Dear Readers,
The descriptive test is an important part
of the SBI PO entrance process. If a candidate performs well in the written
examination but fails to do well in the descriptive test, he may not be eligible
for the interview process. The descriptive test requires detailed answers in
English irrespective of whether it is a Letter Writing or an Essay Writing question.
A candidate who is good in English and has sound writing skills can easily
clear this section.
Do note that the marks scored in
the Main Exam are the sole criteria for short listing for group discussion and
personal interview.In the SBI PO entrance process, the main exam will be held in two parts: Part
I Objective Test and Part II Descriptive Test.So, a candidate needs to perform
well in both parts of the main exam in order to get a call for interview from
the bank.
Pattern & Syllabus of the Descriptive
Test: As per the notification for the SBI
PO 2015 Exam,
1. The Descriptive Test will be of 1 hour duration
with 50 marks.
2. This Test will contain questions from Letter
Writing & Essay topics.
3. The Descriptive test will be conducted in online
mode and candidates will have to answer the test by typing on the computer.
Note: The
minimum qualifying marks for the descriptive test in the previous year’s exam
were 20 marks for General category candidates and 18 marks for other category
candidates.
Now, the point is “How to prepare
for the Descriptive Test”? For this, you have to devise a well-thought out exam
strategy and prepare accordingly.
Now let’s discuss the topics
covered in the descriptive test of SBI PO 2015 Exam:
1. Letter
Writing:This topic tests a candidate’s
ability to precisely and effectively communicate with the person to whom the
letter is addressed.
Important
points to keep in mind before writing a letter:
1. Format of
the letter:Writing a letter in the correct
format is very important to score good marks in the descriptive test. An
examiner always looks at whether the letter is written in the correct format and
gives marks accordingly.
2. Everything should be written on the left hand
side (left aligned).
3. In the first line, write your name;below
that, write your street address, city, state and ZIP code.
4. Leave one line below your name and address.Now,
mention the date.
5. Leave one line.Now mention the recipient’s
name, followed by his address.
6. After the recipient’s name and address, write
down the subject of the letter.
7. Start the body of the letter with a salutation
(greeting, acknowledgement).
If you’re writing a formal letter, you can use
“Dear Sirs,” “Dear Madams,” or “Dear
Sirs/Madams.” “Respected Sirs/Madams”.
If you’re writing an
informal letter, you can use “Dear” or “Hello,” as well as
more informal greetings such as “Hi” or “Hey.”
8. After the salutation, write the main text of
the letter.Try to make one significant point per paragraph, and make sure you
use the correct punctuation, spelling and grammar.
9. Always end your letter with a complimentary ending
and your name. For formal letters, write “Sincerely yours,”
“Kindest regards,” or “Yours faithfully.”For an informal
letter, you can use “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or
“Best.” You could also use “Very sincerely,” “Very
best,” or “Cordially.”
10. What is a Formal
letter: If you’re writing to a Bank
Manager, any government official, dignitary, academic official or anyone else
with whom you hope to have a professional relationship, the letter should be
formal.
11. What is an Informal
letter: If you’re writing to your
friend, to your relatives, a co-worker, a distant or elderly relative, the
letter should probably be informal.
12. It is important to
note that, during the exam,you should not mention your name in the letter. You
can use ABC or XYZ in place of your name.
Format of the letter:
ABC
B – Wing, 602
Galaxy Enclave
Dadar, Mumbai
Maharashtra – 400014
Date: May 15, 2015
To,
The Branch Manager,
State Bank of India
Dadar, Mumbai
Subject: ______________.
Dear Sir,
Body: Write your message here.
Yours faithfully
ABC
2. Essay: Essay writing is another essential part of
the descriptive test. It involves organising and structuring your thoughts and
ideas. It requires good writing skills and imagination. Before writing an
essay, plan your thoughts and ideas and put them on the paper in a very structured
manner.
How to
prepare for essay writing:
1. Make a habit of reading daily English
Newspapers. This will improve your general awareness and help you in essay
writing.
2. Read articles and editorial columns of
newspapers and try to write some of those articles in your own words in your
notebook and also type out the same on your desktop or laptop.
3. Always refer to the dictionary if you do not
know the meaning of a word or when you are in doubt about any unfamiliar usage
of a word.
4. Reading and writing articles will help you in
putting your ideas on paper and will ensure that you have good command over
language.
5. Buy books for essay writing and start your preparation.
Write two essays daily on a regular basis.
Important
points to keep in mind before writing an essay:
1. Please read the questions and instructions
carefully, before you start writing any essay in the exam.
2. Select the topic in which you are most confident
and about which you have proper knowledge.
3. Before you start writing your essay, note down
all your ideas on a rough sheet.
4. Also try to write your essay in three parts –
Introduction, Subject and Conclusion.
5. Always try to write in a simple and precise
(to the point) manner.
6. Do not repeat any sentence in the essay.
7. Avoid spelling and grammar errors.
Note:
Please buy a good book for letter writing& essay and start your preparation
early. As the descriptive test will be conducted in online mode, you should
practice two letters(formal or informal) and two essays on a daily basis. Write
a letter or essay in your notebook; then, type out the letter on your desktop
or laptop. This will improve your writing skills and also improve your typing
speed.
Here are some suggested books for the
descriptive test portion of the SBI PO 2015 Exam:
1.
Descriptive English book – Kiran Prakashan
2. Descriptive
General English book- S.P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma
3. Crack
Descriptive English – Varuna Sharma
4. Descriptive
English- SC Gupta
5. Descriptive
English – K. Kundan
Related Content:
1. Letter Writing Topics Asked in SBI PO 2014 Exam
2. Essay Topics Asked in SBI PO 2014 Exam:
All The Best!