Success in the PFRDA Grade A Descriptive English Paper depends not only on content knowledge but also on how effectively you structure and present your essay. A well-organized essay creates a strong first impression, ensures logical flow, and helps the evaluator quickly grasp your ideas. In fact, examiners often award higher marks to candidates whose essays are clear, coherent, and well-structured—even if their content is not extraordinarily unique.
Let’s break down how to structure your essay for maximum impact.
1. Understand the Demand of the Topic
Before you start writing, analyze the topic carefully. Identify whether it is:
- Analytical (e.g., “Role of Pension Funds in Building a Sustainable Economy”)
- Opinion-based (e.g., “Should India Adopt Universal Basic Income?”)
- Current affairs-driven (e.g., “Impact of Green Finance on Emerging Economies”)
👉 Example (RBI Grade B 2023): An essay topic asked on “Digital Transformation in Banking – Opportunities and Risks.”
Candidates who structured their essay around opportunities first, then risks, followed by a balanced conclusion scored better than those who wrote in a scattered way.
2. The Classic Three-Part Structure
(a) Introduction (10–15% of essay length)
- Begin with a hook – a quote, a fact, or a striking statement.
- Provide context – why the topic is relevant today.
- End with a thesis statement – your central argument or roadmap.
👉 Example: If the topic is “Pension Reforms and Social Security in India”, you may start with:
“Social security is not charity but an investment in human dignity. In India, pension reforms have emerged as a crucial tool to address ageing population challenges and fiscal sustainability.”
(b) Body (70–75% of essay length)
- Divide into 3–4 logical sub-sections.
- Use headings or implicit transitions (Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, On the other hand).
- Present arguments + examples + data.
Suggested Body Flow:
- Background & Significance – Why the issue matters.
- Current Scenario – Data, government schemes, regulatory measures.
- Challenges – Implementation gaps, global comparisons.
- Way Forward / Reforms – Practical solutions.
👉 Example (SEBI Grade A 2022): In the essay “Climate Finance – India’s Readiness,” top scorers presented it in a sequence: Definition → India’s present efforts → Global commitments (Paris Agreement) → Challenges (greenwashing, low inflows) → Way forward (ESG bonds, policy reforms).
(c) Conclusion (10–15% of essay length)
- Summarize key points briefly.
- Add a forward-looking statement or policy recommendation.
- End with an optimistic tone.
👉 Example:
“To conclude, strengthening pension systems is not only about financial sustainability but also about creating a resilient social contract. With prudent reforms and digital integration, India can ensure old age security while driving economic growth.”
3. Use Examples from Real Exams
Examiners prefer practical illustrations over vague statements. Examples could be:
- Schemes/Policies: Atal Pension Yojana, NPS, GST reforms.
- Institutions: PFRDA, RBI, SEBI, IRDAI.
- Current Affairs: Budget 2025 announcements, G20 commitments, recent financial inclusion data.
👉 Tip: In SEBI 2020 Mains, aspirants who cited real-world cases like Yes Bank crisis in essays on financial stability received higher marks because it showed awareness and application.
4. Maintain Coherence and Flow
- Avoid abrupt jumps; each paragraph should logically follow the previous one.
- Use connectors: “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” “Therefore,” “To illustrate.”
- Keep sentences crisp and clear. Overly complex sentences can confuse examiners.
5. Word Limit Discipline
- Most essays demand 250–300 words.
- Draft your essay in short paragraphs (5–6 lines each).
- Always leave 2 minutes for revision to correct grammar, spelling, or repetitive words.
6. Presentation Tips for Online Descriptive Paper
- Use short paragraphs for readability.
- Avoid bullet points unless the topic specifically suits it (analytical essays may allow it).
- Keep tone formal, neutral, and balanced.
- Avoid colloquial expressions, overuse of jargon, or extreme views.
Final Takeaway
Remember, the examiner reads dozens of essays in a limited time. Your goal is to make your essay easy to follow, fact-rich, logically structured, and impactful.
- A strong introduction catches attention.
- A well-divided body shows clarity of thought.
- A concise conclusion leaves a lasting impression.
👉 In tomorrow’s exam, think structure first, then content. A well-structured essay can fetch you the extra 5–7 marks that may decide your selection.