Understanding ‘Directive Words’ for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Table of contents

What are ‘Directive Words’ in the UPSC Context?

Directive words are words or phrases that tell us how to present our knowledge or opinion on a particular subject. Some examples of directive words include Analyze, Comment, Compare, Contrast, etc.
Directive words” in the UPSC context refer to specific keywords used in UPSC / State Civil Services Mains Exam questions that guide the candidate on approaching and structuring their answer.

List of ‘Directive Words’ Used in UPSC / State PCS Mains Exam Questions

Define / What is
Explain
Analyse
Describe
Distinguish / Differentiate
Comment / Justify
Give an account of
Trace
To what extent / How far
Do you agree / disagree
Enumerate / List down
Compare / Compare and contrast
Evaluate / Critically evaluate
Critically Analyse / Analyse

Understanding the Role of ‘Directive Words’ in UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Writing an answer may seem straightforward, but crafting an answer that meets the specific demands of a question is challenging. It’s not just about what you know; it’s about presenting that knowledge in a way that aligns with the question’s directive words.
Directive words are the guiding force that shapes the approach, structure, and depth of your response, making it crucial to grasp their meaning and application. In essence, knowing how to interpret these directive words is the first step towards writing effective, well-targeted answers that fulfil the examiner’s expectations.

Discuss

Meaning: Present/elaborate arguments on both sides of a topic, offering a balanced perspective.
Approach: Present/elaborate both positive and negative aspects of the topic, backed by evidence and reasoning, and conclude with a well-reasoned opinion.
- Example: Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (GS-1 | 2022)

Define / What is

Meaning: Provide and elaborate on the precise meaning of the term / phrase / idea.
Approach: Offer a clear and concise definition, followed by a discussion of issues, ambiguities, or multiple interpretations related to the term.
- Example: Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (GS-3 | 2020)

Explain

Meaning: To clarify or describe a concept, process, or phenomenon.
Approach: Define key terms, explain the process or concept in detail, and justify your explanation with relevant examples or case studies.
- Example: Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (GS-3 | 2022)

Analyse

Meaning: Break down a topic into its constituent parts to understand its structure and implications.
Approach: Deconstruct the topic into key elements, analyze each component in depth, and provide insights backed by evidence. Conclude with your overall assessment.
- Example: Analyse internal security threats and trans-border crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (GS-3 | 2022)

Describe

Meaning: Provide a detailed account of a topic or process.
Approach: Offer a thorough explanation of the topic, covering all aspects, and provide a clear structure.
- Example: Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (GS-1 | 2022)

Distinguish / Differentiate

Meaning: Highlight the differences between two or more concepts or topics.
Approach: Focus on and explain the key differences between the items in question, providing clear examples where necessary.
- Example: Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (GS-1 | 2021)

Comment / Justify

Meaning: Express your opinion or viewpoint and provide justification.
Approach: Give your opinion on the topic, and justify it with logical reasoning, evidence, and examples to strengthen your stance.
- Example: COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (GS-1 | 2021)

Give an account of

Meaning: Provide a detailed description of events, facts, or aspects of a topic.
Approach: Offer a clear and factual account of the topic, focusing on key details and providing a comprehensive overview.
- Example: Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (GS-3 | 2016)

Trace

Meaning: To describe the sequence or progression of different stages, events, or developments in a process or historical timeline.
Approach: Start by identifying the key stages or events related to the topic. Provide a chronological account, explaining the significance of each stage. Conclude by summarizing the overall progression or impact.
- Example: Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (GS-1 | 2021)

To what extent / How far

Meaning: Assess the degree to which something is true or has occurred.
Approach: Evaluate the evidence and assess how far the statement or claim is valid, exploring alternative perspectives where applicable.
- Example: To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (GS-2 | 2021)

Do you agree / disagree

Meaning: State whether you agree or disagree with a given statement or viewpoint.
Approach: Clearly state your stance (agree/disagree), provide logical reasons supporting your view, and include evidence to back your argument.
- Example: Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (GS-3 | 2021)

Enumerate / List down

Meaning: Provide a list of key points or facts.
Approach: List the key aspects of the topic in a clear and concise manner, with examples where possible.
- Example: Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. (GS-1 | 2016)

Compare / Compare and contrast

Meaning: Identify similarities and/or differences between two or more subjects.
Approach: First, identify and explain the similarities, then discuss the differences. Alternatively, compare and contrast point by point.
- Example: Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (GS-2 | 2023)

Evaluate / Critically evaluate

Meaning: Assess the merits and demerits of a topic or argument, forming a reasoned judgment.
Approach: Study the evidence supporting both sides of the argument, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and conclude with a reasoned judgment or verdict.
- Example: Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (GS-3 | 2022)

Critically Analyse / Analyse

Meaning: To break down the topic into components, examine each part, and assess its significance, strengths, and weaknesses. This involves forming a judgment based on evidence and arguments.
Approach: Start with a concise introduction to the topic. Analyse its various aspects or components in detail, discussing both positive and negative dimensions. Critique the evidence, weigh alternative perspectives, and conclude with a balanced assessment or judgment.
- Example: What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state levels? Critically analyse the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the distortions created by it. (GS-3 | 2013)