Why Descriptive Writing Scares Most Banking Aspirants

The Mains paper is the final test of endurance for thousands of competitive examination students preparing for the Probationary Officer (PO) posts in leading Indian banks like SBI PO and IBPS PO. While candidates prepare for months to handle high-level Data Interpretation, reasoning, and financial questions, there is a particular test that causes fear among all the candidates: The Descriptive English Test.

Conducted right after a rigorous 3-hour objective test, this test involves writing a formal letter and analyzing an essay on the computer screen in 30 minutes. Even if this test carries significant weightage in the final merit list, descriptive writing continues to pose a huge mental challenge for candidates from all backgrounds. Well, if you want to get coaching to beef up your bank exam preparation, then you can join an institute that provides the best Banking Coaching.

Why Descriptive Writing Scares Most Banking Aspirants 

Read the following pointers to learn why descriptive writing scares most banking aspirants:

1. Cognitive Switch: Multiple Choice Versus Generation

The essential basis for why descriptive writing scares off the bank hopefuls comes down to the cognitive switch needed for the exam. For several months, these individuals have programmed their minds to recognize solutions to problems. When taking the objective part of the test, the solution is already given, and the candidate simply needs to choose from among the available options. Descriptive writing involves creative generation. With the empty text box and flashing cursor in front of them, candidates are required to organize their thoughts, remember information, stay grammatically coherent, and write complete paragraphs within a limited time frame.

2. The Typing Hurdle on Computer Screen

In an age when almost everyone uses smartphones and touchscreen technology, candidates hardly type any lengthy essay on a computer keyboard.

While typing during the examination, candidates come across mechanical keyboards that have full key travel. Some common problems faced include:

• Slow Typing Rate: Not able to complete the word limit, typically 250 words for essay writing and 150 words for letter writing, in 30 minutes.

• Dependence on Backspace: Constantly correcting their errors while still typing takes away their precious time, leaving no time to check their letter.

• No Auto-Correct Facility: Unlike word processors and mobile keyboards, the software used in exams cannot autocorrect spelling errors.

3. Decoding the Evaluation Machine: The Scoring Procedure of the Test

The bulk of the terror is caused by a misrepresentation of the method of evaluation. The majority of applicants think that they require literary English, fancy vocabulary, and precise statistical figures to score high.

The scoring formula values clarity, structure, and grammar of answers rather than fancy language or vocabulary:

• Structural requirement: If the letter is written in a proper format, such as a letter addressed to a Branch Manager or Newspaper Editor, it will score at least the basic marks.
• Accuracy of grammar: The simpler the sentences, the higher the score, as compound sentences with mistakes in subject-verb agreement will fetch low scores.
• Structure and coherence: Any essay containing 3 clearly defined parts, i.e., introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion, will be considered a structured essay by the automatic scorer.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Rid of Descriptive Phobia

Learning to write descriptively doesn’t require any previous experience in English literature. It needs preparation.

1.1. Type on a Desktop Physical Keyboard: Use the regular desktop keyboard connected to your laptop or PC. Spend 20 minutes two times a week typing editorials from leading national daily papers.

1.2. Learn the Format of Standard Letters: Study the exact placement of all letters (both formal and informal). Knowing the exact format will help you to avoid any pauses at the very beginning of the test – within 5 minutes.

1.3. Follow the Time Management Rule of 3-20-7:

• First 3 Minutes: Formulate points for your essay and choose the topic for your letter.

• Next 20 Minutes: Write both the letter and the essay consecutively without breaks for re-reading.

• Last 7 Minutes: Proofread your text.

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Conclusion

Descriptive Writing instills fear in banking applicants not due to the intrinsic difficulty of descriptive writing but due to its deviation from the comfort zone of objective testing. Understanding the nature of the evaluation engines that give preference to correct format, good grammar, and structure over difficult language helps to solve the puzzle of this exam. Through continuous practice of physical typing and the use of templates, the Descriptive Paper will no longer be a cause for fear but a means to gain high marks.