IFSCA Grade A Descriptive English: How to Attempt All 3 Questions Smartly 

Introduction

The IFSCA Grade A 2024 Descriptive Paper (Phase II, Paper 1) is a vital part of the selection process. With 60 minutes to attempt three sections—Essay (30 marks), Precis Writing (35 marks), and Comprehension (35 marks)—managing time effectively and adopting the right strategy is key to performing well.

While most candidates focus on content quality, it’s strategic execution that often makes the difference between a good score and a mediocre one. Each section demands a different skill set and approach, but if you tackle all three efficiently, you’ll maximize your score.

In this post, we will guide you on how to attempt Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Comprehension sections smartly, ensuring that you finish each question confidently within the allotted time.

General Strategy for Attempting All 3 Questions

Before diving into specific section strategies, let’s look at the overall approach you should adopt to tackle the Descriptive Paper:

  1. Read All Instructions Carefully
    Don’t rush. Understand the word limit, number of questions, and each section’s expectations. This helps you avoid mistakes like exceeding the word limit or misinterpreting the question.
  2. Allocate Time Wisely
    Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Allocate 20 minutes to each section (Precis, Essay, and Comprehension). Adjust as needed, but keep your focus on completing each section in time.
  3. Start with the Easiest Section
    Begin with the section you find easiest or are most confident in. This helps you build momentum and saves time for more difficult parts.
  4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
    It’s better to write 3-5 clear, well-structured sentences in an answer than to write 10 convoluted lines. Stick to the point and ensure clarity.
  5. Review Your Answers
    Leave 2-3 minutes at the end to review your answers. Check for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and ensure that your writing is concise.

1. Essay Writing: How to Attempt

The Essay Writing section requires you to express your thoughts clearly and logically within 270 words. This is your opportunity to demonstrate writing coherence, relevant examples, and critical thinking.

Strategy for Attempting the Essay:

  1. Understand the Topic (3 minutes):
    Spend 2-3 minutes reading and understanding the essay prompt. Make sure you comprehend the underlying issue or topic. For example, if the topic is “The Role of Green Finance in India,” ensure you understand what green finance means and how it applies to India.
  2. Quick Brainstorming & Structuring (4 minutes):
    • Create an outline. This should include:
      • Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic.
      • Body: List 2-3 points you will discuss in the essay.
      • Conclusion: End with a strong, forward-looking statement or solution.
    • Use a simple structure:
      • Intro (30-40 words)
      • Body (120 words, divided into 2-3 logical points)
      • Conclusion (30-40 words)
  3. Write the Essay (12 minutes):
    • Start with a hook or thought-provoking introduction.
    • In the body, provide facts, data, or examples to support your points.
    • Conclude with a solution or future outlook.
    • Keep your language simple and avoid verbosity.
  4. Proofread (1-2 minutes):
    • Make sure your essay follows a clear structure and stays within the word limit.
    • Fix any grammatical or typographical errors.

2. Precis Writing: How to Attempt

In the Precis Writing section, you are asked to summarize a given passage in 1/3 of the given words while preserving its meaning and tone. The goal is to condense the passage without losing the core message.

Strategy for Attempting Precis Writing:

  1. Read the Passage Carefully (5 minutes):
    • Read the passage twice—once for overall understanding, and again to identify the key points.
    • Underline or note down the key ideas, themes, and examples.
  2. Create a Bullet Point Outline (2-3 minutes):
    • Identify the main idea and supporting arguments.
    • Exclude any extraneous information or examples that are not necessary to convey the meaning.
  3. Write the Precis (10-12 minutes):
    • Start by rephrasing the passage in your own words.
    • Be concise. Your goal is to retain the meaning, not the exact wording of the passage.
    • Avoid using complex sentences; keep it simple and clear.
    • Use the third person and neutral tone, avoiding opinions.
  4. Proofread (2 minutes):
    • Ensure your precis doesn’t exceed the given word limit.
    • Check for clarity, grammar, and coherence.
    • Ensure that the main message of the passage is retained and expressed succinctly.

3. Comprehension: How to Attempt

The Comprehension section is designed to assess your reading ability and comprehension skills. You’ll be asked to read a passage and answer 5 related questions in 3–5 lines each.

Strategy for Attempting Comprehension:

  1. Read the Passage and Questions (5 minutes):
    • Skim through the passage first. Don’t try to understand every word; focus on the central message.
    • Read the questions before going back to the passage. This will guide you in focusing on the relevant sections of the passage while reading.
  2. Identify Key Information (7–8 minutes):
    • Underline key facts, phrases, or opinions while you re-read the passage.
    • Look for answers to factual questions (dates, names, figures) as well as inferential questions (the tone, central idea).
  3. Answer the Questions (10 minutes):
    • Be precise and answer in your own words.
    • Avoid copying long phrases from the passage. Paraphrase the information in 3–5 lines.
    • Ensure that each answer addresses the core of the question, avoiding unnecessary details.
  4. Proofread (2 minutes):
    • Check that your answers are within the word limit.
    • Ensure grammatical accuracy and that all questions have been answered clearly.

Final Tips for Attempting All 3 Sections Smartly

  1. Stay Focused and Avoid Overthinking
    Don’t overthink or get stuck on one question. Move forward if you feel stuck and come back to it later.
  2. Practice Under Timed Conditions
    Simulate the exam environment by practicing with a 60-minute timer. This will help you get used to the pressure of the clock.
  3. Write Legibly
    If the exam is online, your typing speed matters. Practice typing to improve your speed and accuracy.
  4. Stay Calm
    If you feel rushed or stressed, take a deep breath. Calmness is key to maintaining clarity in your answers.
  5. Use Clear and Concise Language
    Avoid complex or overly intricate sentences. Simple and clear language will always score better.

Conclusion

The IFSCA Grade A Descriptive Paper requires a strategic approach to effectively attempt all three sections: Essay, Precis Writing, and Comprehension. By dividing your time efficiently, understanding each section’s expectations, and maintaining a structured approach, you’ll be able to score highly on all three sections within the 60-minute time frame.

Practice these techniques consistently with Bank Whizz’s mock tests to build speed and confidence. With the right strategies, you can tackle each question smartly and ace your IFSCA exam.