The IBPS PO Mains Descriptive Paper is a game-changer, carrying 25 marks but often deciding the margin between selection and rejection. In 2025, the latest exam pattern now includes Essay + Comprehension (letter writing has been removed). With limited time and computer-based evaluation, the vocabulary and expressions you use matter more than ever. Examiners look for clarity, relevance, conciseness, and variety. This article explores high-scoring words, idiomatic expressions, and ready-to-use connectors that can elevate your writing.
📋 Latest Updates for 2025 – Why Vocabulary Matters More
- Pattern Change: Essay + Comprehension only; no letter writing.
- Automated Checking: Evaluation software flags repetitive words, poor grammar, and weak connectors.
- Word Limit Strictness: Essays must stay around 250–300 words, so vocabulary precision is critical.
- Comprehension Paraphrasing: Using your own words with appropriate expressions earns marks.
Thus, a strong vocabulary is not about showing off “big” words, but about using precise, context-appropriate expressions that improve flow.
🏆 Categories of High-Scoring Vocabulary
1. Formal Connectors (for coherence)
These help structure essays and comprehension answers logically.
- Moreover, Furthermore, In addition
- However, Nevertheless, On the contrary
- Therefore, Thus, Consequently
- To illustrate, For instance, For example
- In conclusion, To summarize, Overall
Why it scores: Automated evaluation favors essays with clear transitions between paragraphs.
2. Powerful Verbs (to replace weak ones)
Instead of overusing “do,” “make,” or “get,” use impactful verbs.
- Implement, Facilitate, Enhance, Demonstrate, Foster
- Mitigate, Address, Prioritize, Advocate, Initiate
- Transform, Accelerate, Sustain, Empower, Stimulate
Example:
❌ The government is doing steps for skill development.
✅ The government is initiating measures to foster skill development.
3. Positive Academic Expressions
Use these to sound polished without being complicated.
- It is evident that…
- A pressing challenge is…
- One cannot ignore the fact that…
- From a broader perspective…
- A balanced approach suggests…
4. Essay-Specific Vocabulary (by theme)
a) Economy & Banking:
- Financial inclusion, Sustainable growth, Digital ecosystem, Credit penetration, Monetary stability
b) Social Issues:
- Inclusive development, Gender parity, Empowerment, Socio-economic fabric, Democratic values
c) Technology:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Disruptive innovation, Data-driven governance, Cyber resilience, Digital literacy
d) Environment & Development:
- Climate resilience, Sustainable development, Renewable energy, Biodiversity conservation, Carbon neutrality
e) Youth & Education:
- Skill augmentation, Knowledge economy, Human capital, Innovation-driven growth, Demographic dividend
5. Expressions for Conclusion / Way Forward
- The way forward requires…
- A sustainable solution lies in…
- To ensure long-term progress…
- The road ahead demands…
- Only through collective effort can…
✍️ Vocabulary in Action – Sample Sentences
- It is evident that financial inclusion plays a pivotal role in empowering rural households.
- From a broader perspective, digital literacy is the backbone of inclusive growth in India.
- A balanced approach suggests that while AI creates opportunities, it also demands regulatory safeguards.
- The way forward requires collaboration between industry and academia to address skill mismatches.
📖 Vocabulary Tips for Comprehension
- Paraphrase actively: Replace “important” with crucial, vital, significant.
- Use synonyms naturally: Don’t force rare words; clarity > complexity.
- Practice substitution drills: Rewrite a passage using alternative vocabulary.
🔑 Secret Strategies to Master Vocabulary
- Error Log: Maintain a personal list of words you misused in mocks.
- Thematic Word Bank: Create mini-lists under themes (economy, environment, governance, tech).
- Daily Drill: Use 5 new expressions in your essay practice every day.
- Revision before Exam: Skim 2–3 pages of your word bank just before the test to keep words fresh.
- Focus on Collocations: Words that often go together (e.g., policy reform, climate resilience, digital penetration).
✅ Final Takeaway
In 2025, quality matters over quantity in IBPS PO Descriptive English. The right vocabulary and expressions give your writing polish, coherence, and precision — exactly what examiners (and automated systems) reward. Build your word bank, practice regularly, and integrate these expressions into your essays and comprehension answers.
With the right time management (30 minutes split between essay and comprehension) and high-scoring vocabulary, you can comfortably aim for 18–20+ marks out of 25.