Introduction
The LIC AAO 2025 Main Examination is a highly competitive stage where even a single mark can make a difference in your final selection. Among its five sections, the Descriptive English Paper plays a unique role — it is qualifying in nature but absolutely essential to clear. Many aspirants fail to move past this stage because they underestimate its importance.
This guide is a one-stop resource to help you master the three pillars of the descriptive paper — Email Writing, Report Writing, and Precis Writing — along with actionable strategies, examples, and preparation tips.
Exam Pattern Overview
Before diving into preparation, you must clearly understand the structure of the descriptive paper:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Qualifying Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Email / Report + Precis Writing | 2 | 25 | 10 (Others) / 9 (SC/ST/PwBD) | 30 minutes |
Key Note: Your descriptive paper will be evaluated only if you qualify in the objective sections. Marks are not added to the final merit list, but failing to clear this section means disqualification.
1. Email Writing – Structure & Best Practices
Email writing tests your professional communication skills. A good email should be concise, logically structured, and use formal language.
✅ Structure of a Formal Email
- Subject: Clear and specific (e.g., Delay in Claim Settlement – Request for Clarification)
- Salutation: Respectful (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam)
- Body:
- Opening: Introduce purpose of writing.
- Details: Explain issue or solution briefly.
- Closure: Call to action or courteous closing line.
- Sign-off: Regards / Sincerely + Your Name
✍ Example Prompt:
“Write an email to your team members informing them about an urgent meeting to discuss policy changes.”
Sample Response (Compact):
Subject: Urgent Team Meeting on Policy Changes
Dear Team,
This is to inform you that an urgent meeting has been scheduled today at 4 PM in the conference hall to discuss the recent changes in our underwriting policy. Your presence is mandatory.
Regards,
[Your Name]
2. Report Writing – Format & Approach
Report writing assesses your ability to present facts and findings systematically. It is usually based on a scenario such as an event, survey, or case study.
✅ Ideal Report Structure
- Title: Clear heading (e.g., Report on Customer Awareness Program Held on 15 March 2025)
- Introduction: Briefly state the objective of the event/incident.
- Body: Present facts chronologically — what, when, where, who participated, outcomes.
- Conclusion: Summarize key points and suggest recommendations if required.
✍ Example Prompt:
“Write a report on a health awareness program conducted by your branch.”
Sample Response (Outline):
- Title: Report on Health Awareness Program
- Intro: The program was organized to educate policyholders on health insurance benefits.
- Body:
- Held on 12 March 2025 at Branch Premises
- Attended by 50 customers, 5 doctors
- Sessions included claim procedures, preventive health tips
- Conclusion: Program was successful; follow-up workshops planned quarterly.
3. Precis Writing – Key Techniques
Precis writing is about condensing a passage into one-third of its original length without losing its meaning.
✅ Steps to Write an Effective Precis
- Read Carefully: Understand the central idea of the passage.
- Highlight Key Points: Identify important arguments, facts, and keywords.
- Write in Your Own Words: Avoid copying sentences verbatim.
- Maintain Coherence: Arrange points logically and write in a single paragraph.
- Give a Title: A precise, relevant title adds clarity.
✍ Example Prompt:
“Summarize the passage about financial literacy in 80 words.”
Approach:
- Identify the key message: importance of financial education.
- Remove examples, illustrations, and data that do not change the meaning.
- Write a single, crisp paragraph focusing on benefits of financial literacy.
Time Management for 30 Minutes
- First 12-15 minutes: Attempt Email/Report
- Next 12-15 minutes: Write Precis
- Last 2-3 minutes: Review for grammar, spelling, and word count compliance
Preparation Strategy
- Daily Practice: Write one email and one precis every day.
- Mock Tests: Take timed tests weekly to simulate exam pressure.
- Vocabulary Building: Learn synonyms/antonyms to make your writing concise.
- Grammar Checks: Focus on sentence structure, punctuation, and active voice.
- Templates: Pre-learn standard email/report templates for quick recall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing informal language (Hi/Hey, slang words)
- ❌ Exceeding or falling short of word limits
- ❌ Copying lines from passage in precis writing
- ❌ Missing subject line or sign-off in emails
- ❌ Poor grammar and spelling
Conclusion
The LIC AAO 2025 Descriptive English paper is your gateway to the interview stage. With focused practice in email writing, report presentation, and precis writing, you can easily achieve the qualifying marks. Build a habit of writing regularly, review your work critically, and develop a professional tone that impresses evaluators.
Remember — clarity, conciseness, and correctness are your three mantras for success in this paper.