IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) Descriptive English (Mains) Syllabus

Descriptive English (Mains) syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Descriptive English (Mains) in IBPS PO (Probationary Officer), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Letter Writing

   3 topics

   • Formal Letters
     • Letter to bank/branch manager
     • Complaint and request letters
   • Application Letters
     • Job application format
     • Leave and grievance applications
   • Letter Format and Tone
     • Salutation, body and closing
     • Word limit and conciseness
2. 2

   Essay Writing

   3 topics

   • Essay Structure
     • Introduction, body and conclusion
     • Coherence and paragraphing
   • Common Essay Themes
     • Banking, economy and digital India topics
     • Social and current-affairs topics
   • Argumentation and Balance
     • Presenting pros and cons
     • Data and example usage
3. 3

   Precis and Language Skills

   3 topics

   • Precis Writing
     • Condensing passages with key points
     • Maintaining original meaning
   • Writing Mechanics
     • Grammar, punctuation and spelling
     • Time and word-limit management
   • Vocabulary and Expression
     • Formal vocabulary and linking words
     • Avoiding repetition and redundancy

Descriptive English (Mains) flashcards for IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)

19 of 50 cards from the Descriptive English (Mains) deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In the IBPS PO Descriptive English test, how many questions are there and what is the total time and marks allotment?

   2 questions (1 Essay + 1 Letter), 30 minutes, 25 marks total. It is conducted in the Mains exam.

2. What is the typical word limit for a letter and an essay in IBPS PO Descriptive English?

   Letter: about 150 words. Essay: about 300 words (commonly 200-300).

3. What are the three broad categories of letters tested in IBPS PO Descriptive writing?

   Formal letters, Informal letters, and Semi-formal letters.

4. What is a formal letter?

   A letter written for official, business, or professional purposes to people you do not know personally, following a fixed structure and impersonal, courteous tone.

5. List the standard structural components of a formal letter in order.

   Sender's address, Date, Receiver's address/designation, Subject line, Salutation, Body, Complimentary close, Signature with name and designation.

6. What salutation is correct for a formal letter when the recipient's name is unknown?

   "Dear Sir / Madam" (or "Respected Sir/Madam"). Avoid "Hi" or "Hello".

7. Which complimentary closings pair correctly with which salutations in formal letters?

   "Dear Sir/Madam" closes with "Yours faithfully"; "Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]" closes with "Yours sincerely".

8. What is the purpose of the subject line in a formal letter?

   To state the main purpose of the letter concisely in one phrase so the reader instantly knows what it is about, e.g., "Subject: Complaint regarding defective product."

9. What is an application letter?

   A formal letter written to apply for something, such as a job, leave, admission, or a position, presenting the applicant's request and relevant qualifications.

10. What is the typical three-part body structure of an application letter?

    Para 1: State the purpose/post applied for. Para 2: Present qualifications, experience, and suitability. Para 3: Express willingness/availability and a polite request for consideration.

11. In a job application letter, what details should the closing paragraph include?

    A request for an interview/consideration, mention of enclosed resume/documents, and availability, ending with a polite thank-you and complimentary close.

12. What is the difference in tone between an application letter and a letter of complaint?

    An application letter is persuasive, humble, and self-promoting; a complaint letter is firm, assertive, and factual while remaining polite and courteous.

13. Why is the tone of a formal letter described as 'impersonal'?

    Because it avoids emotional language, personal opinions, slang, and contractions, focusing instead on objective, courteous, and professional expression.

14. Name four common types of formal letters asked in banking exams.

    Complaint letter, Request letter, Application letter (job/leave), and Letter to the editor.

15. What is the correct format placement of the date in a formal letter?

    The date is written below the sender's address, aligned to the left, in a full format such as "21 June 2026" or "21st June, 2026."

16. Should contractions (e.g., don't, can't) be used in formal letters? Why?

    No. Formal letters require full forms (do not, cannot) to maintain a professional and respectful tone.

17. What is the essential structure (three parts) of an essay?

    Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

18. What should the introduction of an essay accomplish?

    Introduce the topic, give context or a hook, and present the central idea or thesis statement that the essay will develop.

19. What is a thesis statement in an essay?

    A single sentence that states the main argument or central point of the essay, guiding its overall direction.

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