UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Chapter 2: Reading the Question – Directive Words and Demand Analysis (20 MCQs)

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UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Chapter 2: Reading the Question – Directive Words and Demand Analysis (20 MCQs) – 20 questions, subject: Mains Answer Writing. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  

A question that asks you to "comment" on a statement wants:

Correct Answer: A [a reasoned opinion on the statement]

Explanation:

'Comment' asks for a reasoned opinion on a given statement, ending in a verdict.

2.  

"Trace" asks you to:

Correct Answer: B [show development step by step over time]

Explanation:

'Trace' asks for development step by step: starting point, stages in order, present position.

3.  

"Enumerate" belongs to the family of:

Correct Answer: D [describe words]

Explanation:

'Enumerate' asks only for the main points listed clearly, so it belongs to the describe family.

4.  

"Critically examine" differs from "discuss" mainly in asking for:

Correct Answer: C [a reasoned verdict that weighs limits]

Explanation:

'Discuss' presents different sides; 'critically examine' weighs merits against limits and ends in a clear, reasoned verdict.

5.  

"To what extent" is best answered with:

Correct Answer: A [a degree – largely, partly or marginally]

Explanation:

'To what extent' asks for a measure, so the answer opens and closes with a degree such as largely or partly.

6.  

By Shanmugam IAS Academy's count of the 91 GS Paper I history questions of 2013–2025, the most frequent directive word is:

Correct Answer: C [Discuss]

Explanation:

21.

7.  

The first step of demand analysis is to:

Correct Answer: D [circle the directive word]

Explanation:

Step 1 of demand analysis is to circle the directive word and decide its family – describe, explain or judge.

8.  

A question with two question marks usually needs:

Correct Answer: D [a heading for each demand]

Explanation:

Each question mark signals a separate demand, and a heading for each shows the examiner that every demand is met.

9.  

"Justify" asks you to:

Correct Answer: A [support a view with evidence]

Explanation:

'Justify' asks you to support a view with evidence and answer an obvious objection.

10.  

Consider the following statements:

1. UPSC publishes official definitions of directive words.
2. A "what" question about significance or impact is in effect a "why" question.
3. "And" between two demands marks a separate heading.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [2 and 3 only]

Explanation:

Statement 1 is false as UPSC publishes no definitions; statements 2 and 3 are sound rules for reading a question.

11.  

Assertion (A): A descriptive answer to an "evaluate" question earns few marks.

Reason (R): "Evaluate" asks for a judgement backed by evidence.

Correct Answer: A [Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A]

Explanation:

Because 'evaluate' demands a judgement backed by evidence, a description without a verdict misses the demand; R explains A.

12.  

The GS Paper I question of 2024 on the Pallavas of Kanchi uses the directive:

Correct Answer: A [Estimate]

Explanation:

The 2024 GS Paper I question reads 'Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature…'.

13.  

Hobson-Jobson is:

Correct Answer: B [a glossary of Anglo-Indian words]

Explanation:

Hobson-Jobson (1886), by Henry Yule and A. C. Burnell, is a glossary of Anglo-Indian words and phrases.

14.  

Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage appeared in:

Correct Answer: D [1926]

Explanation:

H. W. Fowler's A Dictionary of Modern English Usage was first published in 1926.

15.  

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology was set up in:

Correct Answer: C [1961]

Explanation:

The Commission was established on 1 October 1961 under Article 344(4) to evolve technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages.

16.  

"Analyse" asks you to:

Correct Answer: D [break a subject into parts and show how they relate]

Explanation:

'Analyse' asks you to break a subject into parts and show how they relate.

17.  

"Clarify how mid-eighteenth-century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity" (2017) contains a limit of:

Correct Answer: A [time]

Explanation:

mid-eighteenth century.

18.  

In "Comment", the first line should:

Correct Answer: C [restate the claim and take a position]

Explanation:

Restating the claim and taking a position at once shows the examiner you have understood it.

19.  

Under the 2026 notice, question papers other than language literature are set in:

Correct Answer: B [Hindi and English only]

Explanation:

The 2026 notice says question papers, other than literature-of-language papers, will be set in Hindi and English only.

20.  

In the four-step demand analysis, a phrase such as "with special reference to …" or "with examples" is noted at which step?

Correct Answer: C [Step 3 – Scope]

Explanation:

Step 3 (Scope) notes what is included or excluded, such as 'with special reference to…' or 'with examples'.

➤ Directive words, answer templates, model answers with marginal notes, evaluation rubrics and paper-wise Mains practice – U28 · Mains Answer Writing (UPSC book, ₹249): www.shanmugamiasacademy.in/study-materials/upsc-mains-answer-writing

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