Rostrum 2014

Rostrum 2015 WAT T ps

WAT Tips

A Students n t at ve of M Ranch
A Students Initiative of IIM Ranchi

RO ST RUM 2 01 5 - A St ude n t s In i tiative of

In dian In s ti tu te of M an age m e n t R an ch i

Table of Contents
WAT Preparation Tips
1. Knowledge.3
2. Language and Grammar3
3. Structure your thought process.4
4. Factual Data..4
5. Ending the Essay: Conclusion...4
6. Some Important pointers..5
WAT Topics
1. National Affairs.6
2. International Issues...6
3. Political Issues...6
4. Economy/Business Issues..7

RO ST RUM 2 01 5 - A St ude n t s In i tiative of

In dian In s ti tu te of M an age m e n t R an ch i

WAT Preparation Tips

This document covers important aspects for faring well in the 2nd stage. Some of the
basics points that should be kept in mind while preparing for the WAT and for putting
thoughts into words are highlighted. It has been divided into two parts, first being the
content building part, while the other being the writing aspect.

Knowledge:
The first step in preparation for WAT (Written Ability Test) is expanding your
knowledge base. Its important to assess the current state of your subject knowledge
as compared to the expected knowledge required for the WAT. There must be a
religious effort in expanding your knowledge base. In order to be in touch with the
burning issues a lot of editorial content reading from the Newspapers, Magazines and
other sources of information is required. Some of the suggested newspapers to be
read are Economic Times for business related news and The Hindu for current affairs.
Magazines like India Today, Outlook etc. also provide relevant knowledge about the
issues that are making the headlines. Knowledge of Current Affairs calls for
memorizing a structured record and analysis of worldwide incidents over the last few
years.
It is important to follow news that impact everyday lives of people, government
policies that effect people and business, happenings in the business world etc. For
example, you could be asked to write about the impact of hike in taxes on exports. If
the government brings about a policy reform in the taxes to be levied upon exports
then it directly impacts the export industry. As a management aspirant, you would be
required to asses such situations, take a stand and suggest measures in accordance
with the changing policies. How does all of this come into picture in a written ability
test? Through your writing you depict your knowledge and aptitude in understanding
and analysing situations, it is then imperative that you focus on strengthening these
skills to make a noticeable impact. The only way is to practice and practice!

Language and Grammar:

The second most important factor is the manner in which you put forward your
viewpoints in words. If your language and vocabulary isn't clear and concise, your
essay could well turn out to be a puzzle for the examiner. Going by the number of
applications, examiners have very little time to sit and understand what you might

RO ST RUM 2 01 5 - A St ude n t s In i tiative of

In dian In s ti tu te of M an age m e n t R an ch i
be trying to say. So you are suggested to use simple language and
keep it to the point.
The essay needs to be well---structured and there has to be a logical flow between
the introduction, the body and the conclusion.
We have listed below a few of the most commonly made errors. Do keep these points
in mind.
Avoid redundancy --- example writing ATM machine, the letter M stands for machine
itself
Incorrect punctuation
Incorrect grammar usage
Avoiding SMS Lingo--- You may sometimes inadvertently write in sms/chat lingo or in
short abbreviations, so please be careful.

Structure your thought process:

To make a good impact, the essay written should have logical and clear structure
through which examiner can clearly gauge your thought process. Avoid being
rhetorical because it may confuse the examiner and hence may cost you some points.
You do have the freedom of examining both pros and cons of the topic in the essay
but it should not indicate that you are unable to take a stand on the topic. A manager
is required to take decisions, and as such you dont have the luxury to be indecisive.

Factual Data:
Supplementing your ideas by facts and figures lends considerable authentictiy. For
example, if you are talking about FDI in retail and employment generation, writing
down the figures (again reading newspapers and weekly magazines) would be helpful.
This not only displays your level of preparedness to the examiner but also makes your
writing impressive.

Ending the Essay: Conclusion

Conclusion is one of the most critical parts of an essay. Don't simply summarize your
essay, it should convey a sense of completeness and closure as well as the possibilities
of the topic--- its larger meaning, its implications. Avoid phrases like "in conclusion,"
"to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up." One of the ways to signify the closure is
4

RO ST RUM 2 01 5 - A St ude n t s In i tiative of

In dian In s ti tu te of M an age m e n t R an ch i
to conclude by linking the last paragraph to the first, perhaps by
reiterating a word or phrase used at the beginning.

Some Important pointers

1. Please practice writing essays within the time limit.
2. Write on a wide array of topics.
3. Two things to have in mindthe word limit and the time limit. Please practice
writing 10, 20, 30 min essays. Except new IIMs, different IIMs may have different
processes. Word limits are generally 250, 400 and 600 words.
4. Get your essays evaluated for feedback and keep improving on that.
5. Even if you cant write essays on all topics below, ensure you brainstorm with
friends and build a perspective on all burning issues.
6. Make sure your handwriting is legible. If examiner cant read it, your effort will not
get the desired result.
7. One last pointnever be unethical.

RO ST RUM 2 01 5 - A St ude n t s In i tiative of

In dian In s ti tu te of M an age m e n t R an ch i

WAT Topics
These are a few WAT Topics for your reference, and by no means exhaustive

National Affairs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Is Indian Economy decoupled from Global Economy?

Employment v/s Employability
Would legalizing prostitution lead to lesser crimes against women?
Is corruption Inevitable in the democratic setup?
Is Aadhar solving its purpose?
Are Government institutes (IIMs, IITs, NITs), losing their sheen?
Food for All Who will pay the Bill?
Indian Media and Jingoism
Security of Women in India

International Issues
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Is an Asian Euro possible?

Right to privacy v/s National Security
Rise of Indonesia
Should developing Countries bring out emission reduction targets?
U.S. The big Daddy
Globalization v/s Nationalism
Is China losing its allure?
India and Japan are Natural Allies, pushed closer to the US, because of China.

Political Issues
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Is General Category the new Minority?

Is India a Feudalistic Democracy?
Should Politicians have a minimum level of education?
Womens reservation bill: A political gimmick
Is the union budget populist or realist
Rahul Gandhi vs Modi: Dynasty vs Politics
Is democracy hindering Indias growth?
AAP is the B-team of Congress/BJP
6

RO ST RUM 2 01 5- A St ude n t s In i tiative of

In dian In s ti tu te of M an age m e n t R an ch i

Economy/Business Issues
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Is recession the result of corporate greed?

Should subsidies go away?
Role of Public Private Partnerships (PPIs) in Indias growth
FDI will boost Indian Economy
The Business of Business is business Milton Friedman
CSR is a publicity stunt
Are BRICs falling apart?
Economic relations too little too late
Rural India is the new powerhouse
Are ethics in business practical in the real world?