Common Mistakes to Avoid in IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English (Essay, Precis & Comprehension)

Introduction

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Phase 2 Descriptive English paper is one of the most important eliminators in the exam. Carrying 100 marks in 60 minutes, it consists of three sections:

  • Essay Writing – 30 marks
  • Precis Writing – 35 marks
  • Comprehension – 35 marks

While many aspirants prepare the content and practice writing, they often lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. Examiners are not only testing your language ability but also your discipline, clarity, and professional approach.

This article highlights the common mistakes candidates make in Essay, Precis, and Comprehension and provides actionable tips to help you avoid them. By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can maximize your chances of scoring 65–70+ marks in the paper.

1. General Mistakes Across All Three Sections

Before diving into each section, let’s look at the universal errors that reduce marks:

  1. Poor Time Management – Spending 30 minutes on essays and rushing precis/comprehension.
  2. Ignoring Instructions – Missing word limits, skipping titles, or failing to attempt all questions.
  3. Weak Grammar & Spelling – Even minor mistakes reduce impression.
  4. Untidy Structure – Long, unbroken paragraphs with no logical flow.
  5. Copy-Paste Mentality – Lifting sentences from passages instead of paraphrasing.

👉 These errors signal to examiners that the candidate lacks precision and exam discipline.

2. Mistakes in Essay Writing (30 Marks)

Mistake 1: Exceeding Word Limit

  • Writing 400–500 words instead of the suggested 250–300.
  • Longer essays eat into your time and dilute quality.

Fix: Stick to ~280 words. Plan outline first, then write.

Mistake 2: One-Sided Arguments

  • Writing only positives or negatives without balance.
  • Regulatory bodies expect maturity, not bias.

Fix: Always add counterpoints and conclude with solutions.

Mistake 3: Generic Content

  • Writing broad essays without finance/regulation context.
  • Example: “Technology is good for society” → too generic.

Fix: Link essay to finance, economy, and IFSCA’s mandate.

Mistake 4: No Structure

  • Jumping directly into arguments without intro/conclusion.

Fix: Use clear structure → Introduction → Body → Counterpoints → Conclusion.

Mistake 5: Lack of Data or Examples

  • Essays without facts look weak.

Fix: Quote RBI/IFSCA reports, budget data, or global references.

3. Mistakes in Precis Writing (35 Marks)

Mistake 1: Ignoring One-Third Rule

  • Writing precis too short (50–60 words) or too long (120 words).

Fix: Always aim for ~80–100 words from a 250–300 word passage.

Mistake 2: Copying Sentences

  • Using author’s phrases instead of rephrasing.

Fix: Paraphrase in your own words.

Mistake 3: Retaining Examples/Illustrations

  • Including stories, data, or quotations.

Fix: Keep only the core idea, remove details.

Mistake 4: No Title

  • Forgetting to provide a meaningful title (if asked).

Fix: Draft short, 3–5 word titles reflecting the theme.

Mistake 5: Poor Grammar & Coherence

  • Writing broken sentences or skipping connectors.

Fix: Ensure one compact, smooth-flowing paragraph.

4. Mistakes in Comprehension (35 Marks)

Mistake 1: Copy-Paste Answers

  • Lifting lines directly from passage instead of writing in your own words.

Fix: Paraphrase answers in 3–5 lines.

Mistake 2: Overlong Responses

  • Writing half-page answers when 3–5 lines are enough.

Fix: Be concise. Examiner values clarity, not length.

Mistake 3: Skipping Vocabulary Questions

  • Many ignore synonyms/antonyms.

Fix: Build word bank of financial/economic terms. Easy marks!

Mistake 4: Misinterpreting Inference

  • Answering with personal opinion instead of author’s implied meaning.

Fix: Always base inference on passage context.

Mistake 5: Poor Time Allocation

  • Spending 30 minutes only on comprehension.

Fix: Allocate ~25 minutes max, with 6 minutes reading, 15 minutes answering, 4 minutes revising.

5. Time Management Errors

  • Essay First (20 mins): If you overthink, you’ll lose time for other sections.
  • Precis (15 mins): Without planning, candidates either overwrite or underwrite.
  • Comprehension (25 mins): Reading too many times wastes time.

👉 Golden Plan: 20–15–25 split → Essay (20 mins), Precis (15 mins), Comprehension (25 mins).

6. Psychological Mistakes

  • Overthinking the Essay: Perfectionism eats time.
  • Panic During Precis: Fear of word count creates errors.
  • Fatigue in Comprehension: Leaving it last but losing focus.

Fix: Practice timed mocks to build stamina and confidence.

7. How to Avoid These Mistakes – Action Plan

  1. Daily Practice:
    • Essay (250 words) – 20 mins
    • Precis (100 words) – 15 mins
    • Comprehension (2–3 Qs) – 25 mins
  2. Weekly Mock: One full 60-minute descriptive paper.
  3. Self-Check:
    • Essay: Word count, balance, conclusion.
    • Precis: One-third rule, paraphrasing, coherence.
    • Comprehension: Conciseness, paraphrasing, vocabulary.
  4. Feedback: Get answers reviewed or compare with model solutions.

8. Examiner’s Perspective

Examiners are not looking for Shakespearean English. They want:

  • Professional, balanced tone.
  • Clear, concise expression.
  • Strict adherence to instructions.

👉 Candidates lose marks not because they don’t know content, but because they ignore these basics.

9. Conclusion

The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English paper is a test of discipline as much as skill. Most candidates lose marks by committing avoidable mistakes—exceeding word limits, writing generic essays, copying passages, or mismanaging time.

To score 65–70+ marks, remember:

  • Essay → Structured, data-driven, balanced.
  • Precis → One-third, paraphrased, coherent.
  • Comprehension → Short, clear, in your own words.

👉 If you avoid these common mistakes and practice consistently, the descriptive English paper will no longer be a hurdle—it will become your scoring advantage.