#264: Directive keywords for Mains

Learn how to tackle all Directive Keywords in UPSC Mains

Justify. Explain. Elucidate. Analyze.

Some of Directive Keywords in #UPSC Mains Questions

What are these? How to tackle them?👇🏻

Introduction

Largely, eight such Directive Words can be seen in the exams.

They are as follows: 👇🏼

1. Justify

2. Explain

3. Discuss

4. Analyze

5. Evaluate

6. Examine

7. Comment

8. Critically Examine

How to tackle them?👇🏻

Explained

1. Justify

• Generally, given statement is true (see image)

• Give pointers as evidences to prove that, it indeed is the true answer

2. Explain

• Explain the issue (see image)

• Give in-depth stance to explain in simple words

3. Discuss

• Gives an issue to be examined with pro as well anti argument

• Conclude with an apt statement to summarize the 'discussion'

4. Analyze

See 2 Questions from GS3 Mains 2019

• Identify different domains involved

• Give pointers on every point presenting your multidimensional knowledge

5. Evaluate

• 'Evaluation' should be strictly based on the given situation

• Do present reaction from different sides and avoid any of your personal opinions

6. Examine

• What do you do when you 'examine' someone? Just do that here!

• See topic in detail, understand and then develop your interferences

7. Comment

• This is the most common directive in Mains questions

• Stay neutral and give your viewpoints on the presented statement

• End with a conclusive statement by offering an apt conclusion

8. Critically Examine

• Examine but 'critically'

• Present detailed story of both the sides

• See it like a strict examiner taking in-depth stance on both students in a fight

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