WAT Kit

IIM Kashipur
MPRC

Outline

What are
you being
evaluated
on?

Formats
used

Topic Based
Writing
Strategy

Case Based
Writing
Strategy

Sources of
Information

WAT Topics

Where to
contact us?

What are you being evaluated on?

According to experts, WAT evaluation is
based on the following 4 Skills:1. Analytical
2. Decision making
3. Application
4. Written Communication

Formats used
For WAT, the following 2 formats
are widely used:1. Topic Based Writing
2. Case Based Analysis

1.Topic Based Writing

A topic with a word limit is to be
attempted, in a given time limit.
Themes for Topic Based Writing:1. Current Affairs/General issues
2. Abstract
Focus - Clarity of ideas in a
structured manner

Length of Essay
15-25 Mins = 250-300 Words
25-30 Mins = 350-400 Words
> 30 Mins = 500-600 Words

Time Distribution

Distribute time in 1:2 ratio of thinking and

writing.
15 Mins = 5(Thinking) + 10 (Writing).
Structure before you write.

Detailed Time Distribution

Jot down the points (4 minutes)
Make a logical structure using these points.
Decide which point will come first and which one
later (1 minute)
Write (8 minutes)
Check the flow of the essay. Correct grammatical
& spelling mistakes, syntax errors etc. (2 minutes)
o Caution Here, dont try to modify the essay too
much.

Structure of Essay
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion

1. Introduction
If your introduction is good, 70% of your
battle is already won.
Try to use a quote, (only if it is relevant) or a
generic observation pertaining to the topic at
hand.
Length = Maximum of 50 words.

2. Body
Body should reflect your analysis and knowledge
about the topic.
Recognize key words from the topic.
Try to find out the root cause of the problem and
propose short term and long term solutions
(depends on the topic whether it is needed or
not).
Give real life examples. Dont try to show off your
knowledge by quoting unrelated examples.
Try to give diversified opinions about the topic.
It is advisable to write in bullet points.

3. Conclusion
Generally we make an opinion about a topic
Example: FDI in retail We take a stand and try to
explain why its needed or why not needed.
But here, it is recommended to express generic
and neutral views covering all aspects you know
about the topic instead of supporting one side,
unless specifically asked in the question.

How to enrich your knowledge

Read a variety of topics: You have to read voraciously, to
broaden your knowledge so that you can write well in this
round.
Topics range Economics
Politics
Sociology
Psychology
Philosophy
Environmental issues etc.

How to use reading stuff for WAT

Prep.
Take a topic from
newspaper etc.

Take feedback

Practice
daily

Read contrarian
views to what
youve written

Write an essay on
that topic as if
you are writing
your WAT exam.
Try to apply the
technique (told in the
previous slides)

Beware!!!!
Do not Criticize political parties/ political leaders
unnecessarily.
Dont take your stand unless specifically asked.
Dont use unnecessary Jargons and too lengthy
words.
Try to be concise and simple.
Essay should be coherent and logically wellorganize.

2.Case Based Analysis

Focus - Consider the situation at hand
from several perspectives.
Recommendation - Get familiarized
with this methodology.
It would also be a good starting point
for candidates who get selected for
IIMs this year.

Strategy (5 Steps)
5 step Strategy for Case Analysis:1. Problem definition
2. Alternatives generation
3. Criteria for evaluation of
alternatives
4. Evaluation of alternatives
5. Recommendation(s)

1.Problem definition
Most critical step
Concentrate on key words in the case
Articulate problem briefly and precisely

2.Alternatives generation
Generate different ways of solving
the problem
Should have reasonable chance of
being adopted

3.Criteria for evaluation of alternatives

Jot down the criteria on which youll
evaluate which alternative is better
than others
State the assumptions clearly

4.Evaluation & 5.Recommendation

Evaluate the alternatives (step 2) on the basis of criteria (step
3)
After this, you are ready to make recommendation.
It is the option that has passed all the criteria you have
identified.
If none (of the options) clears all the criteria, recommend the
option that meets most of the criteria, especially the most
important one(s).
If none (of the options) passes the criteria, you may want to
go back to the analysis of the situation, generate more
options, and repeat the process.

ECONOMICS:
1. http://www.rbi.org.in/home.aspx
2. http://business.in.com/
3. http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com
4. http://blogs.hbr.org/
5. www.moneycontrol.com
6. www.investopedia.com
7. http://epw.in/epw/user/userindex.jsp

POLITICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS:

1. http://www.wikipedia.org/
2. http://www.ibef.org/
3. http://www.economist.com/
4. http://www.khanacademy.org/Khan Academy-Related Talks and Interviews/
5. http://www.india-inc.in/index.html
6. http://epw.in/epw/user/userindex.jsp

MAGAZINES:
1. Manorama Year book (Relevant areas)
2. Hindu Tidbits
3. Regular Business Magazines

GENERAL:
1. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
2. http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/nic/0050/index.html

ACADEMIC RELATED:
1. http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/
2. Videos by IIT Profs teaching various subjects of engineering

 Should there be Capital Punishment for Rapists?

Recession and its effects on India.
Effects of Banking Bill passed recently by the
Government of India.
Should there be uniform civil code in India?
FDI in Retail, Aviation and other sectors in India.
On Democracy's positives & negatives, how it leads
to corruption as well as freedom.
Are Educated voters to be blamed for corrupt
politicians getting into the system?
Democracy comes in the way of India's economic
growth as compared to China.

 How will Foreign Universities in India improve its

education sector?
Commercialization of education and medical: No
longer noble professions.
Is food inflation a result of mismanagement by
Government and RBI?
Current education system doesnt reward skills and
talent.
Should religion be mixed with politics?
Are Gandhian values relevant for society today?
CRR - A burden on Banks in India.
One billion population a boon or a bane ?
Naxalism - Reasons, History and todays scenario.

All the best

While you may not be questioned on all the above
mentioned areas, it is always better to be prepared in
them.
We do understand that a lot of time and effort has to
be invested but the opportunity to be a part of the
IIM community is a once in a lifetime opportunity for
learning, self-discovery and growth.
All through this, we are here for any help that you
may require in your endeavours towards your quest
for a seat at one of Indias premier B-Schools.

Feel free to reach us at: IIM Kashipur Official FB page (if you want to know latest happenings
at IIM Kashipur)
https://www.facebook.com/IndianInstituteOfManagementKashipur
Insite IIM Kashipur FB Page (if you have any query related to
GD/PI/WAT/MBA preparation)
http://www.facebook.com/IIMKashipurInsite
Insite IIM Kashipur FB Group (if you have any query related to
admission at IIM Kashipur)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/149760545174016/
Blogs @ IIM Kashipur
http://iimkashipurblog.wordpress.com

Feel free to reach us at: IIM Kashipur on Pagalguy

http://pagalguy.com/u/IIM_Kashipur

IIM Kashipur Official Web Page

http://www.iimkashipur.ac.in
IIM Kashipur on Twitter
https://twitter.com/IIMKpv
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IIM Kashipur Wikipedia Page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Institute_of_Management_Kashipur

Disclaimer
The material given has been prepared by students and may be different
from what you see during the Actual Process.
IIM Kashipur or any other IIM is in no way responsible if actual interview
or WAT is different from what was discussed here.
Media & Public Relations Cell, IIM Kashipur has prepared this document
based on prior experience and interaction with faculty members who
were part of Pl process of IIMs at some point of time.
This copy is intended for the receiver only.
Strictly for private circulation.
You are free to share this copy for non-commercial use as long as you
attribute the work to the Author, i.e. Media & Public Relations Cell, IIM
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All the best.