How to score 300+ in Anthropology Part 3

  I improved my marks from 232(in 2020 attempt) to 273( in 2021 attempt) to 315( in 2022 attempt). 

Here are the learnings of answer improvement: 

How to score maximum marks in each question 

1. First and foremost satisfy the demand of question. It is very important to understand the core demand of the question and write accordingly. 
2. In 10 Marker, I used to write in points. More points , more marks. Also, subheadings should be more to score more. For example, if I’m writing about one concept , then subheadings would be : concept, background, example/illustration, criticism, application, way forward / work of any other scholar. 
3. In 15/20 Markers, I used to write in points usually except there are questions which are analytical and require analysis. In such questions, some paragraphs should be included to show your analysis. So, I used subheadings and paragraph format along with bullet points in such questions.
4. If one covers one answer holistically then there are less chances of cutting marks by examiner. For example if you are writing 5-6 dimensions/subheadings in 10 marker, there is very less scope to cut your marks.  
5. Basic content is as essential as value addition content. I have seen people missing out on basic content and adding case studies and examples only. Showing off knowledge doesn’t help. First write basic content then write value addition content in subtle way. 
6. Use case studies and examples with the flow of answer. Many times we tend to disturb flow of answer by writing case study as separate subheading, which many times is not that directly related to the answer flow. There has been a trend in past years to write some case study in separate subheading, I think it has become outdated now as every student is doing that only. Disadvantage of that is that it disturbs flow of answer. This time I tried to not write it in separate subheading of “case study” rather I tried to give example, use of terms like “for instance”, “illustration” etc. Only if some famous case study is there, then only I used to write that such and such work is done by this scholar at this place. 
7. Case study : many times we have the urge to write case studies which we get from here and there, but for writing case study you and examiner should be on same page. And for that, it is essential that you write some famous scholar case study. If however you have case study of some not so famous /known scholar then better to write it as illustration or example. Case study specifically requires name of scholar, area of work, area of concern and results. So maintain that sanctity of case study. 

Diagrams and flowcharts 

Diagrams and flow chart are good addition to your answers provided they add value to the content you are presenting.

When to use : 

1. If it saves time and let you include many points in less space.
2. If it helps in better understanding and depiction of content

When not to use: 

1. If better content can be written for diagram.
2. If it covers major space of your sheet and decreases value of your content.
3. If it takes lot of time to draw. No need to be fashionable, if you can draw it, draw it, otherwise simply write content. 

Illustration1:  Here I have used diagram to show bottleneck and founders effect of genetic drift. It helps in depiction in less words.

Illustration 2: here a simple hub and spoke diagram has been used to cover 6 points in very small space, thus putting more content in less space and less time.

Examples and case studies 

Illustration 1: Tribal identity related question: I wrote example of current happening of dispute between Bhils and Rajputs. It was all over news at that time and I linked it to my syllabus and finally used it in my answer. 

Illustration 2: Some famous case study can be written to show your understanding. See I have intelligently used the word illustration (because everybody nowadays is using box and giving case study as subheading). So to maintain flow of answer I mentioned word “illustration” and wrote case study (as we call).

Illustration 3: whenever I used to make some statement which I have stated above, I used to back it up and substantiate it with some famous case study or scholarly work. 

Conclusion 

There are many formats for writing conclusion. Conclusion/ way forward is the area where you can do innovation, it is the place to show your creativity and genuine interest in the subject. 

There are many methods to do that: 

Interlinking the topic to some other topic of the syllabus 

Linking with  some current example, issue 

Link with some contemporary affairs. 

Administrative dimension ( how and why : use, application) 

Interlinking / current / contemporary dimension / administrative dimension 

Illustration 1: In this conclusion I have ended it on positive note that Mendel’s limitations were rectified later by these scholars . Shows solution oriented outlook 

Illustration 2: Here I have linked recent excavations (contemporary affair ) with Aryan invasion answer. 

Illustration 3: Here Sociology and anthropology comparison was done, I have linked current issue (Gay rights ) with it. It makes your answer organic and lively. 

Illustration 4: Be optimistic in outlook, especially while doing conclusion. 

Illustration 5: Concluding answer by showing the relevance of the study/ terms asked. Here I linked it with NFHS survey . See, everywhere I’m trying to put some administrative angle to my answers. 

Illustration 6: Linked conclusion to current affairs : Age of marriage bill, period leave. These are hot topics of discussion and I tried to put them in my answers.

Illustration 7: Relevance/ significance can be written in conclusion in 10 markers. 

Illustration 8: Again linked it to current : DNA data protection bill 

Illustration 9: tried to include administrative dimension 

Illustration10: linking with some social issue 

Illustration 11: asking oneself that what is the usefulness of studying this topic gives you many answers and points 

Illustration 12: using catchy phrases and words in conclusion. 

In next article I’ll cover strategy for attempting paper and how to deal it during exam day. I believe  attempting paper on exam day is also an “art” which has to be practiced. 

Stay tuned.

Lite hai !