Grammar and clarity are the backbone of scoring well in IRDAI Grade A Phase II Descriptive English. Even if you have strong content and good ideas, poor grammar and unclear expression can drag down your marks. Examiners look for answers that are not only factually correct but also easy to read, error-free, and well-structured.
This article provides a step-by-step roadmap to improve grammar and write with clarity, specifically tailored for IRDAI Grade A aspirants.
Why Grammar & Clarity Matter
- Professional Impression: As a future regulatory officer, your written communication must be precise and polished.
- Marks Allocation: Grammatical correctness and logical flow are part of the evaluation rubric.
- Better Expression: Good grammar ensures that your ideas are conveyed exactly as you intend — without confusion.
Key Grammar Areas to Master
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
- Rule: Singular subject → singular verb; plural subject → plural verb.
- Example:
- ✅ The report is ready.
- ❌ The report are ready.
2. Tense Consistency
Maintain the same tense throughout your paragraph unless a shift is logically required.
Example:
- ✅ The IRDAI launched the initiative last year and it has shown good results.
- ❌ The IRDAI launched the initiative last year and it shows good results.
3. Correct Use of Articles
- ‘A/An’ for general mention, ‘The’ for specific reference.
- Example: The insurance sector is crucial for the economy.
4. Proper Punctuation
- Use commas to break long sentences.
- End statements with a full stop, not ellipses or casual dashes.
- Avoid overusing exclamation marks in formal writing.
5. Active vs. Passive Voice
Prefer active voice for clarity and brevity.
- ✅ IRDAI introduced new guidelines.
- ❌ New guidelines were introduced by IRDAI. (correct but wordier)
Techniques to Enhance Clarity
1. Use Short Sentences
Long, complex sentences can confuse the reader. Break them into two or three shorter sentences.
2. Logical Flow of Ideas
Maintain a clear structure:
- Essay: Intro → Main Body (points in order of importance) → Conclusion
- Letter: Purpose in first para → Details → Closing request
3. Use Transitional Words
These improve coherence:
- Firstly, moreover, therefore, in contrast, consequently, in conclusion.
4. Avoid Redundancy
Cut unnecessary words:
- ❌ Due to the fact that → ✅ Because
- ❌ In order to → ✅ To
5. Be Formal, Not Casual
Replace casual words with professional alternatives:
- ❌ Lots of people → ✅ Many individuals
- ❌ Big problem → ✅ Major concern
Step-by-Step Practice Routine
Daily Grammar Drills
- Spend 15 minutes daily revising one grammar topic (subject-verb, tenses, prepositions).
- Use online tools or grammar books (e.g., Wren & Martin).
Daily Writing Practice
- Pick a news article on finance/insurance and summarize in 150 words.
- Focus on sentence correctness, punctuation, and flow.
Weekly Self-Check
- Write one essay, one precis, and one letter under timed conditions.
- Review: underline grammar errors, rewrite with corrections.
Example: Improving Clarity
Before:
Insurance sector plays very important role and it must be regulated properly otherwise problems will come and customers will suffer because companies may mislead them.
After:
The insurance sector plays a vital role in financial security. Proper regulation is essential to prevent mis-selling and protect customer interests.
Notice how the improved version is shorter, clearer, and grammatically correct.
Tools & Resources to Help
- Grammarly / Quillbot: To spot grammar issues during practice.
- The Hindu / Business Line Editorials: Read daily to learn sentence structure and professional vocabulary.
- IRDAI Annual Report: Use it to practice writing summaries with correct terminology.
Common Grammar Mistakes in IRDAI Descriptive English
| Mistake | Better Version |
|---|---|
| There is many challenges in insurance sector. | There are many challenges in the insurance sector. |
| Government have launched many schemes. | Government has launched many schemes. |
| Customer must disclose his health honestly for get claim. | Customers must disclose their health honestly to get claims. |
Quick Revision Checklist
Before submitting your paper, ask:
- ✅ Are sentences grammatically correct?
- ✅ Are ideas arranged in logical order?
- ✅ Are there any long, confusing sentences that need splitting?
- ✅ Are punctuation and capital letters used correctly?
- ✅ Is the tone formal?
Weekly Grammar & Clarity Booster Plan
| Day | Focus Area | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Subject-Verb Agreement | Write 10 sentences using singular/plural subjects |
| Tue | Tenses | Rewrite a newspaper article in past tense |
| Wed | Punctuation | Edit a sample paragraph for commas/full stops |
| Thu | Vocabulary | Replace casual words with formal equivalents |
| Fri | Writing Drill | Essay + Precis in 40 minutes |
| Sat | Mock Descriptive | Complete full paper under time |
| Sun | Review & Rewrite | Correct grammar mistakes and re-attempt |
Final Words
Improving grammar and clarity is not a one-day task — it is a consistent habit. Every well-constructed sentence you write during practice will translate into better performance on exam day.
By focusing on key grammar rules, practicing short and clear sentences, and revising your answers before submission, you can significantly improve your IRDAI Grade A Descriptive English score.
Remember: Good grammar + Clear expression = High marks.