UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Chapter 3: Structuring an Answer – Introduction, Body and Conclusion (20 MCQs)

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UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Chapter 3: Structuring an Answer – Introduction, Body and Conclusion (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.  

In the 10–80–10 rule, the body takes about:

Correct Answer: A [80 per cent of the words]

Explanation:

Under the 10–80–10 rule the body takes four-fifths of the words, since the demands are answered and marks earned there.

2.  

A "comment" on a quotation is best opened by:

Correct Answer: B [restating the claim]

Explanation:

Restating the claim fairly shows the examiner the quotation has been understood before it is judged.

3.  

A two-part question needs at least:

Correct Answer: D [two body headings]

Explanation:

Each demand needs its own heading, so a two-part question needs at least two body headings to show both are answered.

4.  

P-R-E stands for:

Correct Answer: D [Point, Reason, Example]

Explanation:

P-R-E reminds the writer that each point needs a reason to show understanding and an example to show knowledge.

5.  

A "way forward" conclusion suits mainly:

Correct Answer: B [policy and governance questions]

Explanation:

Policy and governance questions ask what should be done, so a practical way forward is the natural close.

6.  

In a 250-word answer, the introduction should be about:

Correct Answer: B [25–30 words]

Explanation:

Ten per cent of 250 words is 25, so an introduction of about 25–30 words keeps the 10–80–10 proportion.

7.  

The dimension grid is most useful for:

Correct Answer: D [open questions such as "discuss the significance of…"]

Explanation:

Open questions name no parts, so sweeping political, economic, social and other dimensions quickly supplies balanced points.

8.  

Opening an answer with a recent event, such as a new World Heritage listing, suits best a question that is:

Correct Answer: A [linked to current affairs]

Explanation:

A recent-event opening fits a current-affairs-linked question and shows at once why the topic matters now.

9.  

The Alai Darwaza (1311) at Delhi is an early example of:

Correct Answer: C [the true arch and dome with lime mortar]

Explanation:

Built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311, the Alai Darwaza uses the true arch and dome bonded with lime mortar.

10.  

Consider the following statements:

1. Headings taken from the words of the question show that each demand is covered.
2. Every question must use all six dimensions of the grid.
3. Point style suits most GS answers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: B [1 and 3 only]

Explanation:

Question-word headings show each demand is covered and point style suits most GS answers, but forcing all six dimensions is a trap.

11.  

Assertion (A): An answer's structure is visible to the examiner before its content.

Reason (R): Headings, short paragraphs and a separate conclusion show the order at a glance.

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

Explanation:

Headings, short paragraphs and a separate conclusion are seen at a glance, which is exactly why structure registers before content.

12.  

Which geographical advantage is commonly linked to the rise of Magadha?

Correct Answer: A [rich iron ores nearby, in present-day Jharkhand]

Explanation:

Nearby iron mines, in present-day Jharkhand, gave Magadha tools for clearing land and farming and weapons for its armies.

13.  

In GS Paper I, questions of 12½ marks appear in:

Correct Answer: D [2015 and 2016]

Explanation:

The official GS Paper I papers of 2015 and 2016 each had twenty questions of 12½ marks.

14.  

In GS Paper I, a mix of 10- and 15-mark questions appears from:

Correct Answer: D [2017]

Explanation:

From 2017 GS Paper I has carried ten 10-mark (150-word) and ten 15-mark (250-word) questions.

15.  

Hind Swaraj was written as a dialogue between:

Correct Answer: A [a Reader and an Editor]

Explanation:

Gandhi wrote Hind Swaraj as a dialogue in which the Editor, voicing Gandhi, answers the questions of a Reader.

16.  

Arrange the following in chronological order:

1. Questions of 12½ marks
2. Revised scheme with four GS papers
3. 2026 notice keeps 250 marks and three hours
4. Mix of 10- and 15-mark questions

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: C [2-1-4-3]

Explanation:

2013, 2015, 2017, 2026.

17.  

"PESC-ME" stands for:

Correct Answer: B [Political, Economic, Social, Cultural, Military, Environmental]

Explanation:

PESC-ME is the dimension sweep: Political, Economic, Social, Cultural, Military and Environmental.

18.  

The best place to plan an answer in the hall is:

Correct Answer: C [next to the question, in a few words]

Explanation:

A few words beside the question fix the headings and order before writing, saving time otherwise lost in rewriting.

19.  

A 150-word answer usually has how many body points?

Correct Answer: B [5–6]

Explanation:

About 120 body words at one or two lines per point allow five or six developed points.

20.  

A good conclusion to a GS answer usually:

Correct Answer: C [sums up and gives a balanced way forward]

Explanation:

A conclusion should draw the body together and look ahead, giving a balanced verdict or way forward in one or two lines.

➤ 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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