Preparing for UPSC CSE

National

State public service commissions

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Mains Practice reading guide

Give your answers a clear beginning, middle, and end

A simple structure for more focused written responses.

01

Read the directive

Identify the task: explain, discuss, analyse, or evaluate. Use the demand of the question to choose your structure.

02

Organise your argument

Begin with a brief introduction. Use distinct points in the body, supported by relevant examples. Address more than one perspective where needed.

03

Conclude with purpose

Finish by drawing together your main argument. Avoid adding unrelated claims in the final sentence.

Put one idea into practice today.

Small changes become useful habits through repetition.

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