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(Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal) template is mentioned, but the speaker finds it outdated and instead uses the syllabus as a more detailed framework for generating points.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.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Art of Brainstorming for Exam Preparation

This paragraph discusses the speaker's unique approach to brainstorming as a study technique. Unlike traditional methods, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using brainstorming as a primary tool, dedicating 95% of their preparation time to it and only 5-10% to actual answer writing. The speaker attributes this strategy to time constraints and the need for efficiency. They describe a methodical brainstorming process using templates, such as the PESTEL framework, to systematically recall points. However, they clarify that the framework is not for writing down subheadings but for aiding recall. The speaker shares their preference for using the syllabus as a detailed template, which they find more effective than PESTEL. They illustrate this with an example of how to brainstorm for a question on the sanctity of marriage by relating it to globalization from the syllabus. The paragraph concludes with a caution that brainstorming is not a quick fix but requires practice and iteration to become efficient, and it should not replace traditional answer writing practice.

05:02

📚 Embracing Multi-Dimensional Thinking in Answer Writing

The second paragraph builds on the first by highlighting the benefits of the speaker's brainstorming approach. Through extensive practice, the speaker was able to incorporate multi-dimensional points into their answer paper, which likely enriched the depth and quality of their responses. This suggests that the speaker's method of brainstorming not only improved their ability to recall information but also to think critically and connect concepts in a comprehensive manner. The paragraph reinforces the idea that brainstorming is a valuable supplement to traditional study methods, contributing to a more robust understanding of the subject matter.

Keywords

💡Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a creative technique used to generate ideas or solve problems by encouraging free-flowing thought. In the context of the video, it refers to a method of preparing for exams by generating answers to potential questions without writing them down. The speaker emphasizes using brainstorming as a primary study technique, dedicating 95% of their preparation time to it, which was influenced by their personal situation and time constraints.

💡Answer Writing

Answer writing is the process of formulating responses to exam questions, typically in a structured and concise manner. The video mentions that the speaker only engaged in answer writing for a small percentage of their preparation time, highlighting the significance of brainstorming over traditional writing as a means to recall and organize information.

💡Templates

Templates in this context are frameworks or structures that help in recalling points or ideas. They are not meant to be written on the exam paper but serve as a mental guide during brainstorming. The speaker criticizes the common misuse of templates, emphasizing that they should be tailored to the specific question rather than being rigid subheadings.

💡PESTEL

PESTEL is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors, which is a framework for analyzing macro-environmental factors that can affect a business or topic. The speaker mentions PESTEL as a familiar template but finds it outdated for their needs, preferring a syllabus-based approach.

💡Syllabus

A syllabus is a document that outlines the content and structure of a course of study. The speaker uses the syllabus as a detailed template for brainstorming, arguing that it provides a more comprehensive and relevant framework for generating exam answers than the PESTEL model.

💡Globalization

Globalization refers to the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, which has cultural, economic, and political implications. In the script, the speaker uses globalization as an example of a concept from the syllabus that can be connected to various exam questions, such as the changing nature of marriage.

💡Practice

Practice in the context of the video refers to the act of repeatedly engaging in an activity to improve or master it. The speaker stresses the importance of practicing brainstorming as a way to make the process more efficient and to ensure that points come more easily during the actual exam.

💡Time Constraints

Time constraints refer to limitations on the amount of time available to complete a task or activity. The speaker's use of brainstorming over answer writing was influenced by time constraints, which necessitated a more efficient method of exam preparation.

💡Multi-Dimensional Points

Multi-dimensional points suggest a comprehensive and varied approach to answering exam questions. The speaker claims that by using brainstorming, they were able to include a wider range of perspectives and ideas in their answers, which contributed to a higher quality response.

💡Supplement

To supplement something means to add extra support or value to it. The speaker clarifies that brainstorming is not intended to replace answer writing but to supplement it, providing an additional layer of preparation and thought to the exam process.

💡Exam Hall

The exam hall is the location where exams are taken. The speaker warns against relying solely on brainstorming during the exam itself, stating that it is a practice that should be done beforehand and is not a quick or easy solution to exam preparation.

Highlights

Brainstorming is a widely-used technique, but the speaker emphasizes its use for 95% of their preparation time due to time constraints.

The speaker's unique approach to brainstorming involves using a template to structure their thought process rather than writing out points randomly.

Templates are described as frameworks to help recall points, not to be written on the exam paper.

The PESTEL template (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) is a common method, but the speaker suggests customization based on the question.

The speaker's preferred template is based on the syllabus, considering it more detailed and relevant for generating points.

The syllabus is used as a detailed framework to generate points naturally by thinking in syllabus terms.

An example is given where the speaker discusses how to use the syllabus to answer a question on the sanctity of marriage in the context of globalization.

The speaker emphasizes that brainstorming is not an easy exercise and requires practice to become efficient.

Brainstorming is time-consuming and energy-consuming, and the speaker advises against expecting quick results.

The speaker shares advice from a senior who extensively used brainstorming, highlighting the iterative nature of the process.

Brainstorming is presented as a supplement to, not a replacement for, traditional answer writing practice.

The speaker clarifies that brainstorming should not be seen as a one-time solution but as a practice that enhances answer writing.

The importance of multi-dimensional points in answer papers is highlighted, showing the value of brainstorming in generating comprehensive responses.

The speaker shares personal experience with brainstorming, emphasizing its role in their preparation strategy despite time limitations.

A detailed example of how to apply the syllabus template to a question on domestic abuse of women is provided, illustrating the brainstorming process.

The speaker discusses the evolution of their brainstorming technique, moving from PESTEL to a syllabus-based approach for better recall.

The transcript concludes with a reminder of the need for consistent practice in both brainstorming and answer writing for exam success.

Transcripts

so now coming to brainstorming so

brainstorming is also something it is

not an original invention of mine

everybody has been using it uh but

people are using it in a different way

but what I did differently from people

is that I only did brainstorming or I

did brainstorming for 95% of the time

answer writing for maybe 5 to 10% again

it is because of my situation and the

time that I did not have right that I

did not have the time that I did not

have

that necessitated me to do brainstorming

so what I do what I do in brainstorming

is that rather

than writing questions I would take a

question paper I usually it's pq's uh

previous years of

mains and I would brainstorm answers for

those

questions uh now how I will main storm

is I will not try to randomly write XY Z

point there I will try to brainstorm

based on a template so SRI Krishna also

said about templates templates are

basically Frameworks or something that

helps us recall points it is not

something that we write in the paper so

very famous template everybody would

know here pesel template political

economical social technological legal

and now what people usually do is they

write subheading political economic

legal no that is not how you do it you

remember points based on you think about

the political aspects remember call

points on the political aspects the

subheadings need to be based on the

question and not the framework that

you've used framework is just for

recalling points so now my goto template

usually was the syllabus so I thought

pestel was outdated so I used to think

in syllabus terms syllabus is so

detailed let me give you example gs1 if

you take in gs1 we have ancient India in

art and culture generally art and

culture but again art and culture also

it's ancient medieval is there

now then there is society then there is

geography then there is uh world history

now you take Society Society inside

Society there is women there is cast

there is uh industrialization there is

globalization there is urbanization now

you take women inside women then you

could then divide it into different old

know senior citizens of women or

domestic abuse so these are different

aspects that we study so that could be a

very specific question domestic abuse of

women but now when we think about every

question if we think about it in this

detailed templated form we will generate

points just like that because knowledge

we already have it is just about we need

to generate or recall points and is when

you think in this syllabus wise form

points will come very naturally to us so

that is what I used to do I used to take

up pyqs remember so when I was solving

questions I used to solve it in that pyq

uh that P I used to solve the pyq in the

syllabus template so I would think in

syllabus wise points another again this

would be much better if I tell you with

an example so this year there was a

question on is marriage sacran so is

marriage sacran or is it changing so now

if I think about gs1 in gs1 there is

globalization so now I get a point okay

how can I collect globalization and

marriage as a uh thing then I realize

because global global values are coming

maybe people are losing importance to

marriage that is not a point that I

would remember from my notes because I

don't have notes so that is not a point

that I'll remember from there and right

but it's a point that I will generate

there because I thought about

globalization and what it's connect with

marriage so this is what I did in the

brainstorming part and the actual exam

also now one thing again this needs to

be clear if you go and do brainstorming

on the exam Hall you would fail Miss

ably brainstorming is not an easy

exercise it's very easy for me to just

say but it's not easy at all it's very

time consuming it is very energy

consuming and we just do not I just did

not want to do brainstorming after the

first time I told it again I did it it

was told to me by my senior one of my

senior he's not preparing anymore but he

did this extensively and he told me the

first time you brainstorm you would take

30 minutes or 20 minutes whatever but do

not think that it'll always be 20

minutes you I iterate it do it

repeatedly then brainstorming will

become easy and in the exam day points

will come easier for you so I'm not

saying telling people here that you

brainstorm one or two times and you'll

have this is not any super power random

onstop solution that I'm giving you it's

again a practice thing people write test

and practice I just brainstormed on

practice because I did not have that

much time so it is not a replacement it

is not to supplement it is just to

supplement it is not to replace and

answer writing in any way or form and

one must still practice when I did not

write questions I did practice brain

storming a lot and is I got a lot of

multi-dimensional points in my answer

paper