Mistakes Students Make While Answering Questions in Paper I


One common mistake that students make while answering questions in Paper I is a lack of understanding the question. This can happen when students do not carefully read and comprehend the question before attempting to answer it. They may misinterpret the question or fail to grasp the key concepts being asked. It is crucial for students to take their time and ensure that they fully understand what the question is asking.


Another mistake students often make is a lack of planning and structure in their answers. Without a clear plan, students may ramble and provide irrelevant information, making their answers less coherent. It is essential to plan the structure of the answer before starting to write, identifying key points and organizing them logically. This helps in presenting a well-structured and focused response.


Students sometimes fail to provide sufficient examples and evidence to support their answers. This can weaken the overall argument and make the response less convincing. Including relevant examples, statistics, or case studies can strengthen the answer and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic. Students should strive to provide specific and well-explained examples to support their arguments.


Time management is crucial in Paper I as students have a limited amount of time to answer multiple questions. Some students make the mistake of spending too much time on a single question, leaving inadequate time for other questions. This can result in incomplete answers and a loss of marks. It is important for students to allocate their time wisely, ensuring that they have enough time to answer all the questions.


Students often neglect the importance of a strong introduction and conclusion in their answers. A weak introduction fails to grab the reader's attention and provide a clear context for the answer. Similarly, a weak conclusion leaves the answer unresolved and fails to summarize the main points. Students should aim to provide a concise and compelling introduction that sets the tone for the answer and a conclusion that effectively wraps up the main arguments.

In conclusion, students need to avoid common mistakes while answering questions in Paper I. They should take the time to understand the question, plan and structure their answers, provide relevant examples and evidence, manage their time effectively, and ensure a strong introduction and conclusion. By avoiding these mistakes, students can improve their chances of scoring well in the examination.