WAT Kit

IIM Kashipur MPRC

Outline

What are you being evaluated on?

Formats used

Topic Based Writing Strategy

Case Based Writing Strategy

Sources of Information

WAT Topics

Where to contact us?

What are you being evaluated on?

According to experts, WAT evaluation is based on the following 4 Skills:1. Analytical 2. Decision making 3. Application 4. Written Communication

Formats used
For WAT, the following 2 formats are widely used:1. Topic Based Writing 2. Case Based Analysis

1.Topic Based Writing

A topic with a word limit is to be attempted, in a given time limit. Themes for Topic Based Writing:1. Current Affairs/General issues 2. Abstract Focus - Clarity of ideas in a structured manner

Length of Essay
15-25 Mins = 250-300 Words 25-30 Mins = 350-400 Words > 30 Mins = 500-600 Words

Time Distribution

Distribute time in 1:2 ratio of thinking and writing. 15 Mins = 5(Thinking) + 10 (Writing). Structure before you write.

Detailed Time Distribution

Jot down the points (4 minutes) Make a logical structure using these points. Decide which point will come first and which one later (1 minute) Write (8 minutes) Check the flow of the essay. Correct grammatical & spelling mistakes, syntax errors etc. (2 minutes)
o Caution Here, dont try to modify the essay too much.

Structure of Essay
1. Introduction 2. Body 3. Conclusion

1. Introduction
If your introduction is good, 70% of your battle is already won. Try to use a quote, (only if it is relevant) or a generic observation pertaining to the topic at hand. Length = Maximum of 50 words.

2. Body
Body should reflect your analysis and knowledge about the topic. Recognize key words from the topic. Try to find out the root cause of the problem and propose short term and long term solutions (depends on the topic whether it is needed or not). Give real life examples. Dont try to show off your knowledge by quoting unrelated examples. Try to give diversified opinions about the topic. It is advisable to write in bullet points.

3. Conclusion
Generally we make an opinion about a topic Example: FDI in retail We take a stand and try to explain why its needed or why not needed. But here, it is recommended to express generic and neutral views covering all aspects you know about the topic instead of supporting one side, unless specifically asked in the question.

How to enrich your knowledge

Read a variety of topics: You have to read voraciously, to broaden your knowledge so that you can write well in this round. Topics range Economics Politics Sociology Psychology Philosophy Environmental issues etc.

How to use reading stuff for WAT Prep.

Take feedback Take a topic from newspaper etc.

Practice daily

Read contrarian views to what youve written

Write an essay on that topic as if you are writing your WAT exam.
Try to apply the technique (told in the previous slides)

Beware!!!!
Do not Criticize political parties/ political leaders unnecessarily. Dont take your stand unless specifically asked. Dont use unnecessary Jargons and too lengthy words. Try to be concise and simple. Essay should be coherent and logically wellorganize.

2.Case Based Analysis

Focus - Consider the situation at hand from several perspectives. Recommendation - Get familiarized with this methodology.
It would also be a good starting point for candidates who get selected for IIMs this year.

Strategy (5 Steps)
5 step Strategy for Case Analysis:1. Problem definition 2. Alternatives generation 3. Criteria for evaluation of alternatives 4. Evaluation of alternatives 5. Recommendation(s)

1.Problem definition
Most critical step Concentrate on key words in the case Articulate problem briefly and precisely

2.Alternatives generation
Generate different ways of solving the problem Should have reasonable chance of being adopted

3.Criteria for evaluation of alternatives

Jot down the criteria on which youll evaluate which alternative is better than others State the assumptions clearly

4.Evaluation & 5.Recommendation

Evaluate the alternatives (step 2) on the basis of criteria (step 3) After this, you are ready to make recommendation. It is the option that has passed all the criteria you have identified. If none (of the options) clears all the criteria, recommend the option that meets most of the criteria, especially the most important one(s). If none (of the options) passes the criteria, you may want to go back to the analysis of the situation, generate more options, and repeat the process.

ECONOMICS:
1. http://www.rbi.org.in/home.aspx 2. http://business.in.com/ 3. http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com 4. http://blogs.hbr.org/ 5. www.moneycontrol.com 6. www.investopedia.com 7. http://epw.in/epw/user/userindex.jsp

POLITICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS:

1. http://www.wikipedia.org/ 2. http://www.ibef.org/ 3. http://www.economist.com/ 4. http://www.khanacademy.org/Khan Academy-Related Talks and Interviews/ 5. http://www.india-inc.in/index.html 6. http://epw.in/epw/user/userindex.jsp

MAGAZINES:
1. Manorama Year book (Relevant areas) 2. Hindu Tidbits 3. Regular Business Magazines

GENERAL:
1. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html 2. http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/nic/0050/index.html

ACADEMIC RELATED:
1. http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/ 2. Videos by IIT Profs teaching various subjects of engineering

 Should there be Capital Punishment for Rapists? Recession and its effects on India. Effects of Banking Bill passed recently by the Government of India. Should there be uniform civil code in India? FDI in Retail, Aviation and other sectors in India. On Democracy's positives & negatives, how it leads to corruption as well as freedom. Are Educated voters to be blamed for corrupt politicians getting into the system? Democracy comes in the way of India's economic growth as compared to China.

 How will Foreign Universities in India improve its education sector? Commercialization of education and medical: No longer noble professions. Is food inflation a result of mismanagement by Government and RBI? Current education system doesnt reward skills and talent. Should religion be mixed with politics? Are Gandhian values relevant for society today? CRR - A burden on Banks in India. One billion population a boon or a bane ? Naxalism - Reasons, History and todays scenario.

All the best

While you may not be questioned on all the above mentioned areas, it is always better to be prepared in them. We do understand that a lot of time and effort has to be invested but the opportunity to be a part of the IIM community is a once in a lifetime opportunity for learning, self-discovery and growth. All through this, we are here for any help that you may require in your endeavours towards your quest for a seat at one of Indias premier B-Schools.

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Disclaimer
The material given has been prepared by students and may be different from what you see during the Actual Process. IIM Kashipur or any other IIM is in no way responsible if actual interview or WAT is different from what was discussed here. Media & Public Relations Cell, IIM Kashipur has prepared this document based on prior experience and interaction with faculty members who were part of Pl process of IIMs at some point of time. This copy is intended for the receiver only. Strictly for private circulation. You are free to share this copy for non-commercial use as long as you attribute the work to the Author, i.e. Media & Public Relations Cell, IIM Kashipur. Please do not remove the disclaimer while sharing. All the best.