Introduction
The LIC AAO 2025 Descriptive English Paper is not just a test of language — it is a test of professional communication skills, clarity of thought, and discipline. While many candidates have the knowledge and grammar skills, they still lose marks due to small but avoidable mistakes.
In this article, we will examine the most frequent mistakes aspirants make, explain why they are dangerous, and show you how to avoid them to comfortably qualify this paper.
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Word Limit
- Problem: Writing too little makes your answer look incomplete, while exceeding the limit can lead to penalties.
- Example: Writing a 200-word email when the limit is 150 words shows poor time management and lack of conciseness.
- Solution: Practice writing within 120–150 words for email/report and keep precis strictly one-third of the passage.
Mistake 2: Using Informal Language
- Problem: Casual tone, slang, or chat-style writing reduces professionalism.
- Example: Writing “Hey guys” instead of “Dear Team” or using “Thanks a ton” instead of “Thank you.”
- Solution: Always maintain a formal tone, use respectful salutations, and close with “Regards” or “Sincerely.”
Mistake 3: Poor Structure and Formatting
- Problem: Missing subject lines, not dividing content into logical paragraphs, or writing in one big block.
- Impact: Examiner finds it hard to follow; marks are deducted.
- Solution: Follow a clear structure:
- Email: Subject → Salutation → Body → Closing
- Report: Title → Intro → Body → Conclusion
- Precis: Single compact paragraph with proper title
Mistake 4: Copy-Pasting from the Passage (Precis)
- Problem: Many candidates copy long sentences from the original passage instead of summarizing.
- Impact: Defeats the purpose of precis writing and can lead to low marks.
- Solution: Read, understand, and rewrite in your own words while preserving the essence.
Mistake 5: Not Proofreading
- Problem: Spelling errors, missing punctuation, and grammar mistakes go unnoticed when answers are not reviewed.
- Solution: Always leave 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread and correct errors.
Mistake 6: Spending Too Much Time on One Task
- Problem: Some candidates spend 20+ minutes on email/report and rush through precis writing or leave it incomplete.
- Solution: Stick to a predefined time plan (e.g., 12–14 mins for email/report, 12–14 mins for precis).
Mistake 7: Lack of Coherence and Flow
- Problem: Jumping from one point to another without logical transitions.
- Solution: Use linking words like Therefore, However, As a result, to connect ideas smoothly.
Mistake 8: Grammar and Tense Errors
- Problem: Incorrect tense usage and subject-verb disagreements reduce readability.
- Example: “The policy was launch last month” instead of “The policy was launched last month.”
- Solution: Practice common grammar rules, focus on active voice, and keep sentences short.
Mistake 9: Neglecting Presentation
- Problem: Illegible handwriting (if offline exam), uneven spacing, or poor alignment.
- Impact: Examiner may struggle to read, leading to unintentional mark loss.
- Solution: Write neatly, use proper spacing, and keep formatting consistent.
Mistake 10: Panic Writing Without Planning
- Problem: Jumping straight into writing without spending a few seconds planning structure.
- Solution: Take 1–2 minutes to outline key points before writing. This saves time later and keeps content organized.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overcomplicate
Some aspirants use unnecessarily complex vocabulary and long-winded sentences to “sound smart.” This often backfires.
- Solution: Write clear, concise, professional English. The goal is effective communication, not a literature contest.
Summary Table
| Mistake | Impact | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding word limit | Time loss, deduction | Stick to 120–150 words / 1/3 passage |
| Informal language | Unprofessional impression | Use formal tone & salutations |
| Missing structure | Low readability | Follow standard format |
| Copying passage | Marks deduction | Rewrite in own words |
| No proofreading | Grammar errors remain | Keep 2-3 mins for review |
| Spending too long on one task | Incomplete answers | Pre-allocate time per task |
| Grammar/tone issues | Marks lost unnecessarily | Practice, revise basics |
| Messy presentation | Hard to evaluate | Write neatly & clearly |
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can be the difference between qualifying and disqualification in the LIC AAO 2025 Descriptive English Paper. Practice regularly, focus on structure, and develop the habit of proofreading.
Remember — this paper is not about fancy language but about clarity, correctness, and communication skills. If you master these, you will cross the qualifying marks with ease and focus fully on the merit-deciding sections of the exam.