(Work in Progress)

I am in the process of writing what worked for me and what didn’t for UPSC Sociology, through this post. Please understand that this is my personal opinion and it worked for me, you might have a different opinion. Having said so, I think that there are several key points that you need to take into consideration which definitely would sharpen your answers and thoughts. At the end of the day, it is your personal opinions, added with theoretical and current affairs knowledge that will make your answers stand different from the others, and ultimately your marks too.

Developing a conceptual framework for answer writing: For the starting, a sincere request to all who are serious about this time Mains: Ensure that you spend adequate time with the Hindu and/ or Indian Express (IE). This is extremely important not only for GS, but also for Sociology and Pub Ad.  I think Hindu is exceptionally good for Sociology and IE for Public Administration (especially the op ed page).

1) Before reading any major article (say the Centre article of ‘the Hindu’) think of the way you would have framed your thoughts if any topic related to it would have come in either Sociology Paper II, Pub Ad Paper II or for that matter Essay. Take a sheet of paper and draft a conceptual framework related to the article which means try and think of relevant points which you would have written if the same topic comes in the exam. While practicing, it should not take more than 5 minutes. (Of course, your answer in the actual examination will depend on various factors: marks allotted to the Question, time you have in your hand to answer it, exact demand of the question etc).

2) After making this conceptual framework, think of what information (facts and opinion) that you know of and try and scribble your thoughts very briefly in logically arranged paragraphs. There is no need to write entire sentences, but just important points/ pointers which should take not more than 10 to 15 minutes.

3) Then, compare the article with your sheet and yourself evaluate your performance. You will come to appreciate the thought flow, data, contemporary examples etc quoted in the actual article.

4) Preserve your sheets of paper and edit suitably, basis any new information that you come across (while reading any standard text, internet article, newspaper/ magazine article or while discussing with teachers/ friends).

Not only will you have a firm grasp on the newspaper, but also on the optional papers. Having said this, please understand that the importance of concepts/ standard texts is very much there. The above strategy is to embellish your answer with contemporary events and opinions.

I think that your performance in the exam could improve drastically if you continue this exercise daily. This worked for me, at least.

I am also in the process of scanning some of my sample answers and post them, please bear with me, it might take some time.

More would follow…..