The SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) 2025 Descriptive English paper is your chance to showcase not just your writing ability, but your thought clarity, professionalism, and communication skills. You’ll be asked to write one essay (250 words) and one formal letter (150–200 words) — all within 30 minutes.
While strong language skills are an asset, the key to high scores lies in writing strategically and avoiding common pitfalls.
This post outlines the most important do’s and don’ts to help you craft powerful, mistake-free responses and maximize your score in the Descriptive English section.
📘 Quick Snapshot of SBI CBO Descriptive Paper
| Section | Word Limit | Marks | Time (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | ~250 words | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Letter Writing | ~150–200 words | 25 |
🔹 Online test – answers to be typed
🔹 Focused on banking awareness and formal writing
🔹 Grammar, structure, and relevance are key
✅ Do’s for Essay Writing
1. Follow a Clear Structure
- Introduction: Set the context in 2–3 lines.
- Body: Present 2–3 key arguments or points.
- Conclusion: Provide a summary or a solution-oriented ending.
Structure improves readability and helps the examiner follow your logic.
2. Use Simple and Precise Language
- Write in a straightforward, concise manner.
- Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to banking.
- Prefer short sentences over long, complex ones.
Example:
❌ “Due to multifaceted financial conundrums…”
✅ “Banks are facing several financial challenges.”
3. Stick to the Topic
- Answer exactly what is asked.
- Avoid writing about general background or irrelevant history.
If the topic is “Digital Banking and Financial Literacy,” focus on how digital platforms help financial literacy, not just on digital banking tools.
4. Include Examples or Data
- Mention relevant RBI schemes (e.g., PMJDY, UPI).
- Quote recent statistics or reforms to support your point.
This shows awareness and adds credibility.
5. Practice Timed Typing
- Regularly type 250-word essays within 15 minutes.
- Build both speed and accuracy.
❌ Don’ts for Essay Writing
1. Don’t Exceed Word Limit
- Crossing 280–300 words may lead to penalties.
- Be concise and cut fluff.
2. Don’t Use Informal or Slang Language
- Avoid words like “guy,” “stuff,” “cool,” etc.
- This is a professional setting.
3. Don’t Repeat the Same Idea
- Each paragraph should add new value.
- Avoid saying the same thing in different words.
4. Don’t Be Too General or Philosophical
- Avoid vague ideas like “everything will be fine” or “we must believe in humanity.”
- Keep it specific and banking-relevant.
5. Don’t Forget to Proofread
- A couple of grammar or spelling errors can reduce your marks.
- Reserve 1–2 minutes to review both essay and letter.
✅ Do’s for Letter Writing
1. Use the Correct Format
Your Address
Date
Receiver’s Address
Subject: [Precise and clear]
Salutation (Respected Sir/Madam)
[Paragraph 1] – State the purpose
[Paragraph 2] – Add details
[Paragraph 3] – Request or close
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
2. Be Direct and Professional
- Don’t beat around the bush.
- Get to the point in the first paragraph.
3. Keep the Tone Formal and Polite
- Use words like “kindly,” “request,” “appreciate,” “grateful.”
- Maintain respect, even in complaint letters.
4. Include All Relevant Details
- Example: In a letter to block an ATM card, include:
- Account number
- Date of loss
- Request for new card
5. Practice Letter Typing Separately
- Most candidates make more mistakes in letter format.
- Practice writing one letter daily with full format.
❌ Don’ts for Letter Writing
1. Don’t Use the Wrong Format
- Missing the subject line or salutation affects marks.
- Use “Yours faithfully” for formal letters — not “Best wishes” or “Cheers.”
2. Don’t Add Personal Opinions or Stories
- It’s not a narrative or opinion piece.
- Stick to facts and keep it objective.
3. Don’t Use Abbreviations
- Avoid SMS language: “plz,” “u,” “asap.”
- Always write full forms: “please,” “you,” “as soon as possible.”
4. Don’t Use First Names for Officials
- Say “Respected Sir/Madam” or “The Branch Manager.”
- Avoid names unless explicitly asked.
5. Don’t Skip Key Information
- Missing account number or request reason makes your letter ineffective.
🧠 Quick Checklist Before You Submit
| ✅ Task | Essay | Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Structured format used? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Within word limit? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Professional tone maintained? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grammar and spelling checked? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Typed without backspacing too much? | ✅ | ✅ |
🔍 Sample Error vs Correction
| ❌ Incorrect | ✅ Correct |
|---|---|
| “I want to say that bank is important…” | “Banks play a vital role in financial growth.” |
| “plz block my ATM card.” | “Kindly block my ATM card with immediate effect.” |
| “We all know that banking is good.” | “Banking contributes significantly to national development.” |
💡 How to Practice These Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Write Daily
- Practice one essay and one letter every day.
- Apply the structure and language rules mentioned above.
✅ Get Expert Feedback
- Ask mentors or platforms like Bank Whizz to evaluate your writing.
✅ Analyze Your Mistakes
- Maintain an error log to track repeated issues.
- Learn and revise your corrected versions.
🧰 Tools & Resources to Help You
| Tool/Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bank Whizz Course | Practice + Evaluation + Mocks |
| Typing.com | Build typing speed and accuracy |
| Wren & Martin | Grammar correction |
| The Hindu Editorials | Improve sentence formation and tone |
| RBI/PIB Websites | Real data for essay examples |
🏁 Final Words
Scoring high in SBI CBO 2025 Descriptive English is not about fancy vocabulary or long paragraphs. It’s about:
✅ Writing clearly
✅ Following the format
✅ Staying relevant to the topic
✅ Maintaining a professional tone
✅ Avoiding simple but costly mistakes
By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll avoid common traps and present your ideas effectively — the way SBI wants to see them.
Want to practice these rules in real exam conditions?
Join Bank Whizz’s Descriptive English Master Plan with expert-evaluated mocks, model answers, and personalized writing feedback.