UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice : GS 3 (Week 3)

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords give you an edge over the other candidates and helps in the better presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be use logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ Conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

THOUGHT PROCESS

You may enrich your answers by some of the following points

QUESTION 1:What do you understand by sustainable development? How India is using tourism to achieve sustainable development goals?

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a basic fact such as:

According to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), sustainable development is defined as “Development that meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs”. The use of the concept of ‘needs’ in the definition is linked to the distribution of resources.

or

According to the seminal report – Our Common Future, sustainable development is defined as “meeting the basic needs of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspirations for a better life”.

(Source: ncert.nic.in)

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

— The year 2015 has been a milestone for global development as governments have adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The bold agenda sets out a global framework to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change until 2030.

— Tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all of the goals. In particular, it has been included as a target in Goals 8, 12 and 14 on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, respectively.

— India is focused on using tourism as a vehicle to achieve Sustainable Development Goals during the G20 presidency.

— Indian villages are getting global recognition for rural tourism. For example, Pochampli village in Telangana has been declared one of the best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

— Tourism has the potential to generate the maximum number of employment with minimum investment and thus tourism can be a positive force for economic transformation, rural development and community well-being.

— Tourism could be used to enable sales of local products and services, youth to become entrepreneurs; provides a channel for employment of women and non-advantaged communities like tribals and thus leads to community empowerment and poverty alleviation.

Conclusion:

Your concluding remark should be short and should encapsulate both parts of the answer. You can use quotes to maximise your score such as:

— Mahatma Gandhi said “The soul of India resides in its villages… Thus, by showcasing our villages, the way of life, the spiritual and cultural heritage, the natural beauty of the country are being showcased. and self-reliant villages will lead to a self-reliant India”

— Sustainable tourism is firmly positioned in the 2030 Agenda. Achieving this agenda, however, requires a clear implementation framework, adequate financing and investment in technology, infrastructure and human resources.

— Rural tourism has led to community empowerment and poverty alleviation. It has also resulted in women’s empowerment through homestay and community-based eco-tourism.