The Descriptive English section of the IRDAI Assistant Manager exam is designed to evaluate your writing and comprehension skills in a professional context. With a time limit of 60 minutes and a total of 100 marks, this section comprises four key components: Essay (30 marks), Precis Writing (30 marks), Comprehension (20 marks), and Business Correspondence (20 marks). To ace this section, you must sharpen both your content generation and language accuracy skills. Here are expert tips and strategies for each section:
1. Essay Writing (30 Marks)
Key Focus Areas:
- Content Organization
- Language Proficiency
- Relevance to the Topic
Strategies:
- Understand the Topic: Essays are often related to current affairs, insurance sector reforms, financial topics, or general societal issues. Spend a few minutes brainstorming and jotting down relevant points.
- Structure is Key: A well-structured essay consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should define the topic and set the context. The body should present logical arguments supported by examples or facts, and the conclusion should summarize the discussion while offering a forward-looking thought.
- Clarity and Precision: Avoid overly complex sentences. Simplicity in language paired with clarity in thought makes a stronger impact. Keep your arguments coherent and relevant.
- Time Management: Dedicate around 20 minutes for the essay. Aim to write around 300–350 words. After writing, allocate a minute to revise for any spelling or grammatical errors.
2. Precis Writing (30 Marks)
Key Focus Areas:
- Condensation of Information
- Clarity
- Fidelity to the Original Text
Strategies:
- Read Carefully: Precis writing requires you to condense a passage into one-third of its length. Read the passage carefully to understand the key points.
- Identify the Main Ideas: Focus on the central theme and supporting points, omitting unnecessary details. Avoid including your opinions or interpretations.
- Use Your Own Words: Ensure the precis is written in your own language, avoiding a verbatim copy of the original text.
- Maintain the Tone and Meaning: The precis should reflect the tone and meaning of the original passage without distorting the facts.
- Practice Conciseness: The word limit is crucial, so practice summarizing long texts within the prescribed word count.
- Time Allocation: Spend around 15 minutes on the precis, ensuring that your draft is clear and concise.
3. Comprehension (20 Marks)
Key Focus Areas:
- Understanding the Passage
- Answering Questions Accurately
- Analytical Ability
Strategies:
- Skim the Passage: Start by skimming the passage to get a general understanding of the topic. Then, read the questions to know what information to look for.
- Read and Analyze: Read the passage thoroughly to grasp the main ideas, tone, and structure. Pay attention to key details and any data presented.
- Answer Precisely: Ensure that your answers are to the point. Write concise responses based on the passage without adding external information.
- Re-read Before Answering: If a question seems tricky, re-read the relevant part of the passage to ensure accuracy in your answers.
- Time Management: You should spend about 10–12 minutes on the comprehension section, allowing time for thorough reading and precise answers.
4. Business Correspondence (20 Marks)
Key Focus Areas:
- Formal Writing Skills
- Clarity and Coherence
- Appropriate Format
Strategies:
- Know the Formats: Business correspondence may include letter writing, memo drafting, or email writing. Familiarize yourself with the standard formats for each type. Ensure your structure includes proper salutation, body, and closing lines.
- Be Clear and Professional: Use formal, clear, and concise language. Your tone should be professional, and the content should be to the point.
- Stick to the Topic: Whether it’s a complaint letter, request, or memo, make sure you stay on topic and don’t include unnecessary information.
- Use a Polite Tone: Even if the correspondence involves a complaint or disagreement, maintain a respectful and polite tone throughout.
- Time Allocation: Spend about 10 minutes on business correspondence, focusing on clarity and proper format.
General Tips for Success
- Practice Writing: The more you practice writing essays, precis, and letters, the more confident you’ll become. Regular practice improves speed and precision.
- Improve Vocabulary: A good command of vocabulary will help you articulate ideas effectively. However, avoid using overly complex words that can confuse the reader.
- Grammar and Syntax: Accuracy in grammar, spelling, and punctuation is essential in scoring high marks. Make time to revise your answers before submitting.
- Time Management: Practice mock tests with strict timing to improve your ability to write under time pressure.
- Stay Updated: For essays, keep yourself updated on current events, especially in the insurance and financial sectors.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can confidently tackle the Descriptive English section and secure a high score in the IRDAI Assistant Manager exam.