RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English – Common Mistakes to Avoid in Essay, Precis & RC (With Fixes)

Introduction

The RBI Grade B Descriptive English Paper (Essay, Precis, and Reading Comprehension) is one of the most decisive sections of the exam. Out of 100 marks, this paper alone contributes significantly to shortlisting and final selection. Many aspirants, despite strong preparation, lose precious marks due to avoidable mistakes. These mistakes often stem from lack of practice, poor strategy, and ignorance of evaluation parameters.

In this article, we will examine the common mistakes aspirants make in Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Reading Comprehension (RC), and provide clear, actionable fixes. With these strategies, you can eliminate errors, add polish to your answers, and score 70+ marks out of 100, a score that sets you apart from the crowd.

Section 1: Common Mistakes in Essay Writing (and Fixes)

1.1 Choosing the Wrong Topic

Mistake: Many aspirants pick topics that are either too complex, controversial, or unfamiliar. This leads to shallow arguments and weak presentation.
Fix:

  • Choose a topic you can comfortably write 600 words on.
  • Prefer issues where you can integrate facts, examples, and balanced opinions (e.g., Digital Economy, Inflation, Climate Change, Banking Reforms).
  • Spend the first 5 minutes planning before writing.

1.2 Weak Structure

Mistake: Jumping directly into writing without a clear framework often results in random points and repetition.
Fix: Use a 3-part structure:

  1. Introduction – Define the topic and provide background.
  2. Body – Divide into 3–4 logical paragraphs (causes, impacts, solutions, examples).
  3. Conclusion – Summarize with a positive, forward-looking thought.

Tip: Always make a small outline on your rough sheet.

1.3 Lack of Balance

Mistake: Writing one-sided essays (either all praise or all criticism). Evaluators want objectivity.
Fix:

  • Mention both pros and cons with more weight on solutions.
  • Use connectors like however, on the other hand, while challenges exist… to show balance.

1.4 Overuse of Jargon or Flowery Language

Mistake: Using heavy vocabulary, technical jargon, or poetic expressions. This reduces clarity.
Fix:

  • Use simple, formal English.
  • Prioritize clarity over impressiveness.
  • For technical terms, explain briefly (e.g., “CBDC – Central Bank Digital Currency”).

1.5 Exceeding or Falling Short of Word Limit

Mistake: Writing 450 words or overshooting 750+ words. Both cost marks.
Fix:

  • Target 580–620 words.
  • Practice with a word counter.
  • Each paragraph should be around 80–100 words.

1.6 Poor Grammar & Spelling

Mistake: Frequent tense changes, subject-verb disagreement, and spelling errors.
Fix:

  • Revise basic grammar rules (articles, tenses, prepositions).
  • Practice typing on a computer regularly to reduce typos.
  • Leave 3–4 minutes at the end for proofreading.

1.7 Lack of Examples and Data

Mistake: Writing essays that sound generic with no support.
Fix:

  • Quote current statistics, RBI reports, Budget highlights, international examples.
  • For example, while writing on Inflation, mention “India’s CPI inflation averaged around 5.4% in 2023–24.”

Essay Fix Checklist

  • ✅ Relevant topic chosen
  • ✅ Structured intro–body–conclusion
  • ✅ Balanced arguments
  • ✅ Simple, clear language
  • ✅ Within word limit
  • ✅ Proofread before submission

Section 2: Common Mistakes in Precis Writing (and Fixes)

Precis writing tests your ability to compress text to one-third its length while retaining meaning. This is where many aspirants lose marks due to lack of technique.

2.1 Ignoring the One-Third Rule

Mistake: Writing too long or too short.
Fix:

  • If the passage has 300 words, your precis must be around 100 words.
  • Keep a margin of ±5 words.

2.2 Copy-Pasting Sentences

Mistake: Lifting lines directly from the passage. Evaluators deduct marks for lack of originality.
Fix:

  • Rewrite in your own words.
  • Use synonyms and restructure sentences.
  • Example: Instead of “Climate change poses threats to coastal communities,” write “Rising seas endanger coastal populations.”

2.3 Missing the Core Idea

Mistake: Including trivial details but missing the central theme.
Fix:

  • Read the passage twice.
  • Highlight main ideas and ignore examples.
  • Draft a title that reflects the essence.

2.4 Lack of Coherence

Mistake: Writing disjointed sentences that lack flow.
Fix:

  • Arrange points logically.
  • Use linking words (thus, therefore, however).
  • Draft a rough precis first, then refine.

2.5 No Title

Mistake: Forgetting to give a title (2–6 words).
Fix: Always add a concise, meaningful title at the top. Example: “Digital Banking Growth”.

Precis Fix Checklist

  • ✅ Written in one-third length
  • ✅ No copy-paste, own language
  • ✅ Central theme retained
  • ✅ Coherent and logically arranged
  • ✅ Concise title given

Section 3: Common Mistakes in Reading Comprehension (and Fixes)

RC tests understanding, inference, and analytical ability. Many aspirants think it is easy, but small mistakes cost marks.

3.1 Superficial Reading

Mistake: Skimming without understanding leads to wrong answers.
Fix:

  • Read carefully once to get the theme.
  • Then read questions and locate answers in the passage.

3.2 Ignoring the Tone

Mistake: Misinterpreting whether the author is critical, neutral, or optimistic.
Fix:

  • Learn common tones (analytical, descriptive, critical, persuasive).
  • Practice by labeling tone in daily editorials.

3.3 Writing Irrelevant or Lengthy Answers

Mistake: Some write essay-style answers to RC questions.
Fix:

  • Keep answers brief (40–60 words) unless specifically asked for long answers.
  • Stick strictly to what the passage says.

3.4 Inference Questions Mistakes

Mistake: Answering inference questions with personal opinion.
Fix:

  • Base answers only on what is implied in the passage.
  • Practice sample inference questions daily.

3.5 Data/Fact Errors

Mistake: Misquoting numbers, years, or facts from the passage.
Fix:

  • Re-check data before writing.
  • Quote directly (e.g., “According to the author, India’s forex reserves touched $650 billion…”).

RC Fix Checklist

  • ✅ Read passage twice (theme + details)
  • ✅ Tone identified correctly
  • ✅ Short, precise answers
  • ✅ Inferences supported by text
  • ✅ Data quoted accurately

Section 4: Time Management Mistakes

4.1 Spending Too Long on Essay

Fix: Allocate 40 minutes for essay, 25 for precis, 25 for RC. Use an on-screen timer.

4.2 No Time for Revision

Fix: Keep 5–7 minutes buffer to review grammar, word count, and spelling.

Section 5: Practice & Strategy Fixes

  • Daily Writing Practice: 1 essay (300–400 words), 1 precis, 1 RC set.
  • Typing Practice: Since exam is online, practice typing on a keyboard.
  • Mock Tests: Take full 90-minute mocks weekly.
  • Feedback: Get essays evaluated by mentors or peers.
  • Reading Habit: Read The Hindu/Business Standard editorials for content, tone, and vocabulary.

Section 6: Final Tips

  • Be Exam-Oriented: Write as per evaluator’s expectations, not as a creative writer.
  • Clarity > Complexity: The simpler your answer, the higher your marks.
  • Consistency: Practice 2–3 months consistently; last-minute preparation won’t help.
  • Revision Notebook: Maintain a small register for common connectors, vocabulary, tones, and practice topics.

Conclusion

Success in RBI Grade B 2025 Descriptive English is less about knowing English and more about avoiding mistakes that drain marks. Essays fail due to poor structure or imbalance, Precis loses marks due to copy-paste or word mismanagement, and RC mistakes arise from careless reading or wrong inferences.

If you implement the fixes discussed above, you will write with precision, structure, and confidence. Remember: evaluators want clarity, conciseness, and correctness. Practice regularly, avoid these pitfalls, and this section will become your strongest scoring area.