Master All 21 UPSC Mains
Directive Words
Learn the proven frameworks that decode every directive word. Never be confused about how to structure your answer again.
21
Methods
8
Categories
100%
Coverage
📚 All 21 Directive Words at a Glance
| # | Directive Word | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discuss | 3D |
| 2 | Critically Discuss | 3D-C |
| 3 | Analyse | FCA |
| 4 | Critically Analyse | ACE |
| 5 | Examine | LID |
| 6 | Critically Examine | LIDC |
| 7 | Evaluate | JEB |
| 8 | Critically Evaluate | JEC |
| 9 | Assess | IMN |
| 10 | Comment | PEC |
| 11 | Critically Comment | PEC-S |
| 12 | Explain | SEI |
| 13 | Enumerate | LNC |
| 14 | Substantiate | PEP |
| 15 | Compare & Contrast | CCD |
| 16 | Highlight | KEY |
| 17 | Account for | CER |
| 18 | Trace | TLC |
| 19 | To what extent | QEV |
| 20 | Suggest | SAP |
| 21 | Elaborate | PIE |
Detailed Method Breakdowns
Click on any method below to learn step-by-step frameworks with examples
3D
Discuss
3D-C
Critically Discuss
FCA
Analyse
ACE
Critically Analyse
LID
Examine
LIDC
Critically Examine
JEB
Evaluate
JEC
Critically Evaluate
IMN
Assess
PEC
Comment
PEC-S
Critically Comment
SEI
Explain
LNC
Enumerate
PEP
Substantiate
CCD
Compare & Contrast
KEY
Highlight
CER
Account for
TLC
Trace
QEV
To what extent
SAP
Suggest
PIE
Elaborate
Discuss
3Dbalanced
Framework Structure
Define → Dimensions → Deliver
Critically Discuss
3D-Ccritical
Framework Structure
Define → Dimensions → Deliver → Counterpoints
Analyse
FCAanalytical
Framework Structure
Factors → Consequences → Action
Critically Analyse
ACEcritical
Framework Structure
Assess → Critique → Enhance
Examine
LIDinvestigative
Framework Structure
Lay-out → Investigate → Distil
Critically Examine
LIDCcritical
Framework Structure
Lay-out → Investigate → Distil → Conclude
Evaluate
JEBevaluative
Framework Structure
Judge → Evidence → Balance
Critically Evaluate
JECcritical
Framework Structure
Judge → Evidence → Critique
Assess
IMNevaluative
Framework Structure
Impacts → Magnitude → Net
Comment
PECopinion
Framework Structure
Position → Explain → Close
Critically Comment
PEC-Scritical
Framework Structure
Position → Explain → Close → Strong
Explain
SEIdescriptive
Framework Structure
State → Explain → Illustrate
Enumerate
LNClisting
Framework Structure
List → Number → Close
Substantiate
PEPargumentative
Framework Structure
Point → Evidence → Pre-empt
Compare & Contrast
CCDcomparative
Framework Structure
Compare → Contrast → Decide
Highlight
KEYemphasis
Framework Structure
Key → Examples → Why it matters
Account for
CERcausal
Framework Structure
Causes → Evidence → Result
Trace
TLCchronological
Framework Structure
Timeline → Linkages → Conclude
To what extent
QEVevaluative
Framework Structure
Qualify → Evidence → Verdict
Suggest
SAPprescriptive
Framework Structure
Solutions → Actors → Phasing
Elaborate
PIEdescriptive
Framework Structure
Point → Illustration → Effect
Key Takeaways
- ✅Always identify the directive word first before starting your answer - it determines the entire structure
- ✅Follow the method structure strictly - it ensures completeness and prevents missing key aspects
- ✅Practice daily with real UPSC questions to internalize these frameworks naturally
- ✅Customize steps based on the specific question context, but maintain the core structure
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