The Art of Writing Quality Answers in Public Administration

Dear candidate,

Unlike most of the other optionals, it is wiser to treat both the papers of Public Administration (Paper I and Paper II) as one paper rather than treating them as two different papers.

This implies that:-

1. After studying both the papers one should be able to make connections among various topics of  the papers.

2. Content of one paper can be wisely used in answering the questions of the other paper. This gives an impression to the examiner that the student has an holistic understanding about the subject rather than just cramming up the things.

Now Let me explain this paperwise:-

Paper I: Being a theoretical paper, it demands that the concepts should be crystal clear. It is about studying in a very well defined boundary but with perfection. In this paper once the content is prepared it is the art of presenting the same in different ways as per the requirements of the question. The framing of various questions on a particular topic can be done in various ways but in most of the cases the content of the answer essentially remains the same.

Whereas in paper II it is more about using the general knowledge, observations in daily life, current happenings etc. with the conventional content of the answer that would fetch better marks. Since the topics in paper 2 is such that it is more close to general studies, therefore there has to be a greater variety among answers of different students and hence if written skillfully this paper becomes more scoring quite often.

Some of the general guidelines to be followed while writing the answers:

1. The introduction to an answer should depend upon the length of the answer (generally 15% of the answer)
2. The introduction should constitute the background to the main body of the answer. The objective should be to provide continuity to the body of the answer.
3. The body of the answer is generally the crux of the answer. It should be in point form.
4. If possible try to make connections with other topics if the question gives a scope for this.
5. Give suitable examples, appropriate diagram if needed

6. The conclusion is often repeated as the introduction by many students. However both are not the same. Conclusion should be futuristic, solution giving and optimistic. The conclusion reflects a student's understanding about a topic

Overall, a student should try that there is a logical sequence in his answer. The examiner should feel as if he is reading a story. It is very necessary to keep the examiner interested in reading all through your answer.

Thank You
May god bless you

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