Introduction
The Descriptive English section of the IBPS PO 2025 exam plays a key role in final selection. While many aspirants focus on preparation, they often overlook the small mistakes that cost them valuable marks.
The paper includes:
- Essay Writing (15 marks)
- Letter Writing (10 marks)
To be completed in just 30 minutes.
Even if your content is good, committing certain avoidable errors in formatting, structure, grammar, or tone can prevent you from scoring high. This post identifies the most common mistakes aspirants make and provides tips to avoid them.
❌ 1. Ignoring the Word Limit
🔺 Mistake:
- Writing too little or too much can affect your score.
- Essays should be around 250 words, letters around 150 words.
✅ Tip:
- Stick to ±10% of the word limit.
- Use typing practice tools to track word count.
- Plan your points before you start writing.
❌ 2. Wrong Format in Letter Writing
🔺 Mistake:
- Many candidates use incorrect or incomplete letter formats.
- Confusing formal and informal structure leads to loss of marks.
✅ Tip:
- Learn and practice the standard formats for both formal and informal letters.
- Include all essential parts: Sender’s address, date, subject, salutation, body, closing, signature.
❌ 3. Lack of Structure in Essays
🔺 Mistake:
- Writing in a single long paragraph or without clear introduction and conclusion.
- Missing logical flow of arguments.
✅ Tip:
Use the IDEA structure:
- I – Introduction
- D – Definition or background
- E – Examples and arguments
- A – Analysis and conclusion
Break the essay into 3–4 short paragraphs for readability.
❌ 4. Casual or Informal Language in Formal Letters
🔺 Mistake:
Using informal expressions like:
- “I wanna request…”
- “BTW, I lost my card…”
- “Hope you’re doing good!”
✅ Tip:
Maintain a polite, professional, and objective tone in formal letters.
Avoid contractions and slang.
❌ 5. Spelling and Grammatical Errors
🔺 Mistake:
- Typos, verb tense issues, subject-verb mismatches, and punctuation errors can cost marks.
✅ Tip:
- Practice regularly on MS Word or Google Docs.
- Use Grammarly or Hemingway Editor for review.
- After writing, proofread your answer in the last 2 minutes.
❌ 6. Repetition of Ideas
🔺 Mistake:
- Repeating the same idea using different words to fill space.
- Leads to a dull and redundant essay or letter.
✅ Tip:
- Stick to 2–3 strong arguments.
- Use examples and facts to support, not repeat.
- Maintain clarity and brevity.
❌ 7. Lack of Practice in Typing
🔺 Mistake:
- Typing slowly or making frequent typing errors due to lack of practice.
- Wasting precious time trying to correct errors.
✅ Tip:
- Improve typing speed to 35–40 words per minute.
- Practice daily using tools like:
- TypingClub
- Keybr
- 10FastFingers
❌ 8. Writing Off-Topic Content
🔺 Mistake:
- Misinterpreting the essay topic or diverging from the core idea.
✅ Tip:
- Read the prompt carefully.
- Underline key words.
- Spend 2 minutes outlining your main points before you start writing.
❌ 9. No Revision or Proofreading
🔺 Mistake:
- Submitting the essay or letter without reviewing spelling, grammar, or format.
✅ Tip:
- Always allocate the last 2–3 minutes to revise your work.
- Scan for basic mistakes: wrong dates, missing words, or awkward phrasing.
❌ 10. Memorized Essays and Letters
🔺 Mistake:
- Writing memorized templates or essays that don’t match the actual topic.
- Results in irrelevant content and low score.
✅ Tip:
- Prepare topic-wise outlines, not full essays.
- Use frameworks like PESTLE or SWOT to build custom content.
- Stay updated on current affairs and use your own words.
✅ Checklist: Do’s and Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use correct format | Skip subject or salutation |
| Follow word limits | Write very short or lengthy answers |
| Be clear and concise | Use vague or repeated points |
| Maintain formal tone | Use slang or casual phrases |
| Plan before writing | Write without structure |
| Revise before submitting | Submit with errors |
| Practice typing regularly | Depend solely on handwriting |
🧠 How to Practice to Avoid These Mistakes
- Set a Timer (30 mins) – Write both essay and letter.
- Check for Format Compliance – Especially in letters.
- Review with a Rubric – Content, structure, grammar, tone, format.
- Join Peer Review Groups or use Bank Whizz’s evaluation tools.
- Keep a Mistake Log – Track and fix recurring issues.
📌 Example of Mistake vs. Correct Version
❌ Incorrect Letter Opening
Hey Manager,
I am writing to tell you I lost my card. Can u help?
✅ Correct Letter Opening
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you that I have lost my debit card and would like to request a replacement.
📚 Additional Resources to Improve
- Bank Whizz Descriptive English Course
- PDF Guides on Format & Sample Essays/Letters
- Current Affairs Magazines – for essay content
- Typing Practice Platforms
🔚 Conclusion
Avoiding simple yet critical mistakes in the IBPS PO 2025 Descriptive English Paper can make the difference between an average and a top score. By mastering formats, planning ahead, proofreading, and practicing consistently, you can avoid the pitfalls that trap most aspirants.
Focus on clarity, structure, grammar, and relevance, and you’ll be on your way to scoring 25/25.