General Studies 2022 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Explain

Q15

Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

25 दिसंबर, 2021 को छोड़ा गया जेम्स वेब अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोप तभी से समाचारों में बना हुआ है। उसमें ऐसी कौन-कौन सी अनन्य विशेषताएं हैं जो उसे इससे पहले के अंतरिक्ष टेलीस्कोपों से श्रेष्ठ बनाती हैं? इस मिशन के मुख्य ध्येय क्या हैं? मानव जाति के लिए इसके क्या संभावित लाभ हो सकते हैं? (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2022 General Studies questions

Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. 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

The directive 'explain' requires a clear exposition of JWST's distinctive features, mission goals, and benefits with logical reasoning. Structure as: brief introduction on JWST's significance → three body paragraphs addressing each sub-question (unique features vs Hubble/Spitzer, key goals, benefits to humanity) → forward-looking conclusion linking to India's space aspirations.

Key points expected

Comparison with predecessors: infrared capability, 6.5m primary mirror vs Hubble's 2.4m, sunshield for cryogenic cooling, L2 halo orbit vs low Earth orbit
Technical innovations: 18 hexagonal beryllium mirror segments, Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam), Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), longer wavelength coverage (0.6-28 microns)
Key goals: first light and reionization, assembly of galaxies, birth of stars and protoplanetary systems, atmospheres of exoplanets (including biosignatures)
Benefits to humanity: understanding cosmic origins, detecting potentially habitable exoplanets, technological spin-offs in optics/materials, inspiring STEM education globally including India
India's relevance: ISRO's upcoming AstroSat-2, Aditya-L1 synergies, potential collaboration through NASA-ISRO NISAR framework
Contemporary significance: first images (July 2022), discovery of earliest galaxies (JADES program), atmospheric analysis of WASP-39b

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	15%	2.25	Answer addresses all three components (features, goals, benefits) with explicit comparative framing against predecessors; demonstrates awareness that 'explain' requires causal reasoning not mere listing	Covers all three components but treats them as isolated lists without clear comparative logic or explanatory depth	Misses one or more components; confuses JWST with other telescopes; provides only descriptive narration without explanatory analysis
Content depth & accuracy	25%	3.75	Precise technical details (wavelength range, L2 point, mirror specifications, instrument names); accurate distinction from Hubble/Spitzer; correct mission goals from NASA's official four objectives	Generally accurate but vague on specifics (e.g., 'bigger mirror' without size, 'infrared' without wavelength context); minor errors in orbital mechanics or timeline	Significant factual errors (confuses JWST with Hubble's orbit, wrong launch date, incorrect wavelength claims); superficial treatment with generic space technology phrases
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear tripartite structure matching question's three clauses; smooth transitions between technical features, scientific objectives, and human applications; effective signposting within 250-word constraint	Recognizable structure but uneven weighting (overlong on features, rushed on benefits); some logical gaps between paragraphs	Disorganized or chronological rather than thematic structure; abrupt shifts; failure to demarcate the three required components
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific discoveries (GLASS-z13, earliest galaxy candidates, WASP-39b atmospheric composition); quantitative data (mirror size, operating temperature -223°C, distance 1.5 million km); Indian context (AstroSat legacy, Aditya-L1)	Generic reference to 'first images' or 'exoplanet discoveries' without specifics; minimal or no Indian angle; missing quantitative anchors	No concrete examples; confused with unrelated missions (confusing JWST with Chandrayaan or Artemis); fabricated data
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesizes technical capabilities with broader implications (cosmic perspective, international cooperation model, India's strategic positioning); forward-looking yet grounded; avoids mere summary	Restates main points without synthesis; generic optimistic closing about 'future of humanity'; no explicit Indian or policy dimension	Absent or abrupt conclusion; purely descriptive ending; irrelevant digression into unrelated space topics

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →