{"id":10291,"date":"2017-05-17T13:57:17","date_gmt":"2017-05-17T08:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/?p=10291"},"modified":"2026-03-27T12:00:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T06:30:41","slug":"sbi-po-mains-2017-descriptive-section-previous-cut-offs-preparation-expected-topics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/sbi-po-mains-2017-descriptive-section-previous-cut-offs-preparation-expected-topics\/","title":{"rendered":"SBI PO Mains 2017 Descriptive Section: Previous Cut-offs, Preparation, Expected Topics"},"content":{"rendered":"

The results of the SBI PO Prelims 2017 are out and the SBI PO Mains exam is scheduled on 4th June, 2017. As all of you must be knowing, the SBI PO Mains examination consists of a descriptive writing test of the English language. In this blog post, we will discuss all about the descriptive writing section: pattern, cut-offs, preparation tips and previous years’ topics.<\/span><\/p>\n

SBI PO Mains 2017 Descriptive Test : Pattern<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n

The Descriptive Test will be of 30 minutes duration with 50 marks.<\/span><\/p>\n

It will consist of letter writing & essay writing. The candidates are required to qualify in the Descriptive Test by securing passing marks, to be decided by the Bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that the descriptive test paper of only those candidates will be evaluated who score qualifying marks in the objective tests and are placed adequately high as per total marks in objective test.<\/span><\/p>\n

SBI PO Mains 2017 Descriptive Test : Cutoffs (2016)<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMaximum Marks<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nGeneral<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nSC\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nST<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nOBC<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nOH<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nVI\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nHI<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Descriptive Type Test (English Language)<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n50<\/span><\/td>\n20<\/span><\/td>\n17.5<\/span><\/td>\n17.5<\/span><\/td>\n17.5<\/span><\/td>\n17.5<\/span><\/td>\n17.5<\/span><\/td>\n17.5<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"Banking<\/a><\/h6>\n
SBI PO Mains 2017 Descriptive Test : Essay Writing<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n

What should an Essay comprise of?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

An essay is nothing but a short piece of writing on a particular topic. What sets an essay apart is not just being error free in terms of grammar and spelling but also the structure and flow of ideas in the essay. A basic but ideal structure to follow is:-<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Introduction:- <\/strong>This should contain a brief introduction of the topic with an explain the background of the topic. Use this section also to briefly mention your view on the topic before elaborating on that in the body paragraphs.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Body Paragraphs:- <\/strong>The body paragraphs (or the middle paragraphs) are used to present one\u2019s point of view on the subject in a detailed manner.\u00a0 You should restrict the number of paragraphs here to 2 or 3. The purpose of the body is to list out in detail the examples that support your view. It is always advised to put forth your strongest argument first followed by the second strongest one and so on.\u00a0 Each paragraph should contain one idea and sentences supporting it.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Conclusion:- <\/strong>The conclusion is place to restate the main argument\/view you made by showing the connections made between the different points in your essay. However, one should not use the same words to do so.<\/span>
\n The conclusion should also not be a place to introduce any new idea or thought but just a summarizing of your main argument using some of the strongest evidence supporting it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Plan Before You Type:-
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Although it may seem like a waste of time, it is important to spend a few minutes to first plan and think about what you are writing instead of immediately writing. If you have 15 minutes for one essay, spending about 5 minutes on planning your essay can save a lot of time on thinking while you type. Most people who dont plan before writing tend to get stuck in the middle or run out of ideas and are forced to think after writing a portion of the essay. This will hamper the flow and structure of your essay if one tries to generate ideas while typing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spend a few minutes on outlining the points you want to make. Make rough points on the introduction, the stance you are taking along with supporting arguments. Make sure you have your sequence with the strongest arguments first and then the remaining arguments.<\/span><\/p>\n

DOs and DONTs:-<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Make a time strategy while you practice. For eg: If it\u2019s 15 minutes for one essay, then have 5 -7- 3 plan where you spend 5 minutes planning, 8 minutes typing and then 2 minutes to read through the final essay to eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors. Make sure you do get the time to read and check for any errors. You can tweak the time-break up and choose one that works for you.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Stick to the word limit provided. If no word limit is provided, try to limit your essay to around 250-300 words.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Avoid using colloquial, slang, SMS \u2018lingo\u2019 while you type. No using of \u201cI\u2019m\u201d, \u201cwat\u201d, \u201cthx\u201d,\u201dASAP\u201d, \u201cgr8\u201d etc. or use informal language such as \u2018veggies\u2019 instead of vegetables, \u2018Kids\u2019 instead of Children, \u2018Anyways\u2019 instead of Nevertheless etc.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Use simple language. Even if your vocabulary is very strong, use words and sentences that you believe most of the readers will understand. No extra points are given for using difficult words that very few understand. In fact, it can be detrimental. For eg: \u201cThe deleterious<\/strong> effects of smoking\u2026. \u201d vs \u201d The harmful<\/strong> effects of smoking\u2026 \u201c<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Do NOT use \u201cI think\u2026\u201d, \u201cI feel\u2026 \u201d , \u201cIn my opinion\u201d etc. Avoid the use of first person and second person pronouns throughout the essay.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Do NOT make broad generalizations such as \u201cEveryone knows that Narendra Modi is a good Prime Minister\u201d. Instead one could say\u00a0 that \u201cSeveral people believe that Narendra Modi is a good Prime Minister\u201d and this statement can be supported by text in the essay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Sample Topics for practice:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Consequences of Brexit<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Merger of SBI with its associates<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Resentment over 7th Pay Commission<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) formation<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Rising NPAs of Indian Banks<\/span><\/li>\n
    6. India’s NSG Debacle<\/span><\/li>\n
    7. What to expect from the new RBI Governor<\/span><\/li>\n
    8. 7% Growth in Indian Economy : Figures and Realities<\/span><\/li>\n
    9. Make In India : Where we have reached<\/span><\/li>\n
    10. 2 Years of Modi Government : Achievements and Challenges<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      Essay\u00a0Writing Topics : SBI PO Mains 2016 Descriptive Section<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n
        \n
      1. Effects of Pokemon Go<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Importance of the History of a Nation<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Positive Effects of the Hike in Salary of an Employee<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        SBI PO Mains 2017 Descriptive Test : Letter Writing<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/h6>\n

        There are two types of letters asked in these exams are:-<\/span><\/p>\n