Asalamoalaikum,

My question is simple and straight forward, yet I'm still confused because I've heard mixed opinions from experienced people, CSPs and those who have recently qualified written part.

My question is, what format of answer is most preferable?

Some people say that you should make an outline like you do in Essay and start from the introduction then give sub-headings in the body and end it with conclusion.

Some people say that highlight the keywords like "criticize, describe, evaluate, differentiate, etc" and answer to the point. Some people disagree with this approach by saying that it is 20 marks question. Writing to the point will deduce marks.

Also, there's a CSP, I don't know his name, but he is aged and a senior officer. He said in his interview that you should write to the point answers. In fact, he said that his Essay was just 6 pages long and he scored 70+ marks in Essay because he did not write irrelevant information in it and it was to the point.

Seniors, and all the other experienced people, please shed light upon this matter and share your precious knowledge with beginners like myself.

Thank you,

To err is human. There can be different views and answers to your query but i try to give mine.
Q1 about outline
Outline is better but it depends upon your writing speed. If you have it is advisable to make outline. Besides, as per my seniors, we are supposed to keep same pattern in answering all questions so if your speed is not good avoid outline. You can make it on the rough page in haste just for your help to pick what is relevant to write.
Q2 about keywords
It depends upon nature of question like analyze or evaluate your answer. You have to write answer as per it is asked. Of course there are 20 marks per questions but you have to finish in 35 to 40 minutes so you will have to be relevant else you will miss other questions
Yes it is common in css that word count does not matter but clarity and perfection. If your answer is provided with relevant data, quotations, references, views of some prolific authors, your answer will fetch good marks.
Hopefully, it will help you. All the best.