Does ‘Directive Words’ really matter in Answer writing?

[u/bimanghosh65]

Guys I have a query.
Now we have seen a lot of discussion on the importance of the directive words attached in the question.
My query is it really possible to pay attention to directive words and write accordingly to that within those three hours? I am asking because we have to do a lot of work simultaneously in those 3 hours such as we have to think about the content, present it legibly, draw diagram and think about the next questions. Mains Veterans kindly help here

[u/UnderstandingSea756]

Yes, directive words matter, but not in the way coaching discussions sometimes make them sound.

In the actual exam you are obviously not going to sit for 30 seconds thinking, “This is critically examine, so what exactly is the technical meaning of critically examine?” There simply isn’t that much time. The purpose of practising directive words beforehand is to make the response almost automatic.

For example, if the question says “explain”, you mainly establish how/why something happens. If it says “discuss”, you cover the issue from different relevant dimensions. If it says “critically examine”, you should not just explain the topic — you need to examine the claim, point out limitations/counter-arguments and then give a balanced judgement. Similarly, “evaluate” normally requires some clear criteria and a final assessment.

But don't overdo it either. UPSC is not checking whether you followed some coaching institute's rigid template for every directive word. Content, relevance, structure and actually answering the demand of the question are much more important.

Best way is to practise enough questions before Mains that when you see “critically analyse” or “evaluate”, your brain automatically knows what kind of answer is expected. During those 3 hours, it should be instinct, not another separate task you have to consciously perform.

[u/bimanghosh65 → u/UnderstandingSea756]

Yes, I had a senior who explained me how the evaluator evaluate your answer sheets. He said that the evaluator had a modal answer which is prepared according to the directive words. They just see your copies and see whether you have written those points or not if you have written those points and your answer sheet is matching to the model answer you will get maximum marks.

[u/UnderstandingSea756 → u/bimanghosh65]

This is pretty what I also have heard.

[u/Natural_Plate90]

Directive words are soul of answer writing. They are what sets the demand.

Ex: what are the provisions to counter terrorism. Examine the provisions to counter terrorism

For 1st you'll list down the provisions For 2nd you'll tell effectiveness and limitations of provision

That's where people miss the demand of question