UPSC Mains Questions Keywords – Discuss, Explain, Analyse, Examine, Evaluate etc

Art of Answer Writing for UPSC Mains goes through the Keywords like Discuss, Explain, Analyse, Examine, and Evaluate etc. These carry distinct implications and guide candidates on how to approach the question. Decoding the keywords in the mains questions holds a paramount position in UPSC Mains Answer Writing.

Define / What is

• To give in precise meaning of the term. 
• Discuss the issues or problems related to the definition. 
• Discuss if there are different interpretations related to the definition. (Thinkers views – with or without names)
• Context/ introduction and conclusion: Not necessary. You can conclude with an inclusive view of the definition,  (based on the number of marks of the question, and if time permits in exam hall).

Example Question: Define Judicial Activism and discuss the issues associated with it.

Do you agree/ disagree

• Clearly mention agreement/ disagrteement / partial agreement.
• Give justifications

Example Question: Do you agree with the view that economic globalization has narrowed the development gap among nations?

Comment / Justify

• Give your opinion.
• Justify your points using logic and reference to relevant evidence.

Example Question: “Comment on the impact of climate change on global agriculture. Justify your stance.”

How Far/ To what extent

• This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your argument. 
• Explore alternative explanations where they exist.

Example Question: To what extent has technology transformed the landscape of education in India?

Enumerate/ List down

• Write down the list of things, one by one.
• Include examples if possible.
• Context/ introduction and conclusion are optional.

Example Question: Enumerate the key provisions of the Right to Education Act in India.

Distinguish / Differentiate

• Compare only the differences.
• Only introduction is must.

Example Question: Distinguish between parliamentary and presidential forms of government.

Compare / Compare and contrast

• Comparing involves identifying similarities and/or differences.
• Contrasting involves comparing for differences only.
• You can present all the similarities first and then present all the differences. Or you can go point by point and show the similarity and difference of one point, then the similarity and difference for another point, and so on.

Example Question: Compare and contrast the economic policies of Nehruvian era with those of the liberalization period

Elaborate

• To give in more detail, provide more information on.
• Give examples.

Example Question: Elaborate on the impact of climate change on global agricultural practices.

Give an account of

• Means give a detailed description of something. 
• Do not confuse with ‘account for’ which asks you not only what, but why something happened.

Example Question: Give an account of the major provisions of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Explain

• The answer should explain the mechanism, procedures or sequences of events can be understood. 
• Define key terms wherever necessary. 
• Justify your arguments with relevant examples or cases.
• Introduction and conclusion are must.

Example Question: Explain the concept of judicial review in the Indian Constitution.

Illustrate

• It is similar to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the workings of something.
• Give justification using examples, data, statistics, case studies, court judgements etc.

Example Question: Illustrate the role of women in the Indian independence movement.

Describe

• Provide a detailed explanation for the mechanism.
• Context/ introduction is must, but conclusion is optional.

Example Question: “Describe the process of urbanization in developing countries.”

Demonstrate

• It is similar to ‘explain’ whereby you need to explain with examples to illustrate.

Example Question: “Demonstrate the application of the principles of natural justice in administrative decision-making. Use examples to illustrate.”

Discuss

• It is a written debate where you are using your skill at reasoning, backed up by carefully selected evidence. 
• Give both the positive and negative arguments. 
• Context/ introduction and conclusion are must.

Example Question: Discuss the impact of social media on political discourse in democracies.

Analyse

• You need to look at or think about the different parts or details of the topic carefully in order to understand or explain it.
• Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against.
• Both introduction and conclusion are must.

Example Question: Analyse the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing countries.

Assess

• Assess literally means ‘to judge or form an opinion about something’. E.g. An employer will assess an employee’s ability based on grades/ skills.
• Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research. Also, include to point out any flaws and counter-arguments. 
• Conclude by mentioning how far you agree with the statement or the fact.

Example Question: Assess the role of education in fostering social equality in contemporary societies.

Examine / Critically Examine

• Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic. 
• You should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important.
• Also, explain the different ways for doing those.
• Try to evaluate the idea or a topic like an examiner. E.g. give marks on its success or failure, or on its advantages or disadvantages, or its impacts.

Example Question: Examine the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs in India.

Evaluate / Critically evaluate

• To study the facts and then form an opinion about something.
• Give your verdict as to what extent the statement is true, or to what extent you agree with them. 
• Provide evidence which both agree with and contradict an argument. 
  Write a conclusion, based on your decision or the most important factors. Also, justify how you made your choice.

Example Question: Critically evaluate the impact of economic liberalization on income inequality in India.

Understanding and mastering these keywords is crucial for success in the UPSC Mains. Aspirants should practice incorporating these strategies into their answers to enhance their chances of scoring well in this highly competitive examination. Remember, clarity, depth, and evidence-based reasoning are the keys to unlocking success in UPSC CSE Mains.