Brainstorming Will Make You a UPSC Topper! | Benjo P Jose (AIR 59) - Reflections IAS Academy

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of brainstorming in exam preparation, revealing a unique approach of dedicating 95% of their time to brainstorming and only 5-10% to actual answer writing due to time constraints. They advocate using templates not as rigid outlines but as aids to recall points, suggesting the syllabus as a detailed template to generate multi-dimensional points. The speaker shares a personal experience of applying this method to a question on the sanctity of marriage, illustrating how to connect global values with the topic. They caution that brainstorming is not a quick fix but requires practice to become efficient and effective in recalling relevant points during exams.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Brainstorming is a widely used technique, but the speaker emphasizes its extensive use for 95% of their preparation time, with only 5-10% dedicated to actual answer writing due to time constraints.
• 📝 The speaker does not write out answers but instead uses brainstorming to generate responses to past question papers, focusing on recalling points rather than creating new content.
• 📑 The speaker prefers using a template for brainstorming, which helps in recalling points systematically, rather than writing out subheadings.
• 🔄 The PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) template is mentioned, but the speaker finds it outdated and instead uses the syllabus as a more detailed framework for generating points.
• 📚 The syllabus is used as a detailed template to think about various aspects of a question, allowing for a more natural recall of relevant points.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that thinking in terms of the syllabus helps in generating points quickly and naturally, which is crucial for exam preparation.
• 📝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of practice and iteration in brainstorming, stating that it is not an easy or quick process but becomes easier with repetition.
• ⏱ The speaker warns that brainstorming in the exam hall can be a failure if not practiced beforehand, as it is time-consuming and requires energy.
• 💼 The speaker's senior suggested the extensive use of brainstorming, which the speaker adopted and found effective, though it requires consistent practice.
• 📈 The speaker mentions that brainstorming helps in generating multi-dimensional points for the answer paper, enhancing the depth and breadth of the response.
• 🚫 The speaker clarifies that brainstorming is not a replacement for answer writing but a supplement to enhance the quality of the preparation.

Q & A

What is the speaker's unique approach to brainstorming during exam preparation?

The speaker's unique approach to brainstorming involves dedicating 95% of their time to brainstorming and only 5-10% to answer writing, using a detailed syllabus-based template to recall points rather than writing them down.

Why did the speaker choose to focus more on brainstorming than answer writing?

The speaker chose to focus more on brainstorming due to time constraints and the situation they were in, which necessitated a method that allowed for efficient use of their limited time.

What is the role of templates in the speaker's brainstorming method?

Templates serve as frameworks to help recall points during brainstorming. They are not written on the paper but used to think about different aspects of a question, ensuring a structured and comprehensive approach.

How does the speaker use the syllabus as a template for brainstorming?

The speaker uses the syllabus as a detailed template by breaking down topics into specific aspects, which helps in generating points naturally and recalling knowledge in a structured manner.

Can you provide an example of how the speaker applied the syllabus template to a question?

An example given is a question on the sanctity of marriage. The speaker used the globalization aspect from GS1 to generate a point about how global values might be affecting the importance of marriage, showing how the syllabus template can be applied to generate relevant points.

Why is it important to remember that brainstorming is not a one-time exercise according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that brainstorming is a time-consuming and energy-consuming exercise that requires practice. It is not a quick fix or a superpower that can be acquired in one or two attempts.

How does the speaker suggest one should approach practicing brainstorming?

The speaker suggests practicing brainstorming repeatedly. Initially, it might take 20-30 minutes, but with practice, it will become easier and more efficient, allowing points to come more naturally during the actual exam.

What is the speaker's stance on the relationship between brainstorming and answer writing?

The speaker views brainstorming as a supplement to answer writing, not a replacement. It is meant to enhance the quality of answers by providing multi-dimensional points but should not replace the practice of writing out full answers.

How does the speaker describe the process of generating points during brainstorming?

The speaker describes the process as thinking in a detailed, syllabus-wise form, which allows points to come naturally. It involves connecting different aspects of the syllabus to the question at hand to generate relevant and comprehensive points.

What误区 does the speaker warn against when it comes to brainstorming during the exam?

The speaker warns against the misconception that brainstorming can be easily done in the exam hall. It is a skill that requires practice and should not be relied upon as a primary strategy without prior experience.

How does the speaker's approach to brainstorming differ from the traditional PESTEL template?

The speaker finds the PESTEL template outdated and instead opts for a syllabus-based template, which is more detailed and allows for a more in-depth and specific approach to generating points related to the question.