← All questionsGS4 · 2015 · Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude ·Ethics Theory
QUESTION 8
GS4
10 marks

Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public decision-making, and how would you resolve such a situation? Explain with examples.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Explain the exact proposition in the PYQ — “Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public decision-making, and how would you resolve such a situation? Explain with examples.” — using concept/chronology or mechanism, evidence on both sides where relevant, and a conclusion that answers the directive rather than merely describing Ethics Theory.

ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1For the prompt cue ‘Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public’, directly answer: Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'≈35 words
  2. 2For the prompt cue ‘Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public’, directly answer: What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public decision-making, and how would you resolve such a situation?≈35 words
  3. 3For the prompt cue ‘Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public’, directly answer: Explain with examples≈35 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Define/contextualise Ethics TheoryExplain mechanism/chronologyQuestion-specific evidence/examplesImplicationsConcise conclusion

Where marks usually go

  • For the prompt cue ‘Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest’, avoid a generic note on Ethics Theory; answer the actual wording/directive and the Ethics Theory proposition
  • For the prompt cue ‘Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest’, do not add examples around Ethics Theory unless they prove, qualify or rebut the proposition asked

Value addition

  • 3-box flow: concept/context → core argument/evidence → implication/way forward
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Official source anchors

These are authoritative sources selected for this exact PYQ. Where a card is an official-domain anchor rather than a fact-level citation, verify the precise provision, definition or data point on the linked source before using it.