The NIACL AO 2025 Descriptive English Paper is an essential part of the Mains Exam, testing candidates’ ability to express their thoughts clearly in Essay Writing (250-300 words) and Letter Writing (150-200 words). Many aspirants lose marks due to avoidable mistakes in grammar, structure, time management, and content relevance.
To help you score high, we will discuss 10 common mistakes candidates make in NIACL AO Descriptive English—and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Word Limit
The word limit is crucial in the NIACL AO Descriptive English Paper:
- Essay: 250-300 words
- Letter: 150-200 words
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Writing too short (below the minimum word count).
- Writing too long, exceeding the limit.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Plan before writing and ensure you include enough points.
- Practice writing within a timed setting to develop a sense of word count.
💡 Tip: Always practice writing essays and letters with a word counter to develop an idea of how much content is needed.
2. Poor Structure and Organization
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Writing essays in one long paragraph without division.
- Missing the Introduction → Body → Conclusion format.
- Not following the proper format for formal letters.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Divide the essay into 3 parts:
✔ Introduction (40-50 words) – Define the topic, provide context.
✔ Body (150-200 words) – Discuss key points with examples.
✔ Conclusion (30-50 words) – Summarize and suggest solutions. - Follow the standard letter writing format (for formal and informal letters).
💡 Tip: Always use paragraph breaks to make your writing more readable.
3. Using Informal Language in Formal Letters
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Writing in a casual tone for official letters.
- Using slang, contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t), or overly personal remarks.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Use formal language in official letters.
- Avoid personal opinions unless required.
- Use professional salutations like Respected Sir/Madam and Yours sincerely.
💡 Example of Correct and Incorrect Tone in a Formal Letter:
❌ Incorrect:
“Hey! I want to know about LIC policies. Can you tell me ASAP?”
✅ Correct:
“I am writing to inquire about the various life insurance policies offered by NIACL. Kindly provide details regarding premium amounts and coverage options.”
4. Repetitive Sentences and Ideas
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Repeating the same idea in different words.
- Writing redundant sentences without adding value.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Make an outline before writing to ensure unique points in each paragraph.
- Avoid filler content—stick to relevant points.
💡 Tip: Read your answer after writing and eliminate sentences that don’t add value.
5. Lack of Examples and Supporting Arguments in Essays
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Writing vague, generic statements without explanation.
- Not using real-life examples, statistics, or facts.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Always support your argument with examples.
- Use relevant data, case studies, or current events.
💡 Example:
❌ Weak Argument:
“Digital payments are important for the economy.”
✅ Stronger Argument:
“According to RBI data, UPI transactions in India crossed ₹10 trillion in 2024, showing a major shift toward digital payments.”
6. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Common spelling mistakes.
- Incorrect verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Proofread your writing before submission.
- Use simple and correct sentences instead of complex structures.
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about grammar, use shorter, simple sentences rather than long, complex ones that might have errors.
7. Not Proofreading Before Submission
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Submitting the answer without checking for mistakes.
- Missing typos, punctuation errors, or incorrect words.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Use the last 3-5 minutes to review your answer.
- Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.
💡 Tip: Read your essay and letter from the end to the beginning—this helps catch errors easily.
8. Lack of Clarity in Sentences
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Writing long, confusing sentences.
- Using difficult words unnecessarily.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Keep sentences short and direct.
- Use clear and simple vocabulary.
💡 Example:
❌ Confusing Sentence:
“The incorporation of technological advancements has profoundly altered the conventional methodologies of financial transactions.”
✅ Clear Sentence:
“Technology has changed how we make financial transactions.”
9. Ignoring the Question Requirement
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Writing an essay or letter that does not directly address the topic.
- Focusing on only one aspect of the question while ignoring others.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Read the question carefully and understand what is being asked.
- Ensure all parts of the question are addressed in your response.
💡 Tip: Before writing, spend 1-2 minutes making an outline of what you will cover.
10. Slow Typing Speed & Poor Time Management
Since the NIACL AO Descriptive Paper is online, candidates who type slowly struggle to complete their essays and letters on time.
❌ Mistakes Candidates Make:
- Spending too much time on the introduction.
- Typing too slowly and leaving the answer incomplete.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Practice typing at least 40-50 words per minute.
- Follow the ideal time breakdown:
⏳ Essay: 15-18 minutes
⏳ Letter: 10-12 minutes
⏳ Proofreading: 3-5 minutes
💡 Tip: Take timed mock tests to improve speed.
Final Tips to Score High in NIACL AO 2025 Descriptive English
✔ Follow a structured format – Introduction, Body, Conclusion.
✔ Use simple and precise language – Avoid unnecessary jargon.
✔ Stay updated with current affairs – Helps in writing relevant content.
✔ Proofread before submission – Check grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
✔ Practice at least 10 essays and letters before the exam – Helps improve writing speed and quality.
Conclusion
The NIACL AO 2025 Descriptive English Paper can be a scoring section if you avoid these common mistakes and follow a structured approach. By practicing regularly, improving typing speed, and following proper formats, you can easily score well in essay and letter writing and increase your chances of selection.
🚀 Start practicing today and ace NIACL AO 2025! 🚀