Essay 2022 Essay Paper 125 marks 1200 words Elucidate

Q5

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो

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Directive word: Elucidate

This question asks you to elucidate. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Elucidate the metaphorical significance of proactive intervention during favourable conditions across multiple domains. Structure: Introduction unpacking the proverb's core meaning → Body exploring dimensions (economic policy, governance, environment, personal life) with Indian examples → Conclusion synthesizing lessons for contemporary India.

Key points expected

Interpretation of the metaphor: 'sun shining' as periods of stability/growth and 'repairing roof' as preventive/reform measures
Economic dimension: Fiscal consolidation during boom years, counter-cyclical policies, India's FRBM experience
Governance dimension: Administrative reforms, anti-corruption measures, institutional strengthening when political will exists
Environmental dimension: Climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, river rejuvenation before crises
Personal/social dimension: Skill development, health investments, relationship maintenance during peace
Critique of Indian tendency toward crisis-driven rather than preventive governance

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Thesis clarity	20%	25	Opens with a crisp, original interpretation of the proverb that immediately establishes the essay's argumentative thrust; thesis explicitly connects 'sunshine' to specific domains (economic, political, ecological) and 'roof repair' to actionable reforms.	Provides a literal or superficial interpretation of the proverb; thesis present but either too narrow (single domain) or too vague without clear argumentative direction.	Missing clear thesis; proverb merely quoted without interpretation, or essay drifts into unrelated topics without establishing what 'repair' and 'sunshine' signify.
Multi-dimensional coverage	20%	25	Seamlessly weaves 4+ dimensions (economic, governance, environmental, social/personal) with balanced depth; each dimension explicitly ties back to the core metaphor; transitions between domains feel organic rather than mechanical.	Covers 2-3 dimensions adequately but with uneven depth; some dimensions feel forced or only partially connected to the proverb; transitions are functional but abrupt.	Single-dimensional treatment or superficial listing of domains without integration; dimensions discussed in isolation without reference to 'sunshine/repair' framework.
Examples & evidence	20%	25	Rich mix of Indian examples: economic (1991 reforms post-boom, GST timing), governance (Lokpal delays, administrative reforms), environmental (Cauvery tribunal delays, Mumbai flood preparedness), personal (skill India, health insurance penetration); examples precisely illustrate proactive vs. reactive approaches.	Some relevant Indian examples but uneven quality; over-reliance on generic international examples (Roosevelt, COVID responses) without sufficient Indian specificity; examples illustrate the point but don't sharply contrast proactive/reactive approaches.	Few or no Indian examples; examples are irrelevant, misapplied, or merely decorative without advancing the argument; factual errors in citing policies or events.
Language & flow	20%	25	Sophisticated yet accessible prose; effective use of metaphorical language extending the roof/sun imagery; varied sentence structure; paragraphs build cumulative argument; quotes from Indian thinkers (Gandhi on trusteeship, Ambedkar on constitutional morality) integrated naturally.	Clear but unremarkable prose; occasional clichés; paragraph structure functional but predictable; some awkward transitions between sections; limited stylistic range.	Grammatical errors, repetitive vocabulary, choppy paragraphs; excessive use of quotations without integration; flow disrupted by irrelevant digressions or abrupt jumps.
Conclusion & forward look	20%	25	Synthesizes insights into a coherent vision for India's developmental trajectory; identifies specific contemporary 'sunshine' moments (Amrit Kaal, demographic dividend, economic recovery) and corresponding 'repairs' needed; ends with actionable, inspiring forward look without being prescriptive.	Restates main points without genuine synthesis; forward look is generic ('India should be proactive') without identifying specific current opportunities or needed reforms; conclusion feels obligatory rather than climactic.	Missing conclusion or abrupt ending; mere summary of body points; forward look absent or unrealistic; introduces new arguments in conclusion; ends with platitudes unrelated to the essay's thesis.

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