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

What is a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

The opening sentence of a paragraph that states the main idea of that paragraph.

What should an essay's conclusion do?

Summarize the key points, restate the central idea in fresh words, and provide a closing thought, solution, or future outlook without introducing new arguments.

What are the most common categories of essay themes in IBPS PO?

Banking/financial topics, social issues, technology, economy, current affairs, and abstract/general topics.

Give examples of banking-related essay themes common in IBPS PO.

Digital banking, financial inclusion, NPAs (non-performing assets), cashless economy, role of RBI, and cybersecurity in banking.

What is an argumentative (or discursive) essay?

An essay that examines an issue by presenting arguments for and against it, often requiring a balanced discussion before reaching a reasoned conclusion.

What does 'balance' mean in argumentation for an essay?

Presenting both sides of an issue fairly (pros and cons / advantages and disadvantages) before stating a justified personal stance.

In a balanced essay, how should opposing viewpoints be handled?

Acknowledge the opposing view objectively, then counter it with reasoning or evidence, showing fairness while supporting your own position.

What is a precis?

A concise, clear summary of a longer passage that captures its essential ideas in the writer's own words, omitting unnecessary details and examples.

What is the standard length of a precis relative to the original passage?

Roughly one-third (1/3) of the original passage's length.

In which tense and person should a precis generally be written?

In the third person and usually in the past tense (reported speech), in an indirect/impersonal style.

List four key rules of precis writing.

1) Keep it to about one-third length. 2) Use your own words. 3) Retain only main ideas, omit examples/details. 4) Give it a suitable title; write in third person.

Should a precis include the writer's personal opinions or new ideas?

No. A precis must objectively reflect only the content of the original passage without adding personal comments or new information.

What should be done with direct speech when writing a precis?

Convert it into indirect (reported) speech.

Why must a precis be written in one's own words rather than copying sentences?

To demonstrate genuine comprehension and to compress the passage; copying defeats the purpose of summarizing and shows no understanding.

What are 'writing mechanics'?

The technical conventions of writing: grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure that ensure clarity and correctness.

Why is subject-verb agreement important in descriptive writing?

Because the subject and verb must agree in number (singular/plural); errors cause grammatical mistakes that reduce marks and clarity.

What is the difference between active and passive voice, and which is generally preferred in essays?

Active voice has the subject performing the action ("The bank issued the loan"); passive has it receiving the action ("The loan was issued"). Active voice is generally preferred for clarity and directness.

What is the function of a comma versus a full stop (period)?

A comma marks a short pause or separates items/clauses within a sentence; a full stop ends a complete declarative sentence.

What is a run-on sentence and how is it corrected?

A run-on joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunction. Correct it with a full stop, semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so).

What are linking words (transitions) and why are they important?

Words/phrases like 'however', 'therefore', 'moreover', 'in contrast' that connect ideas, ensuring logical flow and coherence between sentences and paragraphs.

What is the role of paragraphing in descriptive writing?

It groups related ideas together, with each paragraph covering one main point, improving readability, organization, and coherence.

What does 'coherence' mean in writing?

The logical, smooth connection of ideas so the text flows naturally and is easy to follow.

What does 'cohesion' refer to in writing?

The grammatical and lexical linking within a text (using pronouns, conjunctions, transitions, and reference words) that ties sentences together.

Why should a wide and precise vocabulary be used in essays?

To express ideas accurately, avoid repetition, and demonstrate language command, which improves the quality and impact of the writing.

What is the risk of using overly complex or unfamiliar vocabulary in descriptive writing?

It may lead to incorrect usage, awkward sentences, and loss of clarity; appropriate and correctly used words are valued over impressive but misused ones.

What are collocations and why do they matter in expression?

Collocations are words that naturally go together (e.g., 'make a decision', 'heavy rain'). Using them correctly makes writing sound natural and fluent.

What is the difference between formal and informal vocabulary, with an example?

Formal vocabulary is professional and impersonal (e.g., 'request', 'commence'); informal is casual (e.g., 'ask for', 'start'). Descriptive English requires formal vocabulary.

How can repetition of words be avoided in an essay?

By using synonyms, pronouns, and varied sentence structures, and by employing referencing words to refer back to previously mentioned ideas.

What is the recommended approach to handling word limits in the IBPS PO Descriptive test?

Stay close to the prescribed limit (letter ~150 words, essay ~300 words); significantly exceeding or falling short can reduce marks, so plan and be concise.

What is the ideal time management strategy for the 30-minute Descriptive section?

Roughly divide time between the two tasks (e.g., ~12-13 minutes per task) plus a few minutes to plan and review, ensuring both essay and letter are completed.