Introduction
The Descriptive English Paper in the IRDAI Assistant Manager Phase II Exam is a 60-minute test of your writing, thinking, and comprehension abilities. With five sections—Essay, Precis, Reading Comprehension (RC), Letter Writing, and Statement Expansion—this paper carries 100 marks, and a good score can significantly boost your overall merit.
Aiming for 70+ marks isn’t just ambitious—it’s realistic, if you follow the right plan.
In this detailed post, Bank Whizz shows you how to approach each section strategically, practice effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and walk into the exam hall with full confidence.
IRDAI Descriptive Paper Overview
| Section | Marks (Approx.) | Word Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 30 | 270–300 words |
| Precis Writing | 25–30 | ~170 words (1/3 of passage) |
| Reading Comprehension | 25–30 | 5 answers (3–5 lines each) |
| Letter Writing | 10–15 | 150–200 words |
| Statement Expansion | 5–10 | 100 words |
How Are Marks Awarded?
Each section is evaluated based on:
- Content Relevance
- Structure & Organization
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Clarity & Tone
- Completion within word limit
Even if your English is not flowery, you can score high by being clear, logical, and structured.
Section-Wise Strategy to Score 70+
1. Essay Writing (Target Score: 22–25/30)
What to Expect
4 topics are usually given. At least one topic will be on:
- Insurance or finance
- Technology
- Governance
- Abstract/social issues
How to Score High
- Stick to the format: Intro – Body – Conclusion
- Add examples: IRDAI schemes, insurance penetration stats, RBI initiatives
- Don’t exceed 300 words
- Avoid repetition and vague phrases
Sample Topic
“Insurance for All by 2047”
Write about existing gaps, IRDAI initiatives, digital access, and the way forward.
2. Precis Writing (Target Score: 20–23/30)
What to Expect
A 500–550 word passage, mostly on:
- Women in the workforce
- Financial awareness
- Insurance expansion
- Public policy or governance
How to Score High
- Write 1/3rd of the passage (170–180 words)
- Use your own words (no copying lines)
- Give a specific and relevant title
- Avoid personal opinions and extra data
- Stick to a single paragraph
Example Title for a Passage on Women’s Empowerment
“Women in the Workforce: Barriers and Progress”
3. Reading Comprehension (Target Score: 20–23/30)
What to Expect
- 1 passage (400–500 words)
- 5 descriptive questions based on:
- Role of data in insurance
- AI and technology
- Insurance-related reforms
How to Score High
- Read questions first, then passage
- Use 3–5 lines per answer
- Paraphrase—don’t copy
- Use keywords from the question in your answer
- Answer all 5—even partial answers score
Sample RC Topic
“The Impact of Digital Transformation on Insurance Services”
4. Letter Writing (Target Score: 8–10/10)
What to Expect
1 letter—formal or informal. Topics like:
- Complaint to commissioner
- Letter to nephew about fake news
- Letter to editor or friend
How to Score High
- Use correct format
- Maintain tone: professional for formal, friendly for informal
- Keep it concise: 150–200 words
- Stick to the issue. Avoid fluff.
Sample Opening for Formal Letter
“I am writing to bring to your attention the ongoing issues faced by residents of XYZ locality…”
5. Statement Expansion (Target Score: 5/5 or 9–10/10)
What to Expect
One statement like:
- “Ethical leadership is the need of the hour”
- “Transparency builds trust”
- “Technology is a double-edged sword”
How to Score High
- Define the statement (1 line)
- Expand with 2–3 logical points
- Give an example (real-world or generic)
- Wrap up with its modern-day relevance
- Keep it under 100 words
Time Management Strategy (60-Minute Plan)
| Section | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 18 minutes |
| Precis Writing | 14 minutes |
| RC (5 Qs) | 12 minutes |
| Letter Writing | 8 minutes |
| Statement Expansion | 5 minutes |
| Final Review | 3 minutes |
Tip: Practice completing mock papers in exactly 60 minutes.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Scores
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Writing beyond word limit | Penalty or cutoff |
| Skipping letter or statement task | Easy marks lost |
| Copying text in precis or RC | Reduces originality score |
| Poor paragraphing in essays | Affects readability |
| Using informal tone in formal letter | Results in deduction |
How to Practice for 70+ Score
1. Weekly Practice Plan
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Write one essay on IRDAI topic |
| Tuesday | Write precis from an editorial |
| Wednesday | Attempt full RC with 5 answers |
| Thursday | Practice letter + statement expansion |
| Friday | Attempt full-length descriptive mock |
| Saturday | Review all answers + grammar check |
| Sunday | Read IRDAI, SEBI, RBI circulars/editorials |
2. Self-Evaluation Checklist
Before submitting any practice paper, ask:
- Is each answer within the word limit?
- Did I use proper format in essay and letter?
- Did I write the title in precis?
- Did I answer all 5 RC questions in my own words?
- Is my grammar and sentence structure clean?
3. Tools You Can Use
- Bank Whizz Mock Tests – Real exam pattern
- Word Counter Tool – To monitor essay/precis length
- Grammarly/LanguageTool – To correct errors while practicing
- Timer – Strictly time your sections during mocks
Bonus: Vocabulary Phrases to Use
- “It is imperative that…”
- “This reflects the need for…”
- “The regulatory body ensures…”
- “Such initiatives are a step forward…”
- “A comprehensive approach must include…”
Using formal phrases boosts your impression without needing fancy words.
Conclusion
Scoring 70+ marks in the IRDAI Assistant Manager 2025 Descriptive English Paper is possible with the right mix of strategy, structure, and speed. It’s not about using high-level English—but about writing clearly, logically, and completely.
Start practicing today with a time-bound approach. Use Bank Whizz’s expert-evaluated mock tests, sample answers, and topic-wise preparation kits to unlock your full potential.