The SBI PO Descriptive English Test is a crucial part of the SBI PO Mains Exam, carrying 50 marks (Essay: 30, Letter: 20). Many candidates underestimate this section and end up making avoidable mistakes that lower their scores.
To help you maximize your marks, this guide highlights the most common mistakes in the SBI PO Descriptive English Test and provides effective strategies to avoid them.
1. Poor Time Management
Mistake:
- Spending too much time on one question and leaving little time for the other.
- Not allocating time for proofreading.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Allocate 15 minutes for the essay and 10 minutes for the letter, leaving 5 minutes for revision.
✔ Plan before you write—spend the first minute outlining your key points.
✔ Practice timed writing regularly to improve speed.
2. Choosing the Wrong Topic
Mistake:
- Selecting a topic without sufficient knowledge and struggling to generate content.
- Choosing a topic that requires complex explanations beyond your writing ability.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Pick a topic you are comfortable with, even if it seems simple.
✔ Quickly brainstorm key points before making a decision.
✔ If you can think of at least 3 strong points in 30 seconds, go for it!
3. Writing Without a Clear Structure
Mistake:
- Writing in a haphazard manner without proper paragraphing.
- Mixing ideas instead of following a logical sequence.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Follow the correct format:
- Essay Structure: Introduction → Body → Conclusion
- Letter Structure: Sender’s Address → Date → Receiver’s Address → Subject → Salutation → Body → Closing
✔ Use linking words (however, therefore, in contrast) to maintain flow.
✔ Avoid repetition—present a new idea in each paragraph.
4. Using Incorrect Grammar and Sentence Structure
Mistake:
- Grammatical errors (wrong tense, subject-verb agreement mistakes).
- Long, confusing sentences that lack clarity.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Keep sentences short and simple—clarity is more important than complexity.
✔ Revise basic grammar rules using books like Wren & Martin’s English Grammar.
✔ Read newspapers and editorials to observe proper sentence structures.
5. Lack of Vocabulary & Repetitive Words
Mistake:
- Overusing basic words (good, bad, important, etc.).
- Repetitive words throughout the essay.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Expand your vocabulary by learning 5-10 new words daily.
✔ Use synonyms (e.g., instead of ‘important,’ use ‘crucial’ or ‘significant’).
✔ Avoid overuse of jargon—keep language professional yet simple.
6. Not Sticking to the Word Limit
Mistake:
- Writing too little (below 200 words for the essay).
- Exceeding the limit (writing 350+ words instead of 250-300).
How to Avoid It:
✔ Practice writing within the word limit using a timer.
✔ Avoid unnecessary details and keep arguments direct.
✔ Follow a structured plan to ensure concise writing.
7. Ignoring the Importance of Formatting
Mistake:
- Not following the correct format in letter writing.
- Writing an essay as a single block of text instead of using paragraphs.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Formal Letter: Always include sender’s & receiver’s address, subject, and salutation.
✔ Essay: Always break content into paragraphs (each para should contain 3-5 sentences).
8. Not Using Relevant Examples & Facts
Mistake:
- Writing generic essays without examples.
- Making unverified claims without supporting data.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Use relevant examples from current affairs, history, or daily life.
✔ If mentioning statistics, use approximate figures (e.g., “Over 70% of Indians use digital payments” instead of exact numbers).
✔ Keep examples short and precise.
9. Using Informal Language in Formal Writing
Mistake:
- Writing a formal letter in a casual tone.
- Using slang, contractions, or first-person narration in an essay.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Avoid contractions (use “do not” instead of “don’t”).
✔ Maintain a formal tone (avoid words like “gonna” or “wanna”).
✔ Stick to third-person perspective in essays instead of personal opinions (unless the topic requires it).
10. Not Proofreading Before Submission
Mistake:
- Submitting answers without checking for errors.
- Missing spelling mistakes, incorrect punctuation, or omitted words.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Always save the last 5 minutes to review your work.
✔ Read your answer from end to start—this helps spot errors better.
✔ Use spell-check tools during practice to recognize common mistakes.
Final Tips to Score High in SBI PO 2025 Descriptive English Test
✅ Practice writing essays and letters daily—simulate exam conditions.
✅ Improve typing speed—since the test is online, slow typing can reduce your answer length.
✅ Stay updated with current affairs—it helps in writing relevant essays.
✅ Take mock tests—assess your performance before the actual exam.
Conclusion
Scoring high in the SBI PO Descriptive English Test requires a well-planned approach, regular practice, and attention to detail. By avoiding the common mistakes mentioned in this guide and following structured writing techniques, you can improve your scores and increase your chances of success.
Start practicing today, and boost your SBI PO 2025 preparation! 🚀