Do’s and Don’ts for IBPS PO 2025 Descriptive English – Avoid These Common Mistakes

Last-Moment Tips (Essay + Comprehension Only)

Because there is no letter now, your focus should be confined to:

Here’s how you should re-adjust your strategy:

Descriptive paper = 2 tasks: Essay + Comprehension.
Total time = 30 minutes for both tasks combined.
The essay is typically the major chunk (higher marks) while comprehension carries fewer marks.
The evaluation is done (at least partially) by an automated / computer system, which checks for grammar, spelling, relevance, word count etc.

Hence, your priority is precision, clarity, and relevance — not trying to overdo variety or extra parts.

Here’s what you must zero in on tonight and tomorrow morning:

✅ DO	❌ DON’T	Why / How It Helps
Read the comprehension passage carefully (twice) before answering	Don’t jump into answers before fully digesting the passage	Missing a nuance or misinterpreting a line can cost you marks
For essay: plan 2–3 body points + intro + conclusion in 1 minute	Don’t just start flinging ideas	A plan gives you control and prevents repetition
In essay, directly address the topic — do not wander	Don’t add irrelevant content	Irrelevance gets penalised even if grammar is good (automated check)
Use simple, correct English	Don’t overuse complex words you’re unsure of	Misused vocabulary is worse than ordinary but correct language
Keep sentences short to medium	Don’t write very long, convoluted sentences	Easier to maintain correctness and reader clarity
In comprehension answers, paraphrase in your own words (not copy)	Don’t quote entire sentences of the passage	Examiners prefer your understanding, not direct lifts
Respect the word limit (for essay)	Don’t overshoot too much or go extremely short	Overshoot risks truncation or penalty; too short = underdevelopment
Leave 2–3 minutes for proofreading both the essay and your comprehension answers	Don’t submit without a review	You’ll catch small errors—missing articles, typos, verb mismatch
Time management: allocate enough time for both tasks	Don’t spend too much on one and rush the other	Balanced attempt wins over perfect essay + zero comprehension

Here’s a strategy to distribute time smartly:

Task	Suggested Time
Read comprehension passage & understand	2–3 minutes
Answer comprehension questions	~7–8 minutes
Plan essay (structure + points)	~2 minutes
Write essay	~13–14 minutes
Proofread both (essay + comprehension)	~2–3 minutes

If the comprehension is longer or heavier, adjust a bit (for example, spend 8 minutes on it, 12 on essay). But always leave buffer for checking.

Strong introduction: define the issue / context in 2–3 lines
Balanced body paragraphs: each with a main point + example / fact
Examples / data: Use what you know (govt scheme names, recent events) only if you are confident
Transitions: Use linking words like “however”, “moreover”, “on the other hand” — but don’t overdo
Conclusion: summarise key ideas + provide a forward-looking line or recommendation

Read entire passage fully first; then reread quickly scanning for main ideas
For each question, think of the line / paragraph from which it arises
Answer in your own words (about 30–50 words depending on marks)
Be concise; don’t drag your answer
If asked for “central idea”, “author’s tone”, “summary”, etc., be precise and direct