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XAT essay
Analysis of past year questions and tips to approach them
The short essays that appear in XAT can be classified into the following
twotypes
:
1.
Short essays on
contemporary topics
related to
economy/polity/society of India
. It could be a
burning international issue
as well.
E.g.
The US Presidential Election provides better entertainment than manyBollywood blockbusters! Or serious ones like the impact of 9/11 on India.The student should not worry much about these, if he/ she has been merelyglancing through headlines or even half-heartedly listening to news. He cansafely attempt most of these, with reasonable confidence.The
most important
thing to be kept in mind is that students are
notsupposed to write research papers
on such topics. If they canapproximately capture few major correlates of the topic, the job is done for them. Even if they miss few points, it should not bother them much.The
only suggestion
is that out of the allotted 20 minutes,
spend at least 5minutes to
recall, plan and organize what you intend to write
. Useremaining 15 minutes to write 150-200 words in a
cogent and coherentmanner using grammatically correct
English. Avoid flowery, bombasticlanguage.
To elaborate, the 2002 essay is discussed below
Indian economy in the post WTO era
The answer should elaborate on the following key points (which the studentmust identify in the first 5 minutes):a.What is WTO? What is its role? (25-30 words)b.First, the student should identify what all should come in Indianeconomy, and then discuss the impact on each of these one by one.Following sectors/areas are important in this context
•
The three sectors viz. manufacturing, agriculture and servicesector.
•
Divide the three sectors into industries for examplemanufacturing into pharmaceutical, automobile, steel, textileetc., service sector into IT, education entertainment, tourism,etc.
•
Now discuss impact on each of these. For example in case of pharmaceutical sector, Indian companies will have to shift
to
product patenting from process patenting,
under the
TRIPS
(Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights) obligations of WTOc.After impact, also briefly discuss, what is the Indian government andindustry doing to adjust to new realities.
d.
Lastly, conclude with your suggestions what should be done to rise tothe challenges and to make best use of emerging opportunities.
2.
Abstract topics
like those, which appeared in 2003 and 2004 (discussed indetail later). The major problem with them is that students get in awe of theflowery and twisted language used in them, and cannot figure out what shouldhe write in them.Following guidelines may be helpful:a.Once again spend 5-7 minutes to interpret and understand what theauthor implies? Are there any subtle nuances intended?
b.
It is
very important
to understand that there may be more than oneinterpretation possible for the given topic. But all interpretations areequally valid provided the student rationally explains it, and logicallytakes it forward.c.Thus the student should clarify how he understands/ interprets thegiven topic, clearly stating his reasons for doing so, right in the verybeginning. The student may also disagree with the given statement.d.Next the student should build his case in support of his interpretation.Use of anecdotes, daily life examples. Fables etc., are very helpful inthis regard.
e.
Lastly
, the student should conclude, and end on a definite andconcrete note.To elaborate, the 2003 and 2004 topics are discussed below.
To give real service, one needs to add something, which cannot be boughtor measured like sincerity and integrity. (2003)
Following tips may be helpful here: a.You clarify how do you construe real service. Is the author excludingmaterialistic service?
b.
You also clarify whether you agree with the author or not. Clearlyunderstand that you can take either stand or even the middle path.
Important
thing is how you support it.
c.
Now, proceed by giving reasons and examples to support the stanceyou have taken. e.g., in case you want to support the argument, givethe example of the myth of
Ramayana
in which Shabri offers berries toLord Ram. Or elaborate on the life of
Mother Teresa
.d.Keep on building your answer and conclude with a definite statement.
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