Tap a directive word to see what the examiner expects, an answer structure, a sample outline and common mistakes.
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The directive word decides the shape of your answer. Here are the twelve you will see most often in GS Mains papers, with what each asks for and a simple structure to follow. These are the commonly accepted meanings used in answer-writing practice; the UPSC notification does not define them itself.
| Directive | What it means | Answer structure |
|---|---|---|
| Discuss | Examine the issue from different angles, give the arguments for and against, and reach a reasoned conclusion. | Context and definition → several dimensions or both sides with examples → balanced conclusion or way forward. |
| Analyse | Break the topic into its parts, examine each part and show how they are linked, including causes and effects. | Brief context → each component in turn with its causes, effects and inter-links → synthesis of what the parts add up to. |
| Critically examine | Look closely at the issue, weigh the evidence on both sides and give your own justified judgement. | Context → strengths or arguments in favour, with evidence → weaknesses or arguments against, with evidence → your reasoned verdict and way forward. |
| Comment | Give your opinion on the statement or issue, backed by facts and arguments. | Context of the statement → your view supported by evidence, acknowledging the other side → a clear concluding opinion. |
| Evaluate | Judge the worth, effectiveness or importance of something against clear criteria, using evidence. | Introduce the subject and the yardsticks → achievements and limitations with data → an overall verdict on its value. |
| Examine | Investigate the topic in detail, probing the facts, causes and implications behind it. | Define the scope → look into each relevant dimension in depth with evidence → sum up the findings and their implications. |
| Elucidate | Make a concept clear by explaining it with facts and examples. | Define the term → explain it step by step with illustrations or examples → short summary. |
| Enumerate | List the points one by one in a clear, orderly way, with little explanation. | One-line introduction → numbered or bulleted points → a brief closing line. |
| Explain | Make clear how or why something happens, giving the reasons behind it. | Introduce the concept → reasons or mechanism set out logically → summary of the explanation. |
| Illustrate | Explain a point by using concrete examples, cases, data or diagrams. | State the point → one or more specific examples, case studies or a diagram that show it → link the examples back to the point. |
| Justify | Give strong reasons and evidence to show that a statement, decision or position is right. | State the position → arguments with supporting evidence, answering likely objections → reaffirm the position. |
| Describe | Give a detailed factual account of the features or characteristics of something; no judgement is needed. | Introduce the subject → its features, characteristics or process in a logical order → brief summary. |
Directive keywords are the instruction words in a question, such as discuss, analyse, critically examine or comment, that tell you what kind of answer the examiner wants. Two questions on the same topic can need very different answers depending on the directive, so read it before you plan the structure.
Discuss asks you to present the issue from several sides and end with a balanced view. Critically analyse asks you to break the issue into parts, weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each, and give a clear reasoned judgement of your own.
Examine asks you to probe the topic in detail, bringing out its facts, causes and implications. Critically examine adds a judgement: after looking at the evidence on both sides, you must say how far the claim holds and why.
Yes, a short conclusion helps in almost every answer. For discuss, critically examine, evaluate and comment it should carry your balanced judgement; for enumerate or describe, one closing line that sums up is enough.
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