The IRDAI Grade A Phase II Descriptive English paper is a crucial stage that evaluates a candidate’s ability to think logically, express ideas clearly, and understand written text with precision. Two key components — Precis Writing and Reading Comprehension (RC) — together account for a major portion of your descriptive score.
Mastering these two sections is essential if you wish to secure high marks and move ahead in the selection process. This detailed guide covers approach, strategies, common mistakes, and practice tips for both Precis and RC, specifically tailored for IRDAI Grade A 2025 aspirants.
Importance of Precis & Comprehension
Unlike objective English tests, Descriptive English evaluates interpretation, expression, and articulation rather than just grammar. Precis and RC together test:
- Ability to Read Quickly & Accurately: Understanding key ideas under time pressure.
- Power of Summarization: Expressing the essence of a long passage in fewer words.
- Clarity of Writing: Using concise, grammatically correct sentences.
- Critical Thinking: Identifying tone, purpose, and implications in a passage.
A good performance in these sections shows that you can process large amounts of information — a crucial skill for a regulatory officer.
Section 1: Precis Writing for IRDAI Grade A
What is Precis Writing?
A precis is a crisp, condensed version of a given passage that conveys the core meaning in one-third of the original length (approximation). It must be:
- Brief but complete – covering all key points.
- In your own words – no copy-paste sentences.
- Logically structured – with proper flow and coherence.
Step-by-Step Approach to Precis Writing
- Read Thoroughly:
Read the passage 2–3 times. First for understanding, second to underline key points, and third to confirm comprehension. - Identify the Core Idea:
Determine the main theme — the passage’s central argument or message. - Select Key Points:
Note down facts, arguments, examples, and conclusions that are essential to convey meaning. - Organize Logically:
Arrange points in a coherent order — introduction, main idea, supporting details, conclusion. - Write in Your Own Words:
Use synonyms, rewrite sentences, and avoid repetition. - Maintain Proportion:
Target one-third length. If original passage is 300 words, precis should be around 100 words. - Craft a Suitable Title:
Title should be short (3–7 words) and reflect the main idea.
Tips for High-Scoring Precis
- Use simple and formal language.
- Avoid examples, statistics, or quotations unless essential.
- Maintain chronological order if the passage is narrative.
- Do not inject personal opinions — stay objective.
- Revise to remove unnecessary words (word economy is key).
Common Mistakes in Precis Writing
- Copying Sentences: Lowers marks; use your own expression.
- Over-Compression: Losing important points in the attempt to shorten.
- Adding Personal Views: Precis is a summary, not a critique.
- Missing Title: Many candidates lose marks by skipping the title.
- Grammar Errors: Affect readability and score.
Section 2: Reading Comprehension for IRDAI Grade A
Purpose of RC Section
Reading Comprehension tests your ability to:
- Grasp Key Ideas Quickly
- Infer Meaning Beyond Text
- Answer with Precision (avoiding vague or over-elaborate answers)
In IRDAI Grade A, RC passages are typically 300–500 words long and may relate to finance, insurance, economy, governance, or social issues.
Approach to Solving RC
- First Skim, Then Deep Read:
- Skim the passage to get the gist.
- Read deeply for tone, argument, and key data points.
- Identify Question Types:
RC questions usually include:- Direct Questions: Who/What/When (answers found directly).
- Inference-Based: Require logical interpretation.
- Vocabulary/Meaning: Contextual understanding of words.
- Title/Summary: Capture the main idea.
- Answer in Your Own Words:
Use concise, grammatically correct sentences. Avoid copying entire lines. - Maintain Logical Flow:
If asked for summary-based questions, use short sentences and structured responses.
Tips to Score High in RC
- Improve Reading Speed: Practice daily with editorials from The Hindu, Business Line, Economic Times.
- Understand Tone & Intent: Is the author persuasive, analytical, or descriptive?
- Underline Keywords: While reading, mark important terms for easy reference.
- Stay Neutral: Avoid personal biases in answers.
Common Pitfalls in RC
- Reading Too Fast: Leads to missing details and re-reading (wasting time).
- Copy-Paste Answers: Shows poor comprehension.
- Over-Explaining: Answers must be short and focused.
- Ignoring Negative/Qualifier Words: “Not,” “only,” “except” can change meaning.
Integrated Practice Plan
Weekly Practice Routine
| Day | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Precis Practice – 1 Passage | 30 mins |
| Tue | RC Practice – 2 Sets (5 Qs each) | 30 mins |
| Wed | Precis Practice – Focus on Titles | 20 mins |
| Thu | RC Practice – Inference-based Questions | 30 mins |
| Fri | Mixed Practice (Precis + RC) | 40 mins |
| Sat | Timed Mock (Combined Descriptive Paper) | 1 Hour |
| Sun | Analysis & Revision | 30 mins |
Resources for Practice
- IRDAI Annual Reports: For sector-based passages.
- Yojana / Kurukshetra Magazines: For socio-economic topics.
- Previous Year Papers: Familiarize with exam style.
Self-Evaluation Parameters
- Precis: Check word count, completeness, grammar, title relevance.
- RC: Accuracy rate (aim 80%+), time per question, quality of expression.
Sample Practice
Passage: (Sample 300-word passage on insurance awareness and digital initiatives)
Precis: 100 words summarizing challenges and digital solutions for insurance penetration.
RC Questions:
- What is the central idea of the passage?
- List two major challenges mentioned.
- What is the author’s tone? (Analytical, Critical, Optimistic)
- Suggest a title in 5 words.
Final Words
Precis and Reading Comprehension are scoring areas if practiced systematically. They require a blend of reading skill, summarization ability, and clear expression — all of which can be mastered with consistent effort.
By following this structured approach, focusing on word economy, and practicing regularly, you can significantly boost your IRDAI Grade A Descriptive English score and stand out in the competition.