Common Mistakes to Avoid in NABARD Grade A Descriptive English 2025

The NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper is a crucial component of the Phase II examination, carrying 100 marks spread across Essay (40 marks), Precis (30 marks), and Letter Writing (30 marks). With just 90 minutes to complete all three sections, accuracy, clarity, structure, and time management become non-negotiable.

Many aspirants, despite having good English skills, lose marks due to avoidable errors in format, expression, grammar, and structure. In this post, we’ll break down the most common mistakes made in each section of the descriptive paper—and how to avoid them.

📘 Overview of the Descriptive Paper Structure

SectionMarksWord LimitTime Allotted (Recommended)
Essay Writing40~500 words35 minutes
Precis Writing30~120 words25 minutes
Letter Writing30~250 words20 minutes

❌ Common Mistakes in Essay Writing

Essay writing tests your ability to express ideas logically, factually, and formally within a fixed word limit.

🚫 1. Writing Off-Topic

Many aspirants misinterpret the topic or drift into irrelevant sub-areas.

Solution:

  • Understand the exact demand of the topic.
  • Brainstorm and create an outline before writing.
  • Ensure each paragraph supports the central theme.

🚫 2. Weak Structure

A good essay needs a clear Introduction → Body → Conclusion format. Jumping between points or writing in one large paragraph reduces readability.

Solution:

  • Break your essay into 4–5 small paragraphs.
  • Use connectors like “Moreover,” “However,” “In contrast” to ensure smooth transitions.

🚫 3. Poor Time Allocation

Spending 50+ minutes on essay leaves little time for other sections.

Solution:

  • Limit essay writing to 35 minutes, including planning and proofreading.
  • Set checkpoints (e.g., intro by 5 mins, body by 25 mins).

🚫 4. Lack of Examples and Data

Generic statements reduce the persuasive power of your essay.

Solution:

  • Use current schemes (e.g., PM-KISAN, FPOs), NABARD initiatives, or statistics from Economic Survey.
  • Refer to credible sources like Yojana, Kurukshetra, or PIB.

🚫 5. Grammatical Errors and Informal Language

Descriptive papers demand formal tone and grammatical accuracy.

Solution:

  • Use short, grammatically correct sentences.
  • Avoid contractions (don’t, can’t) and slang.
  • Revise your essay for subject-verb agreement and punctuation.

✍️ Common Mistakes in Precis Writing

Precis writing is about summarizing a long passage into a short, clear version in your own words. It tests your ability to compress without distorting the meaning.

🚫 6. Exceeding or Falling Short of Word Limit

Exceeding 120 words or writing too briefly can both cost marks.

Solution:

  • Target 110–125 words, approximately 1/3rd of the original passage.
  • Count words after writing and trim extra phrases if needed.

🚫 7. Copy-Pasting Sentences from the Original

Using the author’s exact words defeats the purpose of precis writing.

Solution:

  • Rewrite all points in your own words.
  • Use synonyms, rephrase ideas, and restructure sentences.

🚫 8. Missing or Vague Title

Many students either skip the title or write something too generic.

Solution:

  • Always give a relevant, meaningful title.
  • Write the title after understanding the core message of the passage.

🚫 9. Including Personal Opinion or Examples

Precis must reflect the author’s viewpoint only, not your own.

Solution:

  • Avoid writing “I believe,” “In my opinion,” or adding examples not in the passage.
  • Maintain neutral, third-person voice throughout.

🚫 10. Improper Flow and Coherence

Unclear structure and abrupt ideas ruin the coherence of the precis.

Solution:

  • Arrange points logically, just like in the original.
  • Use linking phrases: “Furthermore,” “As a result,” “In conclusion,” etc.

💼 Common Mistakes in Letter Writing

Letter writing in NABARD Grade A is strictly formal. It checks your ability to communicate professionally, especially in rural and financial contexts.

🚫 11. Incorrect Format

Many candidates mix informal and formal letter formats or forget essential parts like subject line or salutation.

Solution:
Follow this format strictly:

Your Address  
Date  

Recipient's Designation  
Address  

Subject: [Title of the letter]  

Dear Sir/Madam,  

[Intro – purpose]  
[Body – details]  
[Conclusion – request/suggestion]

Yours sincerely,  
[Your Name]

🚫 12. Writing in Informal Tone

Using casual phrases like “Hi,” “Regards,” or informal sentence constructions lowers your score.

Solution:

  • Keep the tone professional and respectful.
  • Use “Dear Sir/Madam,” “I am writing to…,” “We request your assistance…”

🚫 13. Missing Purpose or Clarity

Letters often lack a clear call-to-action or solution.

Solution:

  • State the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph.
  • End with a polite request or recommendation.

🚫 14. Unstructured Body

Without paragraph breaks, the letter appears cluttered and hard to read.

Solution:

  • Divide the letter body into 3 small paragraphs.
  • First: Purpose, Second: Details, Third: Action/Suggestion.

🚫 15. Spelling and Grammar Errors

Typos and grammar mistakes show carelessness.

Solution:

  • Proofread your letter before submission.
  • Keep sentences short to minimize mistakes.

🔁 General Mistakes Across All Sections

🚫 16. Lack of Practice with Typing

Typing speed is essential in a computer-based exam.

Solution:

  • Practice daily using tools like TypingClub or Keybr.
  • Simulate full-length descriptive papers in real-time.

🚫 17. Not Reviewing Answers

Skipping proofreading leads to silly errors in spelling, grammar, and structure.

Solution:

  • Allocate 5 minutes per section for review.
  • Check for tense, word count, and punctuation.

🚫 18. Not Using Keywords or Government Scheme Names

Examiners appreciate knowledge of current policies and rural context.

Solution:

  • Mention NABARD schemes (RIDF, SHGs, FPOs).
  • Quote relevant data (Economic Survey, RBI Reports).

🚫 19. Writing Too Much or Too Little

Ignoring the suggested word limit can result in either incomplete thoughts or verbose writing.

Solution:

  • Essay: 450–550 words
  • Precis: 110–125 words
  • Letter: 220–270 words

🚫 20. Failing to Prioritize Sections Based on Strength

Spending time on a weak section first can backfire.

Solution:

  • Start with the section you’re strongest at.
  • Follow a fixed time strategy: Essay (35 min), Precis (25 min), Letter (20 min).

🎯 Final Tips to Avoid Mistakes

  • Mock Tests: Attempt full-length descriptive mocks at least once every 3 days.
  • Self-Review: After writing, ask: Does this follow the format? Is it concise? Is it clear?
  • Peer Evaluation: Exchange essays/letters with peers for review.
  • Content Awareness: Stay updated with rural issues, government schemes, and NABARD initiatives.

✅ Summary: Mistakes to Avoid

AreaCommon MistakeSolution
EssayOff-topic, no structureOutline and stick to format
PrecisExceeding word limit, copying linesRephrase in your own words
LetterInformal tone, wrong formatUse formal structure and polite tone
GeneralPoor typing speed, no proofreadingPractice and always review your answers

🏁 Conclusion

Scoring high in NABARD Grade A 2025 Descriptive English isn’t just about writing well—it’s about writing right. Avoiding these common mistakes can make a huge difference in your final score. Follow formats carefully, manage your time smartly, and write with clarity and purpose.

Your goal should be not just to clear this paper—but to ace it.