Answer Writing

 

Paper 1

• Answers in paper I are for the most part straightforward, without much scope for subjectivity. This makes the paper very scoring!

• It is best when the terms and definitions in answers are exact and in line with Economic convention. The most basic example of the same is that there is a difference between writing 'change in demand' as opposed to 'change in quantity demanded'.

• Making graphs clear and well-labeled is important. I made graphs with pen in the exam and drew a box around them to demarcate them from the other text.

• Standard answer format - 

• Introduction - Usually defines a key term mentioned in the question or provides an overview of the answer.

• Assumptions - About 2-3 assumptions whenever appropriate.

• Body - Answer the main question in line with the demand of the question. This part is likely to include graphs and their explanations too.

• Conclusion - Summarizes the answer OR gives recommendations based on answer (eg - For a question on Keynesian Economics the conclusion may mention how Keynes proposed government intervention) OR link the answer to real life/current affairs.

• For value addition in answers - 

• Link to real life, current affairs or the Indian economy. For example - For supply side inflation, one can mention the global inflation following the oil price hike due to the War in Ukraine OR a question on Gunnar Myrdal's backwash effect can explain how the rapid growth of Bangalore has caused a water crisis in other parts of Karnataka.

• Mention names of Economists relevant to the question. For example - If there is a question on Immiserizing growth, one can mention that the concept was first proposed by Dr. Jagdish Bhagwati, in 1958.

Paper 2

• Standard answer format - 

• Introduction - based on the question

• Body - Answer the main question in line with the demand of the question. 

• Conclusion - Summarizes answers OR gives recommendations based on answer (eg - ways to tackle inflation if the question is on inflation) OR link to real life/current affairs.

• For value addition in answers - 

• Relevant facts, figures, quotes, tables, graphs, pie charts, etc will help.

• Link to current affairs. For example - A question on how to correct fiscal imabalance between states can mention the recently constituted 16th Finance Commission.

• Mention names/viewpoints of Economists.

• Link to concrete economic theories from Paper I. For example - Linking inequality to Kuznet’s inverted U shaped curve, linking poverty to Dr. Amartya Sen’s capability approach, etc.

• Incorporate insights from the Budget and the Economic Survey.