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Understanding Directive Words
Understanding Directive Words in UPSC PSIR Answers
Directive words in UPSC PSIR questions determine the depth and structure of the answer. Each
term requires a specific approach, influencing how arguments, evidence, and critiques should be
presented. Below is a breakdown of common directive words with examples and approaches:
1. Analyse
Meaning: To break down the concept into its fundamental components and explain how they relate
to each other. It requires a detailed examination of different aspects without necessarily passing
judgment.
Example Question:
Analyse the impact of liberalism on contemporary democratic institutions.
Approach:
Introduction: Define liberalism and its connection with democracy.
Body:
Break down the impact into components (e.g., political, economic, and social aspects).
Discuss classical and modern liberal perspectives.
Examine key institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and executive through a liberal lens.
Use examples (e.g., separation of powers, human rights, free-market influence on governance).
Conclusion: Sum up the findings without passing normative judgment, possibly mentioning
contemporary debates like neoliberalism and democratic backsliding.
2. Comment
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Meaning: To express an informed opinion while supporting it with arguments, facts, and examples.
It requires critical engagement rather than just explanation.
Example Question:
The Marxist conception of the state is outdated in the contemporary world. Comment.
Approach:
Introduction: Briefly introduce the Marxist conception of the state (state as an instrument of class
oppression).
Body:
Provide arguments supporting the statement (e.g., decline of communist regimes, adaptability of
capitalism, role of welfare states).
Provide counterarguments (e.g., relevance of Marxist critiques in rising inequality, corporate
influence on politics).
Use contemporary examples (e.g., the role of the state in economic crises, socialist policies in
Nordic countries).
Conclusion: Offer a balanced remark and acknowledge the critiques while noting where Marxist
analysis remains relevant.
3. Discuss
Meaning: To provide a detailed account by examining all perspectives, arguments, and implications
of the given topic. It should be balanced, addressing both supporting and opposing viewpoints.
Example Question:
Discuss the relevance of Gandhian principles in contemporary politics.
Approach:
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Introduction: Define Gandhian principles (non-violence, swaraj, trusteeship, etc.).
Body:
Discuss relevance in areas like civil disobedience, environmental movements, decentralization.
Discuss challenges to Gandhian thought in a globalized and industrialized world.
Provide contemporary examples (e.g., Anna Hazare’s movement, Sarvodaya initiatives).
Conclusion: Provide a synthesis of Gandhian principles remain relevant in moral and ethical
governance but face challenges in practical implementation.
4. Critically Analyse
Meaning: To examine the topic with a critical lens highlight strengths, weaknesses, and alternative
perspectives. Unlike analyse, this requires a balanced evaluation, often with critiques.
Example Question:
Critically analyse the feminist critique of liberal democracy.
Approach:
Introduction: Define feminism and its critique of liberal democracy (e.g., liberal democracy’s focus
on formal equality while ignoring structural inequalities).
Body:
Supporting Arguments: Explain feminist concerns like the public-private divide (Carole Pateman),
political representation, economic inequalities.
Critiques of Feminism: Some argue liberal democracy has adapted to feminist concerns (e.g.,
affirmative action, gender-sensitive policies).
Alternative perspectives: Postmodern and intersectional feminist critiques of mainstream feminism.
Conclusion: Conclude by stating that while feminism highlights critical flaws in liberal democracy,
institutional reforms have led to progress in addressing gender issues.
5. Examine
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Meaning: To inspect the topic in detail, considering causes, implications, and underlying
assumptions. Similar to “analyse†but often requires identifying hidden dimensions or causes.
Example Question:
Examine the role of civil society in strengthening democracy.
Approach:
Introduction: Define civil society and its role in democracy.
Body:
Explain how civil society contributes (e.g., promoting accountability, acting as a check on state
power, mobilizing marginalized groups).
Examine challenges (e.g., co-optation by state or corporate interests, funding issues, elite-driven
activism).
Provide examples (e.g., role of NGOs in RTI activism, farmers’ protests, environmental
movements).
Conclusion: Conclude by weighing both sides of civil society strengthens democracy but faces
limitations in effectiveness and autonomy.
Key Differences and Summary
Directive Word Approach
Break down the topic into components and explain how they relate. No strong
Analyse
judgments.
Comment Express an informed opinion, critically engaging with the statement.
Discuss Provide a balanced view, covering multiple perspectives with examples.
Critically
Examine strengths and weaknesses while engaging with critiques.
Analyse
Examine Inspect deeply, identifying assumptions and implications.
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