The Descriptive English section of PFRDA Grade A Phase II is the ultimate test of your communication skills, clarity of thought, and ability to structure ideas under time pressure. Unlike objective tests that check knowledge through multiple-choice questions, this paper evaluates your capacity to think critically, present arguments logically, and write with precision and impact.
In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the Descriptive English paper, break down its components, share actionable strategies, and give you a step-by-step roadmap to score high.
📌 Why Descriptive English Matters in PFRDA Grade A
PFRDA recruits Assistant Managers (Grade A) who are expected to handle policy writing, regulatory communication, and formal correspondence with stakeholders. Strong writing skills are not just an exam requirement—they are a core job competency.
Scoring high in this paper boosts your overall merit rank because it carries significant weight in Phase II and is combined with your Paper II score to shortlist you for interview.
Key takeaway: Treat Descriptive English as an opportunity to stand out, not just a qualifying hurdle.
📝 Exam Pattern: Know Your Battlefield
Understanding the pattern is the first step toward mastering this paper. The Descriptive English section of PFRDA Grade A (2025) generally comprises three components:
| Component | Word Limit | Marks (Approx.) | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 300–400 words | 30 | Idea organization, articulation, depth of thought |
| Precis Writing | 120–150 words | 30 | Ability to condense text, retain core message |
| Reading Comprehension | 4–5 questions | 40 | Understanding, inference, vocabulary |
Time allotted: 60 minutes
Mode: Online (keyboard typing)
✍️ Essay Writing – Structure is Your Superpower
1. Choose Wisely
You will typically get 3–4 topics covering financial inclusion, pension reforms, economy, social issues, or technology. Select the topic you can write about with depth and confidence, not just the one that sounds interesting.
2. Follow the 3-Part Structure
A high-scoring essay is like a mini-speech:
- Introduction (10%) – Define key terms, set context, state thesis.
- Body (70–75%) – Present 2–3 logical arguments in separate paragraphs, include data or examples.
- Conclusion (10–15%) – Summarize key points, suggest way forward, end on a positive note.
3. Keep it Crisp and Relevant
Avoid beating around the bush. Every sentence should add value. Use transitional phrases like “furthermore,” “on the other hand,” “in conclusion” to maintain flow.
✂️ Precis Writing – The Art of Compression
Precis writing demands clarity + brevity.
Key Steps:
- Read the passage twice – once for understanding, once for noting key points.
- Identify central idea – remove anecdotes, illustrations, redundancies.
- Rewrite in your own words – use third-person narration, keep the tone neutral.
- Stick to word limit – a good precis is 1/3rd of the original passage.
Golden Rule: Your precis should be so clear that a reader who never saw the original passage still grasps the essence.
📖 Reading Comprehension – Accuracy Over Speed
Reading Comprehension checks your ability to process information quickly.
Smart Approach:
- Skim questions first to know what to look for.
- Read passage actively (underline mentally key phrases).
- Answer in your own words unless asked to quote.
- Watch out for inference-based questions—avoid extreme options.
⏱️ Time Management Strategy (60-Minute Plan)
| Time Block | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–5 mins | Read all questions/topics, plan essay. |
| 5–25 mins | Write essay (300–350 words target). |
| 25–40 mins | Attempt precis carefully, revise for grammar/word count. |
| 40–55 mins | Solve RC questions, cross-check answers. |
| 55–60 mins | Final proofreading (essay + precis). |
🎯 Scoring Parameters – What Evaluators Look For
Examiners judge you on five key criteria:
- Content Quality – Depth, relevance, examples.
- Organization – Logical flow, coherence, paragraphing.
- Grammar & Vocabulary – Correct usage, no spelling errors.
- Clarity – Conciseness, no ambiguity.
- Presentation – Neat structure, no repetition.
💡 Writing Hacks to Score High
- Build a Quote Bank: Keep 10–15 ready-to-use quotes from APJ Abdul Kalam, Gandhi, Ambedkar, etc., for social/ethical topics.
- Use Data Smartly: RBI, SEBI, NITI Aayog reports give credibility. E.g., “As per NITI Aayog 2023 report, India’s pension coverage is just 25%…”
- Practice Typing: Speed matters—target 35–40 WPM to avoid rushing.
- Revise Basics: Brush up subject-verb agreement, prepositions, punctuation.
🔑 Key Expressions for Descriptive English
| Purpose | Phrases/Expressions |
|---|---|
| Introduction | “In the contemporary world…”, “With rapid globalization…” |
| Comparison | “In contrast to…”, “Similarly…” |
| Cause/Effect | “Owing to…”, “Consequently…” |
| Conclusion | “In summary…”, “Thus, it can be inferred…” |
Using such expressions makes writing professional and polished.
📚 Sample Essay Outline
Topic: Financial Literacy – A Key to Pension Security
Introduction:
Start with a fact – “According to OECD, financial literacy is directly linked to retirement readiness.” Define financial literacy, link to PFRDA’s mission.
Body:
- Importance: Helps individuals plan corpus, avoid fraud.
- Challenges: Low awareness, rural penetration issues.
- Solutions: Targeted campaigns, digital pension calculators, employer tie-ups.
Conclusion:
End with a forward-looking note: “Financial literacy is not a luxury but a necessity to ensure India’s ageing population lives with dignity.”
🏋️ Practice Strategy for 30 Days
| Day Range | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Day 1–7 | Write one essay daily on trending topics (300 words). Get it reviewed. |
| Day 8–14 | Practice precis from editorials. Check word count discipline. |
| Day 15–21 | Attempt RC sets under time limit. Analyze wrong answers. |
| Day 22–30 | Full-length mocks: Essay + Precis + RC in 60 mins. Review & refine. |
✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing essays like newspaper articles (too casual).
- Overshooting/undershooting word limit.
- Copy-pasting lines from passage in precis.
- Using SMS language or abbreviations.
- Neglecting last 5 minutes of proofreading.
🚀 Final Takeaway
Descriptive English in PFRDA Grade A 2025 is not about showing off vocabulary; it’s about communicating effectively. A focused 4-week preparation plan, structured practice, and attention to grammar can easily push your score above 70%.
Remember: Write smart, stay precise, score high!