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: Begin the defining the concept of MSP. Body: Frist, write about the various objectives behind MSP. Next, write about the reasons as to why MSP has not achieved its stated objectives – MSP distorts the basic logic of the supply-demand mechanism, slows down the process of diversification, and is economically a very expensive and inefficient policy instrument, besides leading to massive leakages and corruption. Next, discuss what needs to be done. Highlight the efforts of the government in this direction Conclusion: Write a way forward.

Why the question:

The article discusses that import policy must be well-integrated with minimum support policy.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the current limitations of MSP and changes that are needed in it.

Directive:

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:

Begin the defining the concept of MSP.

Frist, write about the various objectives behind MSP.

Next, write about the reasons as to why MSP has not achieved its stated objectives – MSP distorts the basic logic of the supply-demand mechanism, slows down the process of diversification, and is economically a very expensive and inefficient policy instrument, besides leading to massive leakages and corruption.

Next, discuss what needs to be done. Highlight the efforts of the government in this direction

Conclusion:

Write a way forward.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning. Body: Write about the importance of focussing on the positive side after a setback/loss. Mention the lessons or opportunities that are present in failure and that can lead to further success. Highlight the role of patience and perseverance. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning.

Write about the importance of focussing on the positive side after a setback/loss. Mention the lessons or opportunities that are present in failure and that can lead to further success. Highlight the role of patience and perseverance. Substantiate with examples.

Conclusion:

Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;

7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)

“Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo.” ― H.G. Wells

Difficulty level: Tough

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote. Body: First, explain moral indignation and substantiate with examples. Next, write about the correlation of moral indignation with that of Jealousy with halo. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote.

First, explain moral indignation and substantiate with examples.

Next, write about the correlation of moral indignation with that of Jealousy with halo. Substantiate with examples.