SSC CGL Descriptive Paper syllabus PDF Download

The SSC CGL Tier III consists of a Descriptive Paper that includes essay, precis, letter and/or application writting.  Letter writing includes both formal letters (letter to the editor, letter to the municipality, etc.) and informal letters (letter to a friend, etc). The paper is in English/ Hindi language and will constitute 100 marks. Candidates have to complete the entire paper in 60 minutes.  It should also be noted that the minimum qualifying marks for this Tier III paper are 33%.

The SSC CGL Descriptive Paper is a writing test that evaluates the candidate's ability to write essays, letters, and applications in English or Hindi. The exam is conducted in pen and paper mode and candidates are given one hour to complete the test. The syllabus for the Descriptive Paper includes the following topics:

Essay Writing 

Candidates are required to write an essay of 200-250 words on a given topic. The topics can be related to social issues, politics, science and technology, education, environment, etc. Candidates should have a good understanding of the topic and should be able to express their thoughts and ideas clearly in writing.

Tips for Essay Writing 

Developing the skill to write an effective essay is an art that can be honed by practicing consistently. In this regard, it's essential to consider some crucial aspects of essay writing that can boost your performance in the SSC CGL Tier 3 descriptive paper.

• Word Limit: Candidates should ensure that their essay fits within the allocated word count. Exceeding the limit can result in negative marking.
• Neat Handwriting: It's crucial to write essays in clear and legible handwriting to avoid confusion for the reader. Also, maintaining a clean copy with minimum errors is important.
• Use of Quotations and Idioms: Using famous quotes or idioms can enhance the essay's interest and earn extra points.
• Use of New Words: Using new words and phrases can help communicate ideas clearly and showcase the writer's linguistic abilities.
• Proper Format: Essays must follow a standard structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Grammar and Spelling: Writing an error-free essay is essential as the exam tests the candidates' linguistic abilities. Checking for grammatical errors, subject-verb agreement, and spelling mistakes is necessary. The final five minutes of the exam should be utilized for proofreading and editing.

Letter/Application Writing

Candidates are required to write a letter of 150-200 words on a given topic. The topics can be related to personal, official or social issues. The types of letters that can be asked include formal letters (such as job applications, complaint letters, etc.), semi-formal letters (such as invitation letters, congratulatory letters, etc.), and informal letters (such as letters to friends or family).

Tips for writing Letter

• Formal letters are usually related to business, institutions, or educational purposes and require a specific format to be followed.
• Generally, formal letters serve one of three purposes: to make a complaint, to make an inquiry, or for general correspondence.
• Writing a formal letter can be a challenging task, especially when addressing an unfamiliar person or organization. The content, spelling, and grammar will be closely scrutinized.
• To make an appropriate impact, a formal letter should be well-presented and follow certain rules.
• The letter should be relevant, short, and polite, even if you are making a complaint. It should also be concise and to the point, avoiding any unnecessary information, flowery language, or repetition.
• It's important to use the right tone of language, the appropriate "register." Politeness and respect are always essential, even when making a complaint. Modal verbs such as "would," "could," and "should" can be useful in formal letter writing but should not be overused or made the language too formal or old-fashioned.
• Finally, the letter should be well-presented and error-free, with careful attention paid to grammar, spelling, and formatting.

Precis Writing

In the SSC CGL Tier III descriptive paper, precis writing is a component that tests the writing skills of candidates. In precis writing, candidates are expected to provide a brief summary of a given passage, retaining only the essential points and ideas while omitting unnecessary details. The aim is to condense the original text into a shorter version without changing the meaning or the writer's intent.

Tips for Precis Writing

• Ensure you stick to the word limit of 100 words.
• Read the passage a few times to comprehend the main points that must be included in your precis.
• The precis should typically be one-third of the original passage.
• Take note of the crucial points and eliminate the rest of the details.
• Follow the author's order and tone and avoid mixing up the points.
• Use simple and clear sentences, and rephrase the content in your own words without using 'I' or copying from the passage.
• Avoid using jargon, slangs or abbreviations in your writing.
• Pick a relevant heading for your precis.