Introduction
The descriptive stage of IB ACIO (“Tier II”) is where your writing, analysis, and clarity of thought get tested. Many aspirants ace Tier I but stumble at this hurdle. With the 2025 notification confirming the descriptive paper structure (50 marks total: Essay 20, Comprehension 10, Two Long Answers 20) , you must craft a preparation plan that is smart, balanced, and aligned with what examiners expect.
In this post, we’ll dissect the official pattern, present sample / model outlines, note pitfalls, and deliver a robust roadmap to help readers conquer the descriptive paper confidently.
1. Official Pattern & What It Means
Pattern Breakdown
| Section | Marks | Focus / Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 20 | Your skill to argue, structure, and present insight |
| English Comprehension | 10 | Reading, inference, grammar, concise answerability |
| Two Long Answers | 2 × 10 = 20 | Analytical depth on current affairs / socio-political / economic issues |
This pattern is confirmed by multiple sources including the Testbook syllabus page. Also the notification itself mentions the descriptive test components (essay, comprehension, long answer).
Qualifying Marks & Weightage
- You must generally secure at least ~33% (≈ 17 marks) in this descriptive paper to qualify.
- While it is qualifying, the Tier II marks often contribute to the final merit list or tie-breakers, so maximizing score is essential.
- Because the paper is only 1 hour, time management across these three segments is critical.
2. Model Outlines & Example Sketches
Here are sample frameworks and mini examples you or your readers can use as templates.
2.1. Essay (20 Marks)
Topic example: “Digital surveillance vs privacy: Striking a balance”
Outline:
- Introduction
Brief context about surveillance and privacy in modern societies; state your thesis (balance is necessary but challenging). - Pros / Justifications for Surveillance
National security, crime prevention, public safety, data analytics.
Example: Use of CCTV / AI in urban crime detection. - Risks / Concerns Over Surveillance
Misuse of data, privacy breach, lack of consent, authoritarian risks. - Safeguards & Principles
Oversight mechanisms, data anonymization, transparent laws, consent frameworks. - Conclusion
Conclude that surveillance must be bounded by rights, and citizens & institutions both must be accountable.
Mini example sentence (in body):
“While surveillance can flag threats preemptively, without strong data protection laws and independent oversight, it may turn into an intrusive tool of control rather than security.”
2.2. Comprehension + Short Answers (10 Marks)
Approach / Outline:
- Read the passage fully once; underline keywords, contrasts, cause–effect statements, data.
- For each sub-question:
– Restate the question in your answer (briefly)
– Use direct reference / paraphrase from the passage
– Where needed, a short link / logical inference is okay
Sample types of short sub-questions:
- Main theme / author’s viewpoint
- Reason / cause of a trend
- Data interpretation or contrast
- Inference / implied meaning
- Policy link or suggestion
(No full model for comprehension here, since exact passage unknown — but the method holds.)
2.3. Long Answers / Analytical (2 × 10 Marks)
Framework (PEEL or similar):
- P – Point: State the core point
- E – Explain: Expand with logic
- E – Example / Evidence: Data, recent event, government scheme
- L – Link + Suggestion: Connect back to question and propose remedy
Sample prompt & outline sketch:
Prompt: “Challenges facing India’s rural education and how to remedy them.”
- Point 1: Inadequate infrastructure & teacher shortage
– Explain: many rural schools lack labs, classrooms, basic facilities
– Example: reports of rural schools operating without electricity / toilets
– Suggestion: infrastructure schemes, teacher incentives, digital classrooms - Point 2: Socio-economic / accessibility barriers
– Explain: children drop out due to helping families, lack of transport, gender bias
– Example: rural girls dropping out after secondary grades
– Suggestion: stipend schemes, transport support, community awareness - Conclusion / Link Back: Strengthening rural education is vital for national growth; policy must address infrastructure + social elements in tandem.
3. Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Phase 1: Foundation & Awareness
- Read high-quality editorials, reports, policy documents (e.g. reports by NITI Aayog, government schemes, UN reports).
- Build a topic bank (20–30 themes) — e.g. climate migration, data privacy, health infrastructure, rural development, security challenges.
Phase 2: Skill Drills
- Essay writing weekly (20-25 mins each)
- Long answer (10-min drills) on current issues
- Comprehension + inference drills
- Maintain error log (grammar, repetition, weak transitions)
Phase 3: Mock Tests under Exam Conditions
- Simulate full 50-mark descriptive paper (Essay + Comprehension + 2 Long Answers) in 60 min
- Strict time splits (e.g. 20 min essay, 10 min comprehension, 20 min long answers, 5 min review)
- Self-evaluate or peer review using a checklist (structure, logic, coherence, language)
Phase 4: Polishing & Revision
- Revisit your error log; consciously avoid earlier mistakes
- Read and critique sample essays / model answers
- Practice switching the order of sections (some do long answers first, etc.)
- In last week, do 2 full timed mocks with self-review
4. Pitfalls, Tips & Best Practices
| Pitfall | Why It Harms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overwriting essay and neglecting long answers | You lose 40% of potential marks | Stick to timed practice and balance sections |
| Weak transitions / abrupt logic jumps | Reading becomes disjointed | Use linking phrases and plan flow in outline |
| Ignoring comprehension practice | Easier marks left on table | Do short passages daily |
| Not giving suggestions in long answers | Answer remains descriptive, not analytical | Always end with at least 1 or 2 suggestions |
| Skipping review time | Preventable errors remain | Reserve 3-5 minutes in exam for scanning |
Also, legibility, spacing, paragraphing, neat handwriting matter — they affect examiner perception.
5. Call to Action
“Now that you understand the pattern, models, and a roadmap — try writing a full 50-mark descriptive mock today using one of the themes from your topic bank. Send your essay + long answers in 7982774960 (WhatsApp) send me your work — I’ll review selected entries and share feedback. Let’s master this together!”