Introduction
The SBI PO 2025 Descriptive English Paper can either boost your final score or drag it down. With just 30 minutes to write an essay and a letter, candidates often make avoidable mistakes that cost them 5–10 marks — enough to miss the merit list!
This post highlights the most common mistakes candidates make in the SBI PO Descriptive Paper, along with simple tips to avoid them. Whether you’re a strong writer or just starting out, this list will help you write smarter and score higher.
Why This Section Is Crucial
- Carries 50 marks (Essay: 30 + Letter: 20)
- Evaluated manually — so structure, grammar, and tone matter a lot
- Directly affects your mains score and final merit
- Many top scorers succeed by excelling in descriptive — not just MCQs
So, avoiding errors is as important as preparing content.
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in SBI PO 2025 Descriptive English
1. Skipping Planning and Jumping into Writing
The Mistake: Many aspirants start typing immediately without planning structure, points, or format.
Why It’s Bad: You lose clarity, go off-topic, and your essay/letter lacks flow.
Solution: Spend 2–3 minutes to outline your main points. Just a few bullet notes can give direction and save time later.
2. Wrong Format in Letter Writing
The Mistake: Mixing informal tone in formal letters, incorrect placement of subject or salutation, or missing closure lines.
Why It’s Bad: Format errors directly cost marks. Examiners are strict about structure.
Solution:
- Learn and memorize both formal and informal letter formats.
- Always include subject line, salutation, body, closing, and signature properly.
3. Exceeding the Word Limit
The Mistake: Writing a 400-word essay when the limit is 250–300, or a 300-word letter instead of 150–200.
Why It’s Bad: Shows poor time management and may result in irrelevant content.
Solution:
- Practice writing to word limits with a timer.
- Be concise — say more with fewer words.
4. Using Complicated Vocabulary to Sound “Smart”
The Mistake: Using unnecessary jargon or difficult words just to impress.
Why It’s Bad: Confuses the reader and affects clarity. Examiners prefer clear, effective communication over fancy language.
Solution:
- Use simple, correct English.
- Focus on clarity, structure, and coherence.
5. Poor Paragraphing and Lack of Flow
The Mistake: Writing in a single block of text or shifting between ideas abruptly.
Why It’s Bad: Makes the content hard to read. No logical flow = poor marks.
Solution:
- Divide your essay into 3–4 paragraphs: Intro, body, conclusion.
- Use connectors like however, moreover, in contrast to guide the reader.
6. Incorrect Tone for the Given Task
The Mistake: Using a casual tone in a complaint letter or a formal tone in a personal letter.
Why It’s Bad: Tone mismatch creates confusion and reduces effectiveness.
Solution:
- Formal Letters: Polite, respectful, and direct.
- Informal Letters: Conversational, friendly, and expressive.
7. Grammatical and Spelling Mistakes
The Mistake: Frequent errors in tense, punctuation, articles, or misspelled words.
Why It’s Bad: Even strong content can be ruined by poor grammar. Examiners deduct marks harshly for language errors.
Solution:
- Revise basic grammar rules.
- Read your writing aloud to spot mistakes.
- Use tools like Grammarly while practicing.
8. Repeating the Same Idea Multiple Times
The Mistake: Repeating the same point in different words to fill space.
Why It’s Bad: Reduces impact and wastes word count.
Solution:
- Stick to 3–4 strong points.
- Expand with examples or data instead of repeating.
9. Skipping Revision
The Mistake: Submitting without proofreading.
Why It’s Bad: Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting mistakes can go unnoticed.
Solution:
- Always keep 2–3 minutes at the end to revise.
- Fix basic errors and re-read the introduction and conclusion.
10. Not Practicing Typing Under Exam Conditions
The Mistake: Writing by hand while preparing and then struggling with typing speed in the actual exam.
Why It’s Bad: You’ll run out of time or make typos under pressure.
Solution:
- Practice writing essays and letters on a computer.
- Aim for 35–40 WPM typing speed with accuracy.
How to Avoid These Mistakes: Pro Tips
1. Follow a Descriptive Practice Routine
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 1 per day |
| Letter Writing | 1 every alternate day |
| Typing Practice | 15–20 mins daily |
| Mock Tests | 2 per week |
2. Use the Right Format Every Time
- For essay: Intro > Body > Conclusion
- For formal letter:
Your AddressDateReceiver’s AddressSubjectDear Sir/Madam,Body (3 paragraphs)Yours sincerely,Your Name
3. Take Evaluated Mocks from Bank Whizz
Our expert-checked mocks highlight:
- Grammar mistakes
- Format errors
- Repetition
- Tone mismatch
- Improvement areas
You’ll not only write better but write what the examiner wants to read.
How Bank Whizz Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
- Evaluated Essay & Letter Mocks
- Sample Answers & Ideal Formats
- Real Exam-Like Interface for Typing Practice
- Personalized Feedback on Structure & Language
- Affordable SBI PO Descriptive Packages
Join now at www.bankwhizz.com and train like a topper.
Conclusion
The SBI PO Descriptive Paper isn’t difficult — it just requires awareness, consistency, and structure. Avoiding these common mistakes can take your score from average to exceptional. And remember — smart writing starts with smart preparation.
Write with clarity. Practice with purpose. Avoid the traps — and the marks will follow.