Understanding ‘Directive Words’ for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Analyse

Break an issue into constituent parts and examine in depth.

• Use supporting arguments and counter
• arguments
• Explore interrelations
• Investigate definitions/concepts
• Discuss pros/cons, strengths/weaknesses
• Support with evidence
• Simplify complex ideas

• Address the central idea
• Give your opinion on main points

Contrast

Focus on inequalities or differences between two or more phenomena.

• Highlight differentiating factors
• Emphasize important differences

• Point out key distinctions
• (No explicit conclusion required)

To What Extent

Evaluate the meaning of an object or statement in precise terms.

• Conduct deep evaluation of evidence
• Explore alternative explanations
• Consider problems with definitions & interpretations
• Illustrate with examples

• Provide a deeper assessment of the argument’s validity

Describe

Provide a detailed explanation of how and why something happens.

• Focus on the process and reasoning

• Deliver a comprehensive description
• (No explicit conclusion required)

Discuss

Present a reasoned debate for and against an argument or context.

• Use reasoning skills
• Back up with evidence
• State advantages and disadvantages

• Conclude with a summary or position

Critically Discuss

Give your viewpoint and address points of criticism.

• Establish key facts & issues
• Critically assess their importance
• Explain multiple interpretations

• Provide a critical assessment of why certain facts/issues matter most

Critically Examine

Examine both positive and negative aspects of a topic.

• Explore both sides of the argument
• Show how views can be interpreted differently

• Present a balanced view highlighting positivity & negativity

Explore

Adopt a questioning approach to consider different perspectives.

• Reconcile opposing views where possible
• Present diverse angles

• Provide a final argument reconciling perspectives if feasible

Give an Account of

Offer a detailed description of something.

• Focus on what happens
• Differentiate from "account for" (which includes why)

• Deliver a descriptive account
• (No explanation of "why" required)

Identify

Determine key points and their implications.

• Show workings
• Use examples/statistics
• Comment on patterns & causal relationships
• Support with evidence
• Consider contradictory opinions

• Present a balanced argument
• State your conclusion

Outline

Convey key points, emphasizing structures & interrelationships.

• Focus on global aspects
• Critically assess rather than just describe

• Provide a critical overview of the subject

Show How

Present stages and factors leading to something in a logical order.

• Use relevant evidence
• Illustrate combination of factors & progression

• Deliver a clear, evidence
• based explanation

State

Specify key aspects of a topic in clear terms.

• Avoid excessive description
• Refer to evidence/examples where appropriate

• Provide a concise, clear statement of key aspects

Summarise

Give a short version of the main facts.

• Omit superfluous details
• Use brief/general examples

• Present a concise summary of essentials

Assess

Weigh up to what extent something is true.

• Cite relevant research
• Convince the reader
• Point out flaws & counter
• arguments

• Provide a balanced argument acknowledging limitations

Evaluate

Assess the positive & negative aspects of a statement/topic.

• Break into paragraphs addressing positives & negatives

• End with a comment on why it’s worthy or unworthy

Critically Evaluate

Determine to what extent a statement or research finding is correct (unbiased decision expected).

• Use evidence from various sources (agreeing or disagreeing)
• Assess key factors

• Conclude with a verdict based on the most important factor
• Explain your choice