Write in 20 words?

How do UPSC expects us to describe a thing in 20 flat words when one can write a whole essay on it and still fells short?

The answer is fairly simple- when any one is able to describe a complex term concisely in simple language, we can confidently ascertain that he/she knows that term in depth. It also test that person's command on language.

However, we usually cannot describe simple terms that we use daily. Lets try this- explain what is a computer or what is government or what is Monsoon.

Computer

"A computer is an Electronic device capable of doing calculations at great speed." (This is "rock-bottom" definition of a computer!) Now lets make it short and better- "Electronic device does lengthy, complex calculations very fast, stores-retrieves data; application- from letter writing to missile controls!" (19 words)

It appears that if we are really aware of the topic asked we can actually write in 20 words; otherwise we fumble and move like this-

"A computer is a device; can do variety of task like internet, sending messages, watching pictures, movies; education etc. It has a CPU, Monitor, keyboard, mouse etc." (26words; so friends this answer describe what we do with computer and how a DESKTOP computer look like. Which is better answer?)

Finally, the key to get marks in '20wordies' is to

> be short and concise,
> write point-wise,
> write the CORE
> being strictly within the limit,
> give what is asked and not the unrelated stuff.

Happy time with 20wordies! Waiting for your queries...