QUESTION 3(a)
GS4
10 marks
What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples the difference between actual and potential conflicts of interest.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Illustrate: answer the exact PYQ as framed — “What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples the difference between actual and potential conflicts of interest.” Treat each scoring limb separately instead of writing a general note on Conflict of Interest.
IllustrateAnswer exactly what the question asks.
Demand-wise check
- 1What is meant by conflict of interest?≈55 words
- 2Illustrate with examples the difference between actual and potential conflicts of interest≈55 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Interpret the concept/quotationExplain the ethical reasoningUse contrasting examplesConnect to public-service conductBalanced conclusion
Where marks usually go
- Writing generally about Conflict of Interest without directly resolving: “What is meant by conflict of interest?”
- Under-developing the second scoring limb: “Illustrate with examples the difference between actual and potential conflicts of interest.”
Value addition
- Value–stakeholder–action triangle or ethics matrix
→ 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.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.