How to improve English for UPSC CSE
The Civil Services Examination, which is the first step towards becoming an IAS officer, is one of the most difficult and prestigious exams offered in India by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These exams require proficiency in the English language, which is a requirement for success. However, not everyone is at ease speaking it, and some people might find it difficult to improve their English.
Building an understanding of the English language can be a challenging task, just like anything important. Numerous applicants with varied linguistic backgrounds are rejected each year as a result of the language barrier. The lack of practice is one of the main causes of this. Therefore, when it comes to English, try these enjoyable learning techniques rather than a formal designated approach and observe the change over time.
Importance of NCERT Books in UPSC Preparation
Does Proficiency in English Matter For The UPSC?
First off, if a candidate receives a score of less than 25% on the mandatory English Language paper in the UPSC Mains exam, the remaining papers will not be checked. Therefore, in order to pass at least this paper, a candidate must have a basic understanding of this language. The language must be comprehensible and understandable. This paper includes questions on translation, precise writing, comprehension, fundamental grammar usage, and essay writing. These are fairly simple subjects that are typically covered in school (standards VI to IX). You simply need to practise.
Second, the majority of the required reading for the UPSC Exam is in English and, to a lesser extent, Hindi. The majority of online resources are even in English. Therefore, having a working knowledge of English is definitely helpful. However, English is only a small obstacle that can be overcome with the right methods and work. It is only required for one paper, which you will inevitably need to pass to qualify. You can take any of the other exams in a language that you feel comfortable with.
You have the option of using a regional language during the interview. You can complete your MAINS in one language while conducting your question and answer session in a variety of languages, which makes the upsc preparation as a whole very flexible. Your fundamental English language abilities will be tested by UPSC. This is necessary for your communication if you are stationed somewhere where speaking English is the only option for communication. Since the applicants come from a variety of backgrounds, UPSC always advises them to select from a wide range of languages.
Here are some suggestions to help you get better at English if you’re studying for the UPSC exams and having trouble with it:
Read English-language publications on a regular basis.
Reading is one of the best things you can do to get better at English. You can improve your grammar and sentence structure in addition to learning new words and phrases. You can gain exposure to a wide range of vocabulary and topics that are pertinent for the UPSC mains by reading English newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and Times of India. You can also understand complex issues and develop your comprehension skills by reading English magazines like Frontline, Yojana, and Kurukshetra.
Listen to podcasts and English news channels.
In addition to reading, listening is a crucial part of enhancing your English language abilities. You can learn to understand various accents and pronunciations by tuning in to English news channels like BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera. You can learn new vocabulary and expressions by listening to English podcasts like Ted Talks, Radio Lab, and This American Life.
Practise English language writing and speaking.
You can significantly increase your language proficiency by speaking and writing in English. Participating in group discussions, debates, and simulated interviews will help you improve your speaking skills. Writing essays on various topics, answering UPSC mains exam questions, and solving previous year’s question papers are all good ways to practise writing. To hone your skills, you can also join English-speaking organizations and online communities.
Utilize software and apps for language learning.
You can enhance your English language abilities by using one of the many language learning apps and programmes that are available. Popular apps that provide gamified learning experiences and interactive exercises include Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel. You can also enhance your grammar and sentence structure by using programmes like Grammarly and Ginger.
Take classes from Best IAS Coaching Institute
You can significantly advance your language abilities and get ready for the UPSC mains by enrolling in English coaching classes for the UPSC. UPSC coaching classes can help you improve your English proficiency and your confidence because they provide you with professional guidance and mentoring, a structured and organized approach, an interactive and engaging learning experience, and access to study materials and resources. You can succeed in the challenging world of UPSC exams by enrolling in English coaching classes, regardless of your level of experience or desire to improve your current abilities.
Learn from friends and coworkers who speak English.
You can also develop your English-language abilities by picking up tips from friends and coworkers who speak the language. As you converse with them, you might encounter various accents and slang terms. Additionally, you can enquire about their opinions of your writing and speaking abilities, which can help you pinpoint your areas for development.
Tips for Preparing for the UPSC English Language Paper
It’s important to remember that to pass this exam, you only need to receive 75 or more out of a possible 300. As a result, you shouldn’t spend a lot of time on this essay. It ought to be sufficient to enable you to complete this without incident. Let’s examine an efficient pre-testing plan for answering each of the questions posed in this paper:
Essay-Writing (100 marks)
Practice is the key to preparing for essay-style questions. To get a sense of how your essay should be structured, read the editorials in The Hindu or The Indian Express. It will assist you in structuring an organized essay. In order to ensure that your essay is coherent and well-structured, make sure to prepare a rough draft that includes all the crucial ideas you have in mind for the specific topic.
Understanding of Reading (75 marks)
RC consists of a passage and 05 open-ended questions based on it. Read the passage carefully before answering in order to do so effectively. Reread the passage after answering the questions. Note the pertinent details that might serve as potential answers to the posed questions. Put the answers to the questions in your own words and rephrase them. Be careful not to reuse any of the passage’s exact sentences. You might receive a low grade as a result and it might give you a bad impression.
Precis Writing (75 marks)
Precis writing is essentially summarising the passage that has been given. You must summarise the main ideas of the passage in as few words as you can. Typically, the word limit is one-third of the passage’s total word count. To do this, carefully read the passage provided and highlight the key points. Lines in the passage that are filler or don’t add to the information can be struck through. Make sure you don’t go over the word count or use the same information twice.
Questions based on Grammar (50 Marks)
You must work to strengthen your conceptual understanding in order to answer the questions that are grammar-based. Reference materials include classic works by Wren & Martin and S.P. Bakshi’s Objective General English. Learn the different parts of speech, and practise the questions from this book or the ones from the previous year that are based on grammar. This section mainly consists of questions with error-correction, fill-in-the-blanks, narration, and vocabulary. You can do better in this section by reading these books and practising grammar- and vocabulary-based questions.
Conclusion
Excellent command of the English language is one of the most crucial abilities needed for the UPSC preparation. The primary language of the UPSC exam is English, so proficiency in it is necessary in order to comprehend the questions, read the passages, and write the answers.
It takes commitment and work to improve your English language abilities for the UPSC exams. Some efficient methods for enhancing your abilities include reading, listening, speaking, and writing in English; taking online courses and exams; using language-learning software and apps; and picking the brains of friends and coworkers who speak English.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that mastering a language takes time, patience, and consistent practice. You can enhance your English language abilities and raise your chances of passing the UPSC exam by reading widely, practising writing, listening, and speaking, looking for materials specifically made to help with English language skills, and creating a regular practice schedule. Keep in mind that progress is a gradual process, so be patient and continue your diligent work.
