Keywords in Questions for UPSC Mains Exam or Other Written Exams, Essay etc...

Keywords : Framing Answer

UPSC Mains Keywords

Define - 

• To give in precise terms the meaning of something

Describe - 

• Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens

Discuss -

• A written debate testing our reasoning skills
• Backed up by carefully selected evidence to make a case for and against an argument
• Or pointing out advantages and disadvantages of a given context
• Remember to arrive at conclusion

Explain - 

• Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs
• Or what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context
• Our writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood easily
• Defining key terms where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research

Elaborate - 

• To give in more detail, provide more information on

Illustrate - 

• A similar instruction to 'explain' whereby you are asked to show the workings of something, making use of definite examples
• Statistics can be added if appropriate to add weight to your explanation

Demonstrate - 

• Show how, with examples to illustrate

Analyse [Critically] -

• Break an issue into its constituent parts
• Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another

Assess - 

• Weigh up to what extent something is true
• Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter-arguments as well
• Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with original proposition

Compare - 

• Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena
• Mention if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others 

Contrast - 

• Similar to 'Compare' but concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or more phenomena, or what sets them apart
• Point out any differences which are particularly significant

Examine [Critically] -

• Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic
• You should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as explain the different ways they should be construed

Comment upon - 

• Pick out the main points on a subject and give your opinion
• Reinforce your point of view using logic and reference to relevant evidence, including any wider reading you have done

Give an account of - 

• Giving detailed description of something
• Not to be confused with 'account for' which asks you not only what, but why something happened

To what extent - 

• Evokes a similar response to questions containing 'How far…'
• This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the evidence in presenting your argument
• Explore alternative explanations where they exist

Critically Evaluate - 

• Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are true
• Or to what extent you agree with them
• Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument
• Come to a final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your choice