Introduction: When preparing for the Philosophy Optional paper in the UPSC exam, it is essential to allocate time effectively to various study activities. Two key areas of focus are revising notes and practicing answer writing. In this response, we will analyze the pros and cons of prioritizing these activities and provide a recommendation based on their importance.

Revising Notes:
Revising notes is crucial as it helps consolidate knowledge and understanding of the subject. It allows you to review key concepts, theories, and arguments, ensuring that you have a strong foundation in the subject matter. Here are some reasons why revising notes is important:

1. Consolidation of knowledge: Revising notes helps refresh your memory and reinforce the concepts you have learned. It allows you to identify any gaps in your understanding and fill them.

2. Retaining information: Regular revision helps in retaining information for a longer period. It aids in recalling relevant information during the exam and prevents forgetting important details.

3. Identifying weak areas: By revising notes, you can identify topics or areas where you are struggling. This allows you to focus on those areas and seek further clarification or study resources to improve your understanding.

Practicing Answer Writing:
Answer writing practice is equally important as it helps in developing the necessary skills to present your knowledge effectively in the exam. Here are some reasons why practicing answer writing is crucial:

1. Time management: Answer writing practice enables you to manage your time efficiently during the exam. It helps you learn how to structure your answers and allocate time appropriately to each question.

2. Clarity of expression: Regular practice in answering questions helps in improving your writing skills. It allows you to articulate your thoughts concisely and coherently, making your answers more effective.

3. Familiarity with exam pattern: Practicing answer writing familiarizes you with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. This enables you to develop a strategy for answering different types of questions and ensures that you are well-prepared.

Recommendation:
While both revising notes and practicing answer writing are important, it is advisable to prioritize revising notes initially and gradually shift focus towards practicing answer writing as the exam approaches. This approach allows you to build a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding before honing your answer writing skills.

By revising notes first, you ensure that you have a solid grasp of the subject matter, which is crucial for answering questions effectively. Once you feel confident in your understanding, you can start practicing answer writing to develop the necessary skills to present your knowledge in a structured and concise manner.

Remember, consistency is key in both activities. Allocate dedicated time for revising notes and answer writing practice regularly to ensure maximum effectiveness in your preparation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, while both revising notes and practicing answer writing are important, prioritizing revising notes initially and gradually shifting focus to answer writing practice is recommended. This approach allows for a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding, followed by the development of effective answer writing skills. Stay consistent and allocate dedicated time to both activities to excel in the Philosophy Optional paper in the UPSC exam.