The English Descriptive Paper in SIDBI Phase II can make or break your selection. It tests your ability to write essays, précis, and business correspondence clearly and concisely within a tight time frame. Here are 7 targeted tips honed from expert strategies for banking descriptive exams like SBI PO, IBPS, and RBI. This will help you to sharpen your skill and confidence.
(Adapt these proven strategies for SIDBI descriptive writing.)
🧭 Tip 1: Understand and Internalize the Pattern
SIDBI’s Paper I descriptive section has three tasks:
- Essay (~250–300 words) – weigh 20 marks
- Letter/Report (~150–200 words) – weigh 30 marks
Structure your prep around these specifics to align with the exam expectations.
⏱️ Tip 2: Master Time Management
Allocate your 75 minutes like this:
- Planning: 3–5 mins
- Essay: 15–18 mins
- Letter/Report: 10–12 mins
- Rapid Proofreading: 2 mins
✍️ Tip 3: Plan Before You Write
Spend the first few minutes jotting down:
- Essay: Introduction, 3–4 body points, and conclusion
- Letter/Report: Recipient, purpose, key message, closing
Planning reduces mid-writing confusion and enhances clarity.
📚 Tip 4: Practice All Three Formats Every Day
- Essay: Current affairs, finance, MSME, AI, climate, policy
- Précis: Daily summary of newspaper articles or reports
- Business letters/reports: Complaint, memo, feedback template practice
Using mock tests and online platforms ({Bank Whizz}) improves speed and structure consistency.
🧩 Tip 5: Use Simple, Structured Language
- Stick to short, clear sentences, avoid jargon
- For essays: Intro → Body → Conclusion
- For letters: Date, addressee, subject line, greeting, body, closing
Clarity and coherence earn marks more than flowery language.
⚙️ Tip 6: Type, Don’t Write by Hand
Since the test is computer-based, practice typing 400+ words in 20 minutes with a speed of 35+ WPM @ 95% accuracy.
Knock-ons:
- Familiarity with keyboard
- Minimized errors
- Faster proofreading
🔍 Tip 7: Proofread Swiftly But Effectively
Reserve the last 2 minutes for a quick scan:
- Grammar, spelling, punctuation checks
- Ensure logical flow (especially in letter purpose and essay coherence).
🗓️ Sample Weekly Writing Routine
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Mon/Wed | Essay + Précis |
| Tue/Thu | Essay + Letter/Report |
| Fri | Full-length mock (75 mins) |
| Sat | Analyse & polish weak areas |
| Sun | Typing practice + peer feedback |
✅ Final Takeaway
By understanding the exam format, planning effectively, practicing under timed conditions, and implementing these 7 tips, you’ll move confidently from drafting to polishing your answers—maximizing your 75 marks.