UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice

UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 42)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress.

Modern pedagogy and age-old wisdom can benefit Indian students taking open-book exams. Discuss.

What are the different types of vegetation identified in India? Why are forest fires in the hills intensifying, and what are the causes of forest fires?

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

QUESTION 1: Modern pedagogy and age-old wisdom can benefit Indian students taking open-book exams. Discuss.

Introduction:

— The open book examination (OBE) approach simply means teaching, developing, and empowering people to apply theory in practice.

— It is a system that safeguards humans’ core nature, which is to be curious and innovative.

— The goal of OBE is to solve real-world issues via discussion, debate, and critical thinking; this approach departs significantly from the colonial-era conformity-over-creativity paradigm.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

— Despite the importance of this traditional system in generating leaders across sectors, the requirement for accepting OBE is acknowledging the necessity for an educational reform driven by globalisation and technology improvements.

— In order to accomplish this, it will be necessary to blend traditional knowledge with contemporary teaching methods, thereby educating Indian young for leadership positions around the world.

— The traditional emphasis on rote memorization was significantly altered with the advent of OBE. To make this shift, it is necessary to acknowledge the limitations of the current educational system’s preference on memorization over analysis. Furthermore, with the current educational paradigm becoming outdated, there is a risk of “moronization of masses” due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning technologies.

— The purpose is to assess students’ critical thinking skills, innovative knowledge application, and sophisticated problem solving abilities, all of which are not only timely but also important in an age dominated by AI and digital technology. The aim here is to provide test questions that challenge pupils to demonstrate knowledge and application rather than simply memorising facts.

Conclusion:

— This paradigm change is critical in an era where traditional academic achievements, measured by grades, are becoming increasingly separated from the requirements for higher education and the professional world, as indicated by efforts such as the Common University Entrance Test.

— OBE offers a learning environment that goes beyond the constraints of memorization. Actually, the shift started a few years ago when the percentage of competency-based, analytical, and applied questions in the exams grew over time. The effectiveness of this strategy will be replicated in a learning atmosphere reminiscent of traditional gurukuls, where creative teaching techniques will be incorporated through ongoing assessments.

(Source: Best of Both Sides: With open book exams, Indian students will benefit from ancient wisdom, modern pedagogy by Radhey Shyam Sharma)

Points to Ponder

Advantages and limitations of Open Book Examination (OBE)