Introduction
The NABARD Grade A Phase 2 Descriptive English Paper carries 100 marks and tests your ability to write clearly, concisely, and professionally on topics related to agriculture, rural economy, finance, and social issues.
But merely reading theory or memorizing formats is not enough. The key to success lies in practicing mock tests regularly — under timed conditions — so that you master typing speed, word limit discipline, and structured expression.
This article presents a step-by-step mock test plan, designed to:
- Build writing confidence
- Improve typing speed and accuracy
- Help you finish within 90 minutes
- Maximize your score to cross 70+ marks
Why Mock Tests Are Crucial
- Simulate Real Exam Pressure: Helps you get used to 90-minute typing format.
- Identify Weak Areas: Reveals whether essay, letter, or precis needs more work.
- Improve Time Management: Teaches you to allocate minutes smartly across sections.
- Boost Confidence: Reduces anxiety on the actual exam day.
Understanding the Paper Structure
| Section | Marks | Word Limit | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 40 | ~500–520 words | 40 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 30 | ~120 words | 20–25 minutes |
| Letter Writing | 30 | ~200–220 words | 15–20 minutes |
Total: 100 Marks | Duration: 90 Minutes | Mode: Online Typing
Your mock practice must mirror this structure as closely as possible.
Step-by-Step 4-Week Mock Test Plan
Week 1: Foundation Building
Goal: Understand formats, practice basics, and start slow typing practice.
- Essay:
- Write 2 essays (500 words) — choose from expected topics like sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion.
- Focus on structure: Introduction → Body → Conclusion.
- Don’t worry about speed yet — focus on quality and grammar.
- Letter Writing:
- Write 2 formal letters — one complaint, one request.
- Learn correct format (address, subject, salutation, closing).
- Precis Writing:
- Practice 3 passages — summarize in 120 words.
- Work on identifying main idea and logical flow.
- Typing Practice:
- 15 minutes daily on typing websites (target 25 WPM this week).
Week 2: Timed Practice Begins
Goal: Introduce time discipline and maintain word limits.
- Essay:
- Write 3 essays under 40-minute timer.
- Include 2–3 data points, schemes, and examples.
- Letter Writing:
- Practice 3 letters in 15 minutes each.
- Ensure word count between 200–230 words.
- Precis Writing:
- Practice 3 precis passages under 20 minutes.
- Count words, give meaningful title each time.
- Full-Length Mini Mock:
- Once this week, attempt essay + letter (no precis yet) in 60 mins.
- Review errors — note common grammar issues.
- Typing Practice:
- Target 30 WPM with 90% accuracy.
Week 3: Full-Length Mock Tests
Goal: Replicate exact exam conditions, improve speed and sequencing.
- Full Mock 1:
- Essay (40 mins) + Precis (20 mins) + Letter (15 mins) + Review (5 mins).
- Total: 90 minutes.
- Check word count after each section.
- Full Mock 2:
- Attempt another full paper mid-week.
- Compare scores — check which section improved, which needs focus.
- Error Analysis:
- Highlight weak vocabulary, poor intros/conclusions, missing titles.
- Create a “Mistake Log” and review before next mock.
Week 4: Refinement & Final Polishing
Goal: Achieve consistency and fine-tune approach.
- Full Mock 3 & 4:
- Take two full-length mocks this week, alternate days.
- Stick to exact time allocation — finish essay within 500–520 words.
- Revise Vocabulary Bank:
- Learn 30–40 formal words and expressions relevant to agriculture, finance, policy.
- Revise Formats:
- Memorize letter format so you don’t waste time recalling structure.
- Review Weak Areas:
- If essay marks are lower, practice intros and conclusions.
- If precis marks are lower, focus on rephrasing and word reduction.
Sample Mock Test Schedule
| Day | Task | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Essay Practice (500 words) | 40 mins |
| Tue | Letter Practice (Request + Complaint) | 30 mins |
| Wed | Precis Practice (2 passages) | 40 mins |
| Thu | Full Mock Test | 90 mins |
| Fri | Error Review & Vocabulary Revision | 30 mins |
| Sat | Full Mock Test | 90 mins |
| Sun | Rest / Content Bank Update | 30 mins |
Self-Evaluation Checklist
After every mock, check:
- ✅ Essay: Is intro clear? Are paragraphs balanced? Did you include data?
- ✅ Letter: Is format correct? Subject line precise? Tone polite?
- ✅ Precis: Is it one-third length? Title relevant? Grammar flawless?
- ✅ Word Count: Within ±5% of limit for all sections.
- ✅ Grammar & Spelling: Minimum errors.
- ✅ Typing Speed: Did you finish with 5 mins left for review?
Time Management Strategy
| Section | Time Allocation | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 15–17 mins | Quick, neat, formatted |
| Precis Writing | 20–25 mins | Read twice, summarize, title |
| Essay Writing | 40 mins | Structured, data-backed, solution-oriented |
| Review | 5 mins | Fix typos, check word counts |
Vocabulary & Key Expressions for Mock Tests
Use formal, impactful terms:
- Policy Words: fiscal outlay, credit penetration, convergence
- Development Words: inclusive growth, rural upliftment, livelihood creation
- Connectors: Moreover, Consequently, Henceforth, In conclusion
Common Mock Test Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing too long essay (600+ words)
- ❌ Leaving title blank in precis
- ❌ Writing emotional or informal letter tone
- ❌ Spending 20+ minutes just thinking of essay points
- ❌ Not reviewing answer before submission
Benefits of Following This Plan
- Consistency: Writing becomes a daily habit.
- Speed: Typing practice ensures you finish on time.
- Clarity: Error review eliminates weak grammar and poor structure.
- Confidence: By exam day, you will have attempted at least 5 full papers.
Conclusion
Mock tests are the bridge between preparation and performance. By following this step-by-step plan for four weeks, you will:
- Master essay writing with data, structure, and polished language
- Learn to write precise, professional letters
- Summarize passages accurately in precis writing
- Manage time effectively to complete all three sections
Consistency is the real game-changer. Take mocks seriously, review mistakes, and refine your approach each week. Come exam day, you’ll walk in confident, type fast, and deliver 70+ marks in descriptive paper — bringing you closer to your NABARD Grade A dream.