Mastering IBPS PO 2025 Descriptive Writing — Essay & Comprehension Tips for High Scores
The Descriptive English in IBPS PO Mains now consists of Essay + Comprehension, with 25 marks allotted and only 30 minutes to deliver. Because of the tight time frame, your writing must be sharp, structured, and error-free. Below is a full guide — from the mindset to writing hacks — to help aspirants hit high scores.
1. Understand What the Exam Expects
To “master” descriptive writing, you must know what the evaluators / automated system look for. Key parameters typically are:
- Relevance & coherence — your content must stay on topic and flow logically
- Structure & clarity — clear introduction, body, conclusion, and paragraphing
- Language & expression — grammar, vocabulary control, sentence construction
- Adherence to word limit & time discipline — overshooting or falling short hurts
- Paraphrasing in comprehension — answers in your own words, not line lifting
Because evaluation is increasingly automated (or semi-automated), precision matters more than length.
2. Mindset & Preparation Attitude
- View essay + comprehension as two linked tasks, not independent. Your energy and clarity must carry through both.
- Practice in exam environment — on a keyboard, under time limits.
- Embrace error log culture: every slip (grammar, awkward phrasing, off topic) goes into a personal log, and you revisit it.
- Look for feedback (peers, mentors) — external eyes often spot blind spots.
3. High-Yield Tips for the Essay
(a) Topic Reading & Selection
- Often two or more options are given — read both before deciding.
- Choose the topic you can support better (you have more points & examples in mind).
- Avoid exotic or very niche topics unless you have strong command of them.
(b) Quick Outline (2–3 min)
- Write a compact skeleton: thesis, 2–3 supporting pillars, way forward / recommendation, and conclusion.
- This keeps you from digressing mid-writing.
(c) Paragraphing & Flow
- Use 5 paragraphs (ideal):
- Introduction
- Body pillar 1
- Body pillar 2 / counterpoint
- Solutions / way forward
- Conclusion / takeaway
- Keep each paragraph focused. Don’t cram multiple ideas in one.
- Use transitions: Moreover, However, In contrast, Therefore, To conclude, On the other hand.
(d) Examples & Relevance
- Use 1–2 concrete examples (policy, scheme, case) relevant to India / bank / economy.
- Tie every example directly back to your thesis. Don’t just narrate—analyze.
(e) Language & Tone
- Use formal, clear, plain vocabulary — don’t force fancy words you aren’t comfortable with.
- Use active voice when possible.
- Watch for subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions.
- Sentences should be short or medium; avoid extremely long, winding constructions.
(f) Introduction & Conclusion
- Intro: Define the topic, narrow focus, state your stance + what you will cover.
- Conclusion: Summarise your key points and issue a brief call to action or future outlook.
4. Smart Strategy for Comprehension
(a) Reading Strategy
- Read the passage once for general sense.
- On second reading, underline or note key lines: thesis, pivot, examples.
- Identify: central idea, tone, supporting arguments, author’s stance.
(b) Answering Questions
- Read question carefully — note whether it demands explain, infer, summarise, tone, etc.
- Always answer in your own words. Avoid copying entire sentences.
- Be concise yet complete (2–4 lines for most questions, unless longer is demanded).
- Use connectors even in answers: “The author argues…”, “In contrast…”, “Because…”
(c) Summary / Paraphrase
- If there’s a summary or synthesis question, consolidate the main theme + key supporting points in 1 paragraph.
- Do not introduce new ideas not present in the passage.
5. Time Management & Execution Tips
- Use the first 1 minute to decide: start with essay or comprehension (whichever you’re stronger at).
- Stick to a minute-wise plan (e.g. 3 min outline, 12–15 min essay, ~10 min comprehension, 2–3 min revision).
- Don’t pause mid-paragraph to overthink — write your flow, then refine in final pass.
- Reserve 2–3 minutes at end strictly for proofreading both pieces.
6. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Why It’s Harmful | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Going off topic / digressions | Loss of relevance, negative impression | Stick to your outline; if a sentence veers off, cut it |
| Overusing big words incorrectly | Awkward tone, grammar errors | Use vocabulary you own; simple is safer |
| Line-lifting in comprehension | Penalised for copying | Always paraphrase; train in rewording |
| Long unbroken paragraphs / no transitions | Hard to read, weak structure | Break into digestible chunks; use linking words |
| No proofreading | Small errors become high cost | Reserve final minutes just for this |
| Spending too much time on one task | Leaves other part weak or incomplete | Stick to your time plan strictly |
7. Drill Plan to Internalize These Tips
- Daily micro-writing: Pick one essay topic + one mini comprehension (5–10 mins each).
- Outline drills: On new topics, spend just 1–2 minutes to build a skeleton.
- Mock tests: At least 2 full 30-minute mocks every week.
- Review cycles: Post mock, annotate errors, rewrite the weak parts, update your error log.
- Timed edits: Take previous work and try improving it in 2 minutes (remove verbosity, fix structure).
8. Final Quick Checklist Before Submission
- Is your essay within 250–300 words (approx)?
- Do you have clear intro, body, conclusion?
- Did your examples align with your thesis?
- For comprehension, did you paraphrase (not copy)?
- Are all answers responsive to exact question wording?
- Any glaring grammar / spelling / punctuation mistakes?
- Did you leave 2–3 minutes to proof both answers?
When you train with the above strategy and consistently follow these writing habits under exam-like conditions, your descriptive writing will become sharper, faster, and more accurate. That is how you move from “just attempting” to scoring high.