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Knowledge + Experience = Realistic Opinions

January 18, 2022

Three steps to give a realistic touch to your Mains Answers on Social Issues

The final answer we write in an exam is a combination of the knowledge we have gathered and the experiences we have gone through. So how do we make our answers more realistic?

Step #1: Meet the people you want to Serve

Visit a government school, a government hospital or any government office once in 3-6 months. When you visit these places try to observe and ask yourself these questions:

  1. Manpower: What is the motivation for the people working there? How do the students or patients feel to be there?

  2. Materials: What is the level of Infrastructure in that place? Do toilets exist? How clean are they?

  3. Money: What is the monthly expenses and source of funds that transact at this place?

  4. Methods: This might be a tough one, but try to figure out the systems followed in the place. Do teachers encourage participation amongst the kids? Are nurses concerned about the old patient waiting in the queue? Is the payment process for any government service via cash or online payment?

Step #2: Make a note of your Observations

Your first-hand experience triggers thoughts on what aspects you would like to make a change. The next time you write a GS-2 answer on issues related to the social sector, your opinions will be backed by your experience. You might make a list of problems and challenges. Also, try to identify the benefits these institutions are providing to the vulnerable sections of society.

Step #3: Read about Best practices in India and Abroad

99% of people complain about the problem. 1% work towards fixing it.

Once you have acquainted yourself with the real problems that trouble the administration, try to read about how big is this problem. What does Pratham’s 2021 ASER report say about challenges in Education? This fact-finding exercise adds credibility to your opinions.

Though this exercise may not be possible on a frequent basis, the practice of being conscious of real-life problems and linking them to the subjects we study will help to internalise the concepts. This results in our answers being more realistic.