Introduction
The IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper carries 100 marks in just 60 minutes, divided into Precis Writing (35 marks), Essay Writing (30 marks), and Comprehension (35 marks). While content knowledge and structure are crucial, one factor that often separates a high scorer (65–70+) from an average scorer (40–45) is the use of effective vocabulary and key expressions.
Examiners are not looking for ornamental or flowery language. Instead, they value clarity, professionalism, and the ability to use precise words and transition phrases that reflect maturity and regulatory awareness.
This article provides a comprehensive list of vocabulary, phrases, and expressions tailored for essays, precis, and comprehension in IFSCA Grade A 2025, along with strategies to incorporate them naturally.
1. Why Vocabulary Matters in Descriptive English
- Professional Impression: Using the right words shows awareness and authority.
- Clarity of Ideas: Strong vocabulary reduces the need for long explanations.
- Conciseness in Precis: Helps in paraphrasing without repetition.
- Analytical Essays: Data-driven expressions add weight to arguments.
- Comprehension Answers: Vocabulary helps in precise paraphrasing.
👉 In short: Vocabulary = Higher impact in fewer words.
2. Key Vocabulary for Finance, Economy & Regulation
Since IFSCA is a financial regulator, essay and comprehension passages often revolve around finance, economy, and global trade. Here’s a bank of useful terms:
- Monetary Policy, Fiscal Stimulus, Inflationary Pressure, Capital Flows, Exchange Rate Volatility
- Sovereign Bonds, Green Bonds, Derivatives, Offshore Banking, Cross-Border Transactions
- Regulatory Oversight, Compliance, Investor Protection, Market Integrity, Financial Inclusion
- Liquidity Crunch, Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), Asset Quality, Credit Risk, Basel Norms
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), Fintech Disruption, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence in Finance
- Globalization, Protectionism, Trade Deficit, Current Account Balance
- Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), Climate Finance, Carbon Credits
Using these words in context shows familiarity with the financial domain.
3. Key Expressions for Essay Writing
Essays in IFSCA demand structured arguments and balanced conclusions. Key expressions can make your writing smooth and professional.
(a) For Introductions
- “The emergence of … has redefined the landscape of ….”
- “In recent years, the debate around … has gained prominence due to ….”
- “The global financial architecture is undergoing significant transformation with ….”
(b) For Arguments
- “One of the most compelling arguments in favor of … is ….”
- “This development, however, poses significant challenges in terms of ….”
- “From a regulatory standpoint, it becomes imperative to ….”
(c) For Counterpoints
- “While the advantages are undeniable, it is equally important to recognize ….”
- “However, critics argue that … may undermine ….”
- “The counterview emphasizes the risks of ….”
(d) For Conclusion
- “To strike a balance, policymakers must ensure ….”
- “Going forward, the focus should be on ….”
- “Thus, the way ahead lies in adopting a balanced, sustainable, and inclusive approach.”
👉 Essays with such expressions appear well-structured, balanced, and mature.
4. Key Vocabulary for Precis Writing
Precis writing tests your ability to condense ideas. To avoid copying, you need synonyms and short expressions.
- “Rapid growth” → “Expansion”
- “Strong effect” → “Impact”
- “Very important” → “Crucial / Vital”
- “Make better” → “Enhance / Improve”
- “Control strictly” → “Regulate / Monitor”
- “Spending money” → “Expenditure / Outlay”
- “Support financially” → “Fund / Finance”
- “Future plan” → “Roadmap / Strategy”
👉 These substitutions keep your precis compact, professional, and error-free.
5. Key Expressions for Comprehension
Comprehension answers should be short, precise, and in your own words. Using linking expressions ensures clarity.
- For Factual Answers:
- “The passage highlights that ….”
- “According to the author ….”
- For Inference-Based Answers:
- “It can be inferred that ….”
- “The author implies that ….”
- For Theme/Idea Questions:
- “The central idea of the passage is ….”
- “The main thrust of the passage revolves around ….”
- For Vocabulary Qs:
- Use synonyms relevant to finance (growth → expansion, risk → uncertainty, etc.).
6. Transitional Words & Connectors
Strong connectors make your essay and comprehension answers flow smoothly.
- To Add Points: Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Not only … but also.
- To Contrast: However, On the other hand, Conversely, Nevertheless.
- To Give Examples: For instance, Such as, To illustrate.
- To Conclude: Therefore, Thus, In conclusion, Henceforth, Going forward.
👉 Using 5–6 connectors strategically boosts coherence and professionalism.
7. Mistakes to Avoid in Using Vocabulary
- Overuse of Difficult Words: Don’t force complicated terms; clarity is priority.
- Wrong Context: Using “inflationary trends” when topic is not about inflation.
- Repetition: Reusing the same word again and again.
- Colloquial Language: Avoid phrases like “lots of,” “a bunch of,” “gonna.”
- Overloading with Jargon: Balance technical words with plain explanations.
8. Daily Practice Plan for Vocabulary & Expressions
- Read Financial Editorials: Note 5–10 new words daily.
- Maintain Word Bank: Create sections – Finance, Economy, Regulation, Generic.
- Write Sentences: Use each new word in a sentence.
- Weekly Revision: Revise 50+ words every weekend.
- Mock Practice: Use at least 3–4 advanced expressions in each essay mock.
9. Sample Usage in an Essay
Essay Topic: Green Finance and Sustainable Growth in India
Introduction (with expression):
“In recent years, the debate around sustainable finance has gained prominence due to global climate concerns.”
Body (with vocabulary):
“Green bonds and climate finance have emerged as crucial instruments to mobilize capital for renewable energy projects. However, regulatory oversight is imperative to ensure investor protection and market integrity.”
Conclusion (with transition):
“Going forward, India must adopt a balanced roadmap that encourages green investment while maintaining fiscal discipline.”
👉 Notice how key vocabulary + smooth expressions make the essay impactful.
10. Conclusion
In the IFSCA Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper, vocabulary and expressions act as score multipliers. They don’t replace content, but they enhance clarity, flow, and professionalism.
- Use domain-specific vocabulary (finance, regulation, sustainability).
- Add transitional phrases for structure.
- Keep language clear, concise, and professional.
👉 If you consistently practice with these words and expressions, you will not only write better essays and precis but also impress examiners with your maturity of thought and clarity of expression. This can easily push your descriptive score from 50 to 70+.