In this blog, we discuss how to make the introduction part of your answer more appealing while practicing answer writing. The introduction, body, and conclusion form the basic structure of an answer, with the introduction being crucial as it is the first thing the examiner sees. A well-crafted introduction can set your answer apart and potentially earn you extra marks. Here are some key takeaways from the video:
Key Takeaways
- The introduction is a critical part of your answer and can significantly impact your overall marks.
- There are multiple ways to write an introduction, including definitions, facts and data, current affairs, and historical references.
- Practicing and preparing introductions in advance can save time during exams.
- A 50-day intensive answer writing course is available to help break the inertia of answer writing and improve your skills.
Importance of a Good Introduction
The introduction is the first thing an examiner reads, and it must stand out from other papers. A well-prepared introduction can be a low-hanging fruit that fetches you extra marks without spending too much time. If you don’t know what to write, you can mold the statement of the question and use it as an introduction. However, putting in extra effort to write a slightly better introduction can make a significant difference.
Types of Introductions
There are multiple ways to write an introduction, broadly categorized into four types:
- Definition-Based Introductions: These work well for subjects like geography, environment, polity, and governance. For example, if asked about the cryosphere’s effect on global climate, you can define the cryosphere as the frozen water part of the Earth’s system.
- Fact and Data-Based Introductions: These require good preparation and can include statistics, reports, judgments, or committee names. For instance, if asked about the Attorney General, you can mention Article 76 of the Constitution, which defines the Attorney General as the highest law officer of India.
- Current Affairs-Based Introductions: These are derived from recent news, reports, or incidents. For example, if asked about the National Clean Air Program, you can mention the World Air Quality Report stating that India is the third most polluted country.
- Background and Historical References: These work well for history-related questions. For example, if asked about the role of women in the freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase, you can mention the contribution of women dating back to 1817.
Examples of Different Types of Introductions
- Definition-Based: For a question on the cryosphere’s effect on global climate, you can define the cryosphere as the frozen water part of the Earth’s system.
- Fact and Data-Based: For a question on the Attorney General, you can mention Article 76 of the Constitution, which defines the Attorney General as the highest law officer of India.
- Current Affairs-Based: For a question on the National Clean Air Program, you can mention the World Air Quality Report stating that India is the third most polluted country.
- Background and Historical References: For a question on the role of women in the freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase, you can mention the contribution of women dating back to 1817.
Conclusion
While the body of your answer is the most important part and will fetch you the majority of the marks, a good introduction can earn you additional marks and significantly contribute to your overall score. It can be the difference between qualifying for a good service or not. Start practicing and consciously work on your introductions to improve your answer writing skills.
For those preparing for the 2025 attempt, especially those who haven’t qualified for this year’s prelims, a 50-day intensive answer writing course is highly recommended. This live course with faculty will help you write relevant content, get it evaluated, and improve your skills. The course is available for a limited time at a discounted price.
