What is Services Selection Board?

This is a group of specially trained officers of the Armed Forces who are involved in selecting suitable candidates for training to become officers in the armed forces.

These officers test each and every candidate who aspires to become an officer in the Armed Forces, irrespective of the Type of entry He /She may choose.

Some of the Qualities tested for are:

a) Organizing ability,b) Social Leadership, c) Dynamic Drive, d) Personal Magnetism.

These officers carry out independent judgment of the candidate's exhibited Officers like Qualities.

They inform their result /observation to other members only on the Last day of SSB i.e at the CONFERENCE TABLE.

A candidate has to get recommended by each one of them in order to get RECOMMENDED.

They do not tell you of any of your Strong point / weak point. This is because one might not have got the chance to project his qualities in an acceptable manner. The subsequent time he/She might improve and show the qualities.

BE YOUR SELF- DO NOT BE A SHOW OFF.IN YOUR ENTHUSIASM YOU MIGHT PROJECT YOUR NEGATIVE QUALITIES.

If you do not get Recommended in the first time, it does not mean you are not fit. It only tells you that during this period of testing you have not exhibited all your qualities, in the right perspective.

There are candidates who have got selected in their second/third/fourth attempt.So do not worry about it.

How to prepare for SSB?

Be a regular reader of NEWSPAPERS and Magazines.

Keep yourself Physically fit. ( A morning Run for about 2 Kms will keep you physically fit)

You can also carry out some jumping and rope climbing exercises. These are available in any Police training location or any ARMY/NAVY/AIR FORCE/CRPF/BSF Units.

Go there and ask the permission from the ADJUTANT or any officer to permit you to do the tasks. Tell them that you are preparing for SSB they will be more than happy to help you and also give an NCO to show you how to correctly do the tasks.

Never do any task with out getting sufficiently getting warmed up.

Take active participation in your college Functions.

Take initiative and SEEK Responsibilities in the School/College Activity.

Listen to BBC /English News and watch TV NEWS.

Keep your knowledge up to date.

If you have any hobby/or take part in any Sports you must know as much as you can about it.

Try and make small notes on all-important topics and discuss it with your friends.

Most of all join the LIKE-MINDED FRIENDS.

You must Know something about the Ranks in the Armed Forces. The Insignia the officers and JCOs and Other NCO wear on their shoulders appear for mock interviews, and seek out advice from seniors on matters which, you do not know.

Make good use of INTERNET.

While at SSB Observe the area, and genuinely be interested in the things around you.Ie. While at the SSB Go out and visit all the places of Interest.

Write and Re write your self-description. You must hi light all your achievements however, small it may be. Make you Pen picture very impressive. (No lies please)

Read magazines like Competition Master, Old Readers Digest, India Today and books on current affaires. Must try and speak in English and Hindi. ( For some of your friends in SSB might talk in Hindi you should not be caught unaware.- If you do not understand Hindi. Politely ask the members of the group to converse only in English)

All the best

DEFENCE ACADEMY COIMBATORE OFFERS YOU GUIDANCE FOR SSB TESTS

Visit: www.defenceacademy.8k.com

If you Buy our CDs and Get into the Forces we will send you a Memento as our appreciation for your effort. Please do not forget to send us your Call letter and a copy of Joining Instructions to the Academy.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Out of every 1000 Indians of your age group, only one thinks of joining the Defence Forces. Out of every 100 like-minded individuals like you, only 20 % put in some effort to search for materials and training to get into Armed Forces, we call them persons with an AIM.

Every human being has got unlimited potential; we use only limited portion of our ability. To bring out the hidden potential, we should realize the fact that we are great and we should know the methodology.

This CD consists of a number of Techniques that, are very useful to candidates to improve their personality and understand in depth as to what is expected out of a Potential candidate who is considered fit for the Defence Forces.

a) Developing a Good Memory Power

Memory is a mental process of storage and retrieval of information and experience. Factors responsible for developing a good memory power are:-

i) Self Confidenceii) Interestiii) Motivationiv) Awarenessv) Understandingvi) Good Health

The Memory process in the Human Brain consists of Three stages:-

a) Receptionb) Recordingc) Recalling.

SELF-CONFIDENCE.

Belief in one’s own abilities. Performing a given task, under any given situation and in an unfamiliar situation is roughly called as having self-confidence. Your positive thoughts go a long way in developing your self-confidence.

Positive thoughts, needless to say, help the individual to progress in life, negative thoughts lead one to destruction.

The following charging TECHNIQUE helps in building one's confidence. Try to repeat the following sentences either loudly or silently to yourself.

I am a confident person!I am an energetic Person!I am an Achiever!I am a kind person!I can! I will!I am a winner!

The author has practiced these above thoughts and in the Academy while running 5 miles Battle Physical Proficiency Test, had completed the run with 15 kgs, weight in under 22 minutes at the age of 30. Mind you the author was termed as a poor runner.

Dear Candidate, try repeating the above sentences standing in front of the mirror, in a loud voice. Do the same exercises for 10 days Twice / Thrice a day once in the morning once in the evening and once just before you sleep. There after you will feel a definite change in your self, you will be positively charged every time you stand in front of the mirror.

Remember the sayings of Shiv Khere, the author of the book “Winners don't do different things, they do things differently."

Author's Advice

The following notes have been made after having observed a number of candidates and their progress at various stages of SSB Coaching. By carefully following the suggestions you will be able to project your OLQ (Officer Like Qualities) to the selectors at the Services Selection Board.

Remember to be natural and calm, be your self, do your best, put the interest of the group before your own, and always be alert. By being yourself your qualities are easily seen by the selectors. All the selectors are well trained so please do not use any unfair means are bluff. Though CD cannot teach you every thing, and cannot substitute a good guide, yet it will give you an insight, into what can be expected. Model tests are almost like the tests developed by Defence Psychological Institute.The tests given in the CD are very similar to the test that you will be taking at the SSB Interviews. Please read the instructions carefully, before you attempt the tests.

GIFT wishes you all the best for the SSB Interview.

What are the Candidates Tested For?

The candidates are examined and tested theoretically and practically for the assessment of Officers Like qualities.

Services Selection Centres

Army: a) Bangalore, b) Bhopal, c) Allahabad

Navy: Besides the above centers, Coimbatore is also one of the centers for selecting candidates for the NAVY.

Air Force: a) Mysore, b) Varanasi, c) Dehradun

Three Pronged Testing

Three different officers subject each candidate to certain type of tests, which put together beings out the OLQ (officer Like Qualities), which the services are looking for. There are certain qualities which can be developed /strengthened by training and some of the qualities cannot be developed by training.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

a) Intelligence tests consists of Verbal and Non-verbal testsb) Psychological tests to assess the personality of the candidates, these include:-i) Word Association Test (WAT)ii) Thematic Appreciation Test (TAT) iii) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) iv) Self Description test

Group Testing Officers Tests

a) Indoor Testsi) Group Discussionii) Group Planningiii) Lecturing- Extempore speech

b) Outdoor Tests.i) Group Tasksii) Command Tasksiii) Individual Endurance Tasks

Interviewing officers Test

Personal interview by President/Deputy President. Stage - I

2. Pre Screening Testsa) OIRT (Officers Intelligence rating test)b) Perception tests ( A model)c) Group Discussion, which is followed by above, tests a few tips.

Stage - II 3. Psychological tests

i) Word Association Testii) Situation Reaction Test

iii) Thematic Appreciation Testiv) IQ Verbal Testv) IQ - Non Verbal testvi) PIQ Form Fillingvii) Pen Picture writing a few tipsviii) Practice tests 1 - 5

4. Group Testing Officers tests i) Tips to Tackle Group Discussionii) Tips to Extempore Speech Makingiii) Military planning Explanation and Sampleiv) Tips to tackle Individual Obstaclesv) Tips to tackle Group tasks and Command Tasks

5. Interview Dos and Don'ts PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

Your Handwriting is the mirror to judge your quality. Write neatly and legibly. Since these tests are designed to calculate your IQ, try and complete, as many questions as possible; but at the same time, do not do so without thinking sufficiently. Even 75% of the questions answered correctly will see you thorough. Since every test is co-related, be positive in what you write. Your pen picture should tally with your thoughts pen down. Since you are being compared with all other candidates your best performance will take you to your ultimate Goal.

WAT Word Association Test:

Write the first positive thought that comes to your mind. Time given is 15 seconds to Write. The sentence need not be grammatically correct or the word used just to write a sentence. Remember this is not a Make a sentence type exam.

This is designed to test your inner thoughts. So be careful in what ever you write. Now you may take a sample test. The tests are all timed so as to give you the actual time available during the SSB.

SRT (Situational Reaction Test) the tests contain day-to-day practical incidents that you will be facing in your real life. Write what actions you, Will be taking incase you are in those situations. There is no right or wrong answers; best approach is to write a positive yet a good citizen will do. Here your qualities such as Courage, helping attitude, empathy, responsibility, social interaction, boldness, honesty etc are tested. Write down the answers on a sheet of paper so that you can compare the same with some suggestions. (Never copy the suggestions for it might lead you to wrong conclusions)

Please take the Practice test.

Thematic Appreciation test

The Thematic Story writing will be 12 in all. 11 of them are having some picture and one does not have any. You will get about 3 minutes for each story. Do not write stereotype stories. Try different theme for different stories. Remember you are the

Hero; the aim should be to bring out leadership qualities of the hero through these stories.

The Qualities that you are to project through your stories are:-

ALTERTNESS, AVAILABLITY FOR TASKSGOOD BEHAVIOURCONSIDERATIONCOURGEDETERMIANTIONDICISION MAKINGENDURANCE AND ENTHUSIASMFAIRNESS, FLEXIBILITYHONSETY, HARD WORKINTEGRITYLOYALTY, LEADERSHIP,MANNERSPERSEVERANCE, PATRIOTISMRESOURCEFULNESSSTRAIGHTFORWARDNESSSMARTNESSSUPPORTIVENESSTACT, TRUTHFULLNESSZEAL

Only during the perception test you are required to give The age, sex, mood, and number of group of the persons you see in the picture. Your story should such that it suits the picture yet tells the past is that what led to this situation What is happening in the picture?What will happen in the future?

PERSONAL INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE (FORM TO FILL UP IN SSB)

CONFIDENTIAL

PERSONAL INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE

1.Selection Board (No & Place) Batch No Chest No UPSC Roll No

2. Name in CAPITALS as in application form

3. Father's Name

4. (a) Place of maximum residence (b) Present Address (With Approximate population of the City/town/village) (c) Permanent Address (With Approximate population of the City/town/village)

(Whether District HQ or Not)

5.Fill in the details below:

State & DistrictReligionWhether SC/STMother TongueDate of Birth

Married/Single/Widowed

6.(a) Parents Alive Yes/No (b) If not alive your age at the time of Father's/Mother's Death (c) Parents/Guardians Occupation /Income (As applicable)

Particulars Education Occupation Income per Month

FatherMotherGuardianNo of brothersNo of sistersYour ranking amongst your brother and sister

7. Educational Record(Commencing from matriculation /Equivalent Examination):-

S.No Qualification Acquired Name of Institute Year Division & Marks %Medium of Instruction Boarder/Day Scholar Out Standing Achievement if any

a) Matric/Higher Secondaryb) 10+2c) B.A/B.Sc/B.Comd) Professional

8. Age (Year & Months) / Height (in Meter) Weight (in Kilograms)

10(a) N.C.C Training _________________________________________ Yes/No(b) Total Training (if Yes) (Give details below)

Total Training Wing Division Certificate Obtained

11.

a) Participation in Games & Sports

Games/Sports Period or Duration of Participation Represented School/College/University Outstanding Achievement, if any

b) Hobbies/Interest c) Participation in Extra curricular activities:-

Name of the activity group Duration of Participation Outstanding achievement if any

d) Position of responsibility/Offices held in NCC/ScoutingSports team/Extra-curricular group and other fields:-12. (a) Nature of Commission(b) Choice of Service

13. Number if chances availed for commission in all three services

14. Details of last interview ,if any (Air Force/Navy/Army Selection Board)S.No Type of Entry Place and SSBNo Date Batch and Chest No

Recommended/Not

SELF APPRAISAL

Every candidate will be asked to write a self- appraisal during the psychological test. This will be the last part of the Psychological test. The aim of this is to make you commit about your-self regarding your knowledge about your-self.

The usual headings under which you will be asked to give out the appraisal is:-

a) What is you personal opinion about your self?b) What do your parents think of you?c) What does your best friend think about you?d) What does your worst enemy think of you?

e) What does your teacher think of you?f) What are your strong points?g) What are your weak points?h) What are the qualities you would like to develop?

Tips: Go systematic. Suggested headings:

i) About your parents and place of birth and family backgroundii) Physical Attributesiv) Social Contactsv) Educationvi) Extra curricular activities, achievementsvii) Your aims and goals. Both short term and long term viii) Religion

An example of Self-Appraisal

About parents and place of birth: I was born and brought up at Coimbatore, an urban township in the western part of Tamil Nadu. My parents are moderately educated. We belong to a middle class family. My father is a businessman and mother is a housewife. I have an elder brother who is working as a software engineer in PUNE.

Physical Aspects: I am Medium built, and 5 feet 8 inches tall. As I used to take part in sports events and am used to regular exercise I am physically fit. I do not remember to have taken ill except for some minor ailments. I go for Jogging every morning before I start my studies. Evening one hour of sports activity keeps me in shape.

Social Contacts: I have a number of good friends. They have confidence in me and I am an extrovert by nature. We take part in the college functions. None of our vacations with out our trekking trips to local hillocks and far off villages around Coimbatore. I like to mix around make friends. We do organize Blood donation/health check up camps and hold children entertainment functions during Aug 15 every year in our neighborhood.

Education: I did my initial schooling at _________. I was groomed by my parents to pay attention towards my studies, sports and was encouraged to take part in school cultural activities. As a result of my father's encouragement, I used to take p[art in school debate/quiz competition. I always like some challenges from my classmates, whether it is studies or sports. I have always scored good marks and stood within the first three ranks in the class. I have won prizes for Elocution, sports events. I am now doing my final semester in BE Electronics at PSG Engineering College. I got admission after a tough entrance examination, in which I scored285 out of 300 marks. My ambition is to become an Officer in the Indian Air Force in Technical Branch.

Extra curricular activities: Sight seeing and trekking has always been my passion. I am a member of my college senior wing of NCC. I am an Under Officer and represented the college and took part in the Republic day parade held at New Delhi during 26 Jan 2002.

As per my hobby, I collect handicraft items made by villagers. Till date I have visited 11 Villages in the tribal area of Coimbatore, and collected about 14 items. I help my parents to look after our daily house hold work and take time to help my mother to clean up the house, a few hours on Sundays. I keep a daily journal, which helps me to write articles for my college magazine keep a "DO IT TODAY List" on my computer,

which help me to organize my day and all other activities. The Internet browsing is yet another hobby of mine. I use it to communicate with m friends as well read about my subject matter.

Achievements: While at School I had won prizes in Elocution, debate and essay writing. I have taken part in English, Hindi and Tamil Elocution’s. I was the school athletics champion for three continuous years from 1997-2000. Represented College at NCC Republic Day camp in the year 2002, and Leadership course at Mt Pachmari I 2001. Adjusted as best athlete in college in the Year 2001. I have been selected to represent the university, for presenting my paper and " Robotics in space mission."

Religion: I treat all religion as equal. I have friends from all religions; I attend their religious functions. I believe in the fact God is one , in whichever form he may be worshiped. I have a learned to give tolerance to all religions from my mother, who too has kept the images of gods of

INTERVIEW TIPS-1

SPECIMEN INTERVIEWS

Candidate : May I come in Sir?

Officer : Yes, come in.

Candidate : Good Morning Sirs.

Officer : Good Morning take your seat.

Candidate :Thank you, Sir.

Officer :Your name is Laxmi Narayan Panigrahy.

Candidate :Yes, Sir.

Officer : What is meant by 'Panigrahy'?

Candidate : Sir, literally Panigrahy means who holds or accepts 'Pani' or water. But ......

Officer : Then what is meant by 'Panigrahan'.

Candidate : Panigrahan means a type of invitation by which one welcomes one's nearest and dearest ones with the help of 'Pani' or water, during marriage.

Officer : You had Hindi in your H.S.C.?

Candidate : Yes Sir.

Officer : Can you speak Hindi (at the same time he asked. Tum hindi bol sakte ho).

Candidate : Thodi Thodi.

Officer : You had English in your H.S.C. I.A. and also in B.A.?

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : Then what is the difference between immigrant and emigrant?

Candidate : I cannot, say, Sir.

Officer : What is the difference between 'I will go' and 'I shall go'?

Candidate : Sir, 'I will go' indicates his determination to go, even if there are obstacles, whereas 'I shall go' only conveys a simple message.

Officer : What is History?

Candidate : History is Past Politics, Sir.

Officer : Can you name some Empresses who ruled India?

Candidate : Sir, Razia Begum, Vijay Laxmi Pandit......

Officer : What? Vijay Laxmi Pandit? She was the Rani of ....?

Candidate : Excuse me Sir, Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi was a great freedom fighter of 1857 fame. Mrs. Vijay Laxmi Pandit is a great Indian politician now in retirement. Only one lady became the Empress of India. She was Razia D/o Iltutmish.

Officer : You have completed your B.A. with which subjects?

Candidate : Sir, History as Honours, Political Science as Pass and English.

Officer : And Oriya?

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : When did the English come to India?

Candidate : In the early Seventeenth Century, Sir.

Officer : After B.A. you are now studying M.A?

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : In what subject?

Candidate : In History, Sir.

Officer : Are you reading Indian History?

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : From which period to which period?

Candidate : From 1707 A.D. to 1947 A.D.

Officer : And European History?

Candidate : From 1789 to 1942.

Officer : And British History?

Candidate : British History is divided into two parts. Sir, One is the Tudor period and the other is the Stuart period Sir.

Officer : Tudor period from .......?

Candidate : From 1485 A.D. to 1603 A.D.

Officer : Can you mention any three revolutions with their dates, rulers, who were executed, the country which witnessed the Revolution and the name of the leader of the Revolution.

Candidate : The Glorious revolutions in England in 1688 A.D. The king was James II, but he was not executed, he fled away. It was a popular revolt.

Officer : Then who was executed in the History of England?

Candidate : Charles I, Sir.

Officer : Another revolution was ......?

Candidate : The French Revolution in 1789, was inspired by Rousseau and Voltaire. Military leadership was later on provided by Napoleon and other Generals.

Officer : Who was executed in this revolution ?

Candidate : Lous XVI, Sir.

Officer : Any other Revolution Please.

Candidate : The Russian Revolution in 1917, Sir.

Officer : Who was the leader of this revolution and who was executed?

Candidate : Lenin led this Revolution and the Star of Russia was executed?

Officer : You are from Orissa?

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : Can you name two mineral products of Orissa?

Candidate : Iron ore and Manganese, Sir.

Officer : Can you name a steel plant in Orissa?

Candidate : Rourkela Steel Plant, Sir.

Officer : Do you know anything about Mother Teresa?

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : Why was she awarded the Nobel Prize?

Candidate : For social service and her contribution to peace.

Officer : Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?

Candidate : Babar, Sir.

Officer : Can you name six successors of Babar?Candidate : Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shahjahan, Aurangzeb, and Bahadur Shah.

Officer : Why are they famous?

Candidate : Babar owes his fame to his bravery. Humayun to his misfortunes. Akbar to his liberal religious policy and good administration, Jahangir is famous for his infatuation with Nur Jahan and his pretensions to Justice to everybody. Shahjahan became famous for his art and architecture particularly the construction of Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Aurangzeb is remembered for his contribution to the downfall of the Mughal Empire in India by his pursuit of ruthless and fanatical policies.

Officer : Is there any good quality of Aurangzeb, you know of?

Candidate : I cannot say, Sir.

Officer : Can you say at least two causes of the great revolution of 1857?

Candidate : One was a religious cause and the other was a political cause.

Officer : What was the religious cause?

Candidtate : Provocation arose from the fact that Indian soldiers were forced to use cartridges which were sealed with the fat of cows and pigs. The soldiers had to cut this seal with their teeth.

Officer : What was the political cause?

Candidate : The system of 'Soctrine of Lapse' introduced by Lord Dalhousie, provoked the native rulers to rise in revolt against the British.

Officer : What is the 'Doctrine of Lapse'?

Candidate : Under this system, the Indian rulers who did not have any heir could not adopt any other child. Thus the state would ultimately lapse to the Supreme Government, that is the British Government in India.

Officer : Translate into Hindi from English, the sentence 'India is a country of many languages.'

Candidate : I wrote the Hindi translation of the sentence on a piece of paper thus 'Bharat Jai bhashaon Kaa desh hai.'

Officer : Thank you, you can go now,

Candidate : Thank you, Sirs.

INTERVIEW TIPS-2

SPECIMEN INTERVIEWS

Candidate : May I come in, Sir?

Officer : Yes, come in.

Candidate : Good morning to you all, Sirs.

Officer : Good morning, Mr. Sema. Please take your seat.

Candidate :Thank you, Sir.

Officer : What does 'Sema' mean?

Candidate : Sir, this is the name of the tribe to which I belong. Sema is a major tribe of Nagaland.

Officer : How old are you?

Candidate : Nineteen, Sir?

Officer : So young ! And you wish to take up a job?

Candidate : Sir, my father is a retired Government employee and I am the eldest in the family. It is my duty to share his responsibilities. Besides, I wish to be independent as early as I can.

Officer : Who was the first President of India?

Candidate : Dr.Rajendra Prasad was the first President of the Indian Republic, Sir.

Officer : And who was the first Vice-President?

Candidate : I am sorry, I don't know sir.

Officer : It was Dr.S. Radhakrishnan. What was Dr.Radhakrishnan famous as?

Candidate : Sir, he was a great philosopher and teacher.

Officer : That's good.

Candidate : Thank You, Sir.

Officer : How many districts are there in Nagaland?

Candidate : Sir, there are seven districts in the state of Nagaland.

Officer : Please name the major industries of Nagaland?

Candidate : Sir, industrialisation is still in its initial stages in Nagaland. But we have a sugara mill in Dikapur, a paper mill in Tull, a mini-cement factory at Wazeho, a mini-sugar mill at Jalukia and, of course, handloom is the biggest industry in Nagaland.

Officer : According to the 1991 Census, which State has shown the highest population growth?

Candidate : Sir, it is Nagaland.

Officer : What is NEHU?

Candidate : Sir, NEHU stands for North-Eastern Hill University.

Officer : Please tell us something about the land system in Nagaland.

Candidate : Sir, the land system in Nagaland is rather complicated and complex. Each tribe follows different patterns it, therefore, depends on how a particular tribe is organised. For example, the Angami Tribe is more democratic whereas the Sema tribe is rather aristocratic. The land among the Angami tribe is allotted democratically while among the Semas the headman's word is the law, and he allots lands according to his sweet will. But, in general, every trine does its best to preserve the family property. And the land is divided among different tribes in keeping with natural boundaries, such as rivers, mountains, deep valleys and deep woods.

Officer : In that case, the plainsmen or outsiders cannot buy land in Nagaland.Candidate : That's not so, Sir. Only outsiders recognised by the Nagaland Government such as local inhabitants can buy and dispose of land in the State.

Officer : O.K., You may go now.

INTERVIEW TIPS-3

SPECIMEN INTERVIEWS

Candidate : May I come in Sir?

Officer : Yes, please come in!

Candidate : Good afternoon, Sir!

Officer : Good afternoon, gentleman. Please be seated.

Candidate : Thank You, Sir.

Officer : You are Mr. Lakshmi Narayan!

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : Mr. Narayan, your bio-data mentions that you know kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Urdu, apart from English, Hindi and Telugu. How is it that you know so many languages? Where did you learn all these?

Candidate : Sir, I have many friends living in Bangalore, (Karnataka-Kannada) Palaghat (Tamil Nadu). During summer vacations, I often go there and stay with them and help them in their business. This social interaction has helped me in learning these languages.

Officer : What does your father do?

Candidate : Sir, my father became a 'Sanyasi' when I was only two years old.

Officer : Please tell us you education qualification?

Candidate : I have passed Higher Secondary Exam.

Officer : Mr.Narayana, do you know what is Theosophy.

Candidate : Theosophy is the body of truths which form the basis of all religions.

Officer ; I understand your subjects in Higher Secondary were Commerce, Economics and Civics.

Candidate : Yes, Sir.

Officer : Can you tell us what is diminishing marginal utility?

Candidate : Utility is the power of a commodity to satisfy a human want. The intensity of our desire for a commodity diminishes as we have more of it.

Officer : What is Planning?

Candidate : In simple terms, it is a detailed program chalked before hand for achieving the desired objective.

Officer : When was the Reserve Bank of India established ?

Candidate : It was established in 1935, Sir.

Officer : Can you explain the functions of the Reserve Bank of India?

Candidate : The Reserve Bank of India issues currency notes. It controls working of other banks and regulates foreign exchange. It is the lender of the last resort.

Officer : You have mentioned that your hobby is physical exercises i.e., Vyayam. How is it useful?

Candidate : Yes, Sir 'Vyayam' is my hobby. It helps to improve the blood circulation in the body. Healthy body and healthy mind go together.

Officer : Who was the first President of India?

Candidate : Dr. Rajendra Prased was the first President of India.

Officer : To Which State did he belong?

Candidate : He was form Bihar.

Officer : Can you name the currency of Itlay?

Candidate : Yes Sir, It is called Lira.

Officer : What is the capital of Spain?

Candidate : Madrid, Sir.

Officer : Suppose, you do not get selected. What is your further course of action?

Candidate : Sir, I would try again after better preparation.

Officer : Well, Mr. Narayan, what is ambition in your life?

Candidate : To become a successful army officer.

Officer : Why do you want to get into the services?

Candidate : It is because the life of a soldier fascinates me.

Officer : If I were you, I would say a soldier serves his mother land?

Candidate : Of course, he does. But that way he is not alone. Everyone who does his work sincerely, may he be in any walk of life, is serving his mother land in one way or the other.

Officer: But a soldier risks his life. Does he not?

Candidate : I may be excused for my audacity. But he is paid to risk his life.

Officer : Do you read newspaper daily, Mr. Narayan?

Candidate : It is a must for me sir. I would rather forego a meal than the newspaper.

Officer : In what field India has made progress.

Candidate : In almost all field like, science, computer, technology, agriculture and industry.

Officer : What do you know about Aryabhatta?

Candidate : Sir Aryabhatta was India's first space satellite. It was named often the first century Indian astronomer and scientist, Aryabhatta. It was launched on April 19, 1975 from a Soviet cosmodrome.

Officer : I have observed you in GTO's task like group discussion and group obstacle you were dominating?

Candidate : Sir, This is not true. I was just extending cooperation to the group.

Officer : By the way, what hobby are you persuing?

Candidate : Sir, I am interested in reading.

Officer : What type of books do you read?

Candidate : Story books, autobiographies of great men and good novels of general interest.

Officer : Who are your favourite authors.

Candidate : Somerset mugham and Thomas Hardy.

Officer : (Changing the subject into a lighter mood) : What kind of a wife do you prefer?

Candidate : Sir, essentially an affectionate and beautiful lady.

Officer : You do not care whether she is intelligent of not?

Candidate : Sir, I feel that beauty is natural and cannot be acquired, but intelligence can be improved.

Officer : Will you select your own match, I mean will it be a love marriage or an arranged marriage?

Candidate : Sir, I have an open mind decision would depend on circumstances.

Officer : Well Mr. Narayan, Thank you and bye-bye. (The officer extends his hand to the candidate).

Candidate : (Gets up, stand upright, shakes the hand of the officer softly and replaced the chair where it was before he occupied it) Thank you, Sir, Good-Bye.

(Gives a polite bow and walks out).

INTERVIEW TIPS-4

Specimen Interviews

Name of the Candidate is Mr.Rakesh.

Candidate: (Knocking at the door, speaks in soft voice)May I come in, Sir?

President: Please come in, Mr.Rakesh(The candidate enters the room)

Candidate: Good morning, Sir.

President: Good morning to you.(He extends his hand to the candidate and says)How do you do, Rakesh?

Candidate: (Shaking hands with the President politely replies)How do you do, Sir?

President: (Beckoning the candidate to the chair). Please sit down/

Candidate: Taking his seat and making himself comfortable says. Thank You, sir.

President: Where do you come from, Rakesh?

Candidate: Sir, I have come from Delhi where my father is in Service.

President: What is he?

Candidate : He is an Electrical Engineer in the railways, Sir.

President : Rakesh, you have just completed your Higher Secondary Examination. Is your result out yet.

Candidate : No, Sir. It is expected in a day or two.

President : Do you hope to pass?

Candidate : Yes sir, and God willing, I should get a first class because I did fairly well in the examinations.

President : Then, I guess, you must have been a very regular and hardworking student.

Candidate : Well, Sir, I must confess that I was not a very regular student, but I did work hard towards the end. All the same, I wish I had been regular all along, so that I would not have to sacrifice my evenings in the final term.

President : How do you spend your evenings generally?

Candidate : Sir, I prefer to spend my evenings on the sports field, whenever I can.

President : What games do you generally play?

Candidate : Sir, I am fond of both Hockey and football and I was lucky to have my home near my school playground so that I did not have to go a long way for games.

President : What position do you play in Hockey?

Candidate : I play right half, Sir.

President : who is considered the pivot of Hockey team, Rakesh?

Candidate : The Centre half, Sir.

President : And why so?

Candidate : Because his position is central and he is in touch with the backs as well as forwards. Actually the success of a team depends on how well the centre-half moves and how he feeds the forward with passes.

President : Who is considered he ‘master’ of the Short Corner stroke in the Indian Hockey team?

Candidate : Prithipal Singh, Sir.

President : Rakesh, can you tell me who captained the Montreal Olympics Indian Hockey team?

Candidate : Yes, Sir, Mr.Ajit Pal Singh.

President : Is he from the services?

Candidate : I am not sure, Sir.

President : Never mind, Rakesh but tell me, what is known as the nursery of athletes and sportsmen in our country?

Candidate : I beg your pardon, sir. But I didn’t quite follow you.

President : Well, Rakesh, the services have been called the nursery of sports and athletes in our country. Can you tell me why?

Candidate : Sir, for one thing, they lay much stress on physical fitness in the Services. So they attract sportsmen and they encourage them to improve their standards. Also in the peace time the services have ample time and facilities to take part in games and sports.

President : Is that the reason you want to join the services?

Candidate : Yes, Sir, that is one of the reasons.

President : And what are you other reasons?

Candidate : Sir, actually I have long set my heart on the service career. Service career offers opportunities for an outdoor, adventurous life with all the glamour of the uniform, glittering badges of rank, inspiring tunes of bands and parades. And these are the things which have always attracted healthy youngmen looking for an adventurous career.

President : Rakesh, you didn’t say that your keenness to join service is born out of your desire to serve the nation. Why?

Candidate : Sir, I suppose you ask me that because most people offer that as their reason. But I have thought over this. And I believe that all good citizens serve the nation one way or another. What I wish is that while I make a living for myself, I am not only a useful citizen but also a happy individual and for that I must choose a career for which I have an aptitude. I do believe that I have an aptitude for a service career.

President : and supposing you are not selected for a Commission, what will you do?

Candidate : Sir, I would try again after better preparation.

President : Well, Rakesh, I see from your record that the school in which you studied was a co-educational school. How many girls were there in your school?

Candidate : Sir, in our class of 26, there were nine girls.

President : What are your views on co-education?

Candidate : I think it is a good thing. I believe that since in our society, men and women have to live and work together, why shouldn’t we give them an opportunity to know each other while in school?

President : Well, I think I agree with you, Rakesh. And thank you very much. You may go now.(The President extends his hand to the candidate).

Candidate : (Shaking hand of the President softly). Thank you, Sir. (Candidate gets up, and replaces the chair where it was before he occupied it. With a slight bow and a smile, he wishes good-bye and walks out).

INTERVIEW TIPS-5

Specimen Interview

(Candidate B.K. Rau is called in by the President)

Candidate : Good Morning, Sir.

President : Good Morning, Mr.Rau. How do you feel this morning?

Candidate : Very pleasant indeed, sir.

President : Please be seated, Rau

Candidate : Thank You, Sir, (while occupying the seat).

President : What are you educational qualifications?

Candidate : I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Sir. I was placed in Second division.

President : Why is it that you had to go all the way to the Himalayan Capital of Kathmandu to do your Graduation, Mr. Rau?

Candidate : Sir, My father has his business there. I am an ambitious young man and I aspire to attain success in life. These days a Degree is a must and most essential. It is a gateway to any promising career or profession. I would like to make a bright career for myself.

President : What were your subjects for Graduation?

Candidate : Besides General English, which was compulsory subject, I had special English, History and Political Science as my optional subjects.

President : Why do you want to be an officer in the army, Mr. Rau?

Candidate : frankly speaking, Sir, I have passion for the Army, It is better to die in the flower of youth, defending the honour of my Motherland, on the chance of winning a noble name, than to live at ease like the sheep, and die unwept and unhonoured. In other words, it is better to die for a noble cause, a hero’s death rather than die like an ox in the stable. To me life is not cheap. It is not how long you live but how well you live. Besides serving my country in the best possible manner, It is the army’s starched uniform, the ever- shining pips and the strict discipline which has attracted me to take up soldiering as a profession. I would like to make my life a source of inspiration to the youth of my nation. It is my great ambition to do something substantial for the welfare of my country. I feel inclined towards this career because it is among the few professions in which direct service to humanity is called for. This profession alone will bring out the best in me.

President : What are the qualities of an army officer?

Candidate : Well, Sir, these are leadership, chivalry, discipline, team spirit, loyalty, steadfastness, self-confidence and a keen sense of responsibility.

President : What kind of personality must an army officer possess, Mr. Rau?

Candidate : He must have a cheerful personality and must have a dynamic and dashing outlook. His approach should be positive and firm and not static.

President : Have you ever served in the National Cadet Corps?

Candidate : I have wielded the gun for two years while serving the NCC.

President : Do you read newspapers daily, Mr. Rau?

Candidate : It is a must for me, Sir. I would rather forego a meal than the newspaper.

President : What are atomic weapons and their impact on mankind? What is India’s stand in this respect?

Candidate : Atomic weapons are atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, neutron bombs and other similar missiles possessing staggering destructive potentialities, which have been produced and perfected by countries such as the United States, the Soviet Union, Britain, France, and Red China. Our Government is against use of nuclear weapons. The impact of the atomic weapons on mankind would be very cruel and long-lasting.

President : Under what circumstances did Mr.Richard Nixon resign as President of the United States?

Candidate : Mr.Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States because he had been involved in the Watergate scandal and as a result of that he was under threats of impeachment by the Congress.

President : Why was Mr.Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, executed by hanging?

Candidate : Sir, he was found guilty of conspiracy to order the murder of a political adversary, Mr. Ahmed Raza Kasuri, who escaped unhurt, but his father was killed.

President : What do you know about Aryabhatta?Sir, Aryabhatta was India’s first Space Satellite. It was named after the first century Indian astronomer and scientist, Aryabhatta. It was launched on April 19, 1975 from a Soviet Cosmodrome.

President : Was it a purely Indian Scientists’ effort?

Candidates : No, Sir. Two Indian Space Scientists, Dr. Satish Dhawan and Prof. U.R. Rao, collaborated with Russian Scientists to make the launching a success.

President : Mr. Rau, can you tell me under what circumstances a state of emergency can be declared by the President of India and what are his powers during that period?

Candidate : Sir, the President of India can declare a state of emergency in the country on the following grounds : First, whenever there is actual foreign aggression or a threat of foreign aggression to the country. Secondly, when there is a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in a state or in the whole country. Thirdly, when a fiscal crisis occurs in the country. And lastly, when there is armed rebellion.The president can, in an emergency, suspend the enforcement of fundamental rights conferred on the citizens.

President : When was a state of emergency declared in our country and what was its cause?Candidate : Sir, a state of emergency was declared in our country on 26 June, 1975 because of a threat to the internal security and peace in the country due to internal disturbances in various parts of the country.

President : You know that the Congress Government which had ruled the country for about 30 years was ousted and Janata Government installed with Mr.Desai as Prime Minister in 1977. What was the main reason of fall of Congress Government?

Candidate : Sir, in my opinion the public went against the Congress Government on account of the excesses committed during the 19 months of emergency.

President : (Changing the subject and getting into a lighter mood ): What kind of a wife do you prefer?

Candidate : Sir, essentially an affectionate and beautiful lady.

President : You do not care whether she is intelligent or not?

Candidate : Sir, I feel that beauty is natural and cannot be acquired, but intelligence can be improved.

President : Will you select your own match, I mean will it be a love marriage or an arranged marriage?

Candidate : Sir, I have an open mind and my decision would depend on the circumstances.

President : What do you know about the relations between Egypt and Israel?

Candidate : Sir, a treaty of peace was signed between the two countries through the efforts of US president, Jimmy Carter, in Washington in 1979, and relations between them have been normalised.

President : Between which leaders was the treaty of peace signed?

Candidates : Sir, it was signed between the late Egyptian President Mr.Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister, Mr.Menachem Begin.

President : Mr. Rau, since late Mrs. Gandhi returned to power again in early 1980, what kind of Government she promised to the country which gave her a massive mandate in the polls?

Candidate : Sir, she promised to provide ‘a Government that works’ and she tried her best to fulfil her promise.

President : Well Mr.Rau, thank you and bye-bye. (The President extends his hand to the candidate.)

Candidate : (Gets up, stands upright, shakes the hand of the President softly and replaces the chair where it was before he occupied it.)

Thank You, sir. Good-bye.(Gives a polite bow and walks out.)

GUIDELINES TO THE CANDIDATES

1. Be active and interested in the discussion. You must be alive to what is going on in the group and should not allow you mind to wander away. Be cheerful and smiling. Look at the individual who is talking.

2. Listen to the briefing of the G.T.O, carefully, Grasp and understand correctly the subject offered for discussion.

3. Take the lead if you can in determining the choice of the first subject. If someone else has taken the lead, you express your views clearly and state why you prefer that particular subject for discussion. Do not say that you know more facts about that subject and hence it should be discussed. It is selfish and nobody is interested in what you want. You must argue as to why it is advantageous for the group and for others to discuss a particular subject, e.g., it is the burning topic of the day and the candidates will like to talk about it or it is an exciting and interesting topic and so on.

4. Naturally every one will be keen to do the talking and impress the G.T.O, You must find the earliest opportunity to express your ideas. If no opportunity is given, you can request the whole group to give you a hearing, e.g., "Gentlemen, I have listened to the arguments you all have advanced. But there is one very important and interesting aspect to which I wish to draw your attention. Will you permit me to explain it?"

5. Another way to find an opportunity is to address yourself to the candidate who is presently speaking, i.e., "No 5 you have indeed given some very sound arguments. Nevertheless, I wish to add one important point which you all will find to be very interesting. May I...."

6. Talk with confidence and self assurance. Speak to the whole group, looking each candidate in the eye in turn. Do not keep looking at the G.T.O. or address yourself to him.

7. Raise your voice as required. Do not mumble or talk aside. Be forceful in your approach to gain the attention of the group. It does not mean bullying. Avoid the even, monotonous tone. Your must be crisp and energetic.

8. Speak slowly and deliberately. Do not rush your words. The group must understand what you are saying. Avoid being shy, hesitant or inhibited.

9. Do not worry about making some grammatical mistakes. It is the interest and the mater you put across that counts.

10. Think and marshal your ideas. You cannot talk unless you have something to say. What you say must be relevant and interesting. You will get plenty of ideas, if only you concentrate on what is being said on the subject by others. You will agree or disagree with the ideas expressed and soon you will start getting your own independent ideas on the subject.

11. There must be logic and reasoning in your arguments. Otherwise you will not be able to convince others. Avoid self-contradictions.

12. Do not be rigid in views. Accept criticism gracefully. Own your mistakes readily. Do not feel offended or sulky, if someone picks flaws in your arguments. Change you views willingly if your original opinions are proved to be wrong.

13. Be considerate to the feelings of other. Remember it is a friendly discussion and cooperation is more important. Do not shout at others. Be polite and genial. If someone has not spoken and wishes to say something, request others to give him a hearing. Be helpful, accommodative and give good encouragement to all group members.

14. Be accurate in your statements. Do not try to bluff.

15. Do not engage yourself in side or sub-group conversations. If more than one individual is talking at the same time politely request for order and appeal for cooperation. In such situations you must take the lead and do the co-ordination work.

16. Practice group discussion with your friends. Ponder and contemplate on the likely subject. Gather information and expand your knowledge. Learn how to command attention of the group when you talk.

17. Although it is not a must that you should speak first, make use of the opportunity whenever you can. But it is absolutely essential that you do talk and express your views during the Group Discussion. What is more, you must talk from time to time and say as much as you can on the subject. Remember that you cannot impress others unless you talk effectively.

18. Avoid repetition and irrelevant material.

19. Ask questions from others if you have reasonable doubts. Seek clarifications where necessary.

20. Remember that ideas can rule the world only if they are effectively communicated. Speech is one the most powerful means of communication. Physical deformities, irritating mannerisms, a bad way of standing or sitting, poor voice and all other such defects and drawbacks will be forgiven and forgotten, if the speak can put across intelligent and interesting ideas with enthusiasm and conviction.

Self-Story and Self-Appraisal

1. Your Self-Description

Every individual has his strong and weak points, good qualities, tolerable traits, shortcomings and even vices. Most of these qualities are exhibited in one’s normal behavior and therefore exposed to others. Sometimes we try to suppress or conceal these from public eyes. But nevertheless these are certainly known to ourselves. If we know ourselves, or know our weakness, we can try to get rid of these and improve our personality.

The Services Selection Boards have many methods of testing and assessing the personality of the candidates in the short period of 4-5 days at their disposal. They, however, give the candidate a chance to assess himself and write down his strong and weak points. This is known s the ‘Self-Description Test’. Besides the normal method of writing one’s own assessment of oneself, the SSBs adopt another method of giving this test. They ask the candidates to write the opinion about themselves by their parents, teachers and their best friend and worst enemy.

2. The Aim

Whatever the method of administering this test adopted by the testing agency, the aim generally is two-fold; Firstly, it gives a chance to the candidate to reveal his own personality or character to the tester. Secondly, it shows whether the candidate has a fair insight into himself. If he knows himself and is conscious of his weakness, he will overcome and get rid of some of these and improve his personality. But if one does not have a fair insight into his own character, how can be expected to improve upon his personality?

3. How your Correct Self-Description Helps the Tester

(a) It confirms the Psychologist’s findings. But your self-description should be a correct estimate of your own qualities so that it may help the psychologist in assessing your character and personality. Again, since he has drawn a pen picture about your personality as a result of other tests like WAT and TAT, your self-description, if truly drawn up, should help to confirm his findings. You are, however, warned that since the psychologist is an expert in his profession, he is capable of pinpointing your strong and weak points. Therefore, you must, in your own interest, draw a true pen picture of yourself through your self-description.

(b) Your correct estimation of yourself helps the psychologist in assessing your personality in another way also. It reveals the maturity of your mind. It gives a clue whether a candidate is overestimating himself or has got balanced opinion about himself. This would indicate that the candidate has a mature mind. And this is a desirable quality in an officer.

(c) Your self-description is sometimes made use of by the Interviewing Officer also. He bases his questions on this description, and form the candidate’s answers, he cannot only confirm his own findings but can also have a fair estimate of the candidate’s insight of himself.

It is therefore, not in your interest to make a vain attempt to mask or conceal your weakness, and mention your good qualities only. Make a free, frank and bold confession of your weaknesses and faults as well as your strong points.

It is quite that you may not be aware of all your strong and weak points. Therefore you should try to recollect what others, who come in contact with you, think of you. And amongst those whose opinions can be of value to you are your parents, other relations and friends and your teachers.

4. Aspects of Personality :

Your self-description should be systematic and methodical, in that each aspect of your personality or facet of your character should be treated under a separate heading. The various aspects of one’s personality under which self-description should be dealt with are given below:

(a) Physical aspect In this you mention about your physical stature, health, interest in games and other outdoor activities.

(b) Social contactsMention may be made here about your social relations with friends, relatives and teachers and your attitude towards humanity in general.

(c) Educational background

(d) Parentage and economical status

(e) Moral and religious trend whether you believe in any religion and practice it.

(f) Interest in cultural and co-curricular activities

Here you should mention if you take interest in any hobbies or co-curricular activities or how you spend your leisure hours.

Note:- Since the candidates are certain to be asked to write their self-description, they must be thoroughly prepared with it. They must practice writing it at their leisure, making sure that all aspects of their personality have been covered. However, this description should be brief and should not exceed 200 words and the candidates must be able to write it out in about 5 to 10 minutes.

5. Who are Your Best Judges?

No doubt, you are the best judge of yourself. You are able to draw a true picture of your personality. But beside yourself, your relatives, especially your parents, friends and teachers, are also able to express their opinion about you. Not only that. In some cases, your enemies are able to bring out your weakness which you yourself or your well-wishers may not be able to do. Therefore, your self-description should be given under the following heads:

(a) Your personal opinion about your yourself.(b) What your parents and other near relatives think about you.(c) What your teachers think about you.(d) What yours friends think about you.(e) What your enemies think of you.(f) Qualities you would like to develop in yourself.

6. Your Model Self-Description

Note:- The self-description given hereunder is to serve as a guide only. It has to vary from person to person. Therefore, you must not memorise it or reproduce it in the test. You must draw your own true picture of yourself in your own language.

‘A’. What I Think of Myself

1. Physical Aspect :

I am a person of medium height and average build. I normally enjoy good health. As far as I can remember, I have never fallen ill. I take exercise daily and enjoy a cold bath every morning. I take part in all school games but like hockey particularly. I am in the school First Eleven hockey team and have taken part in many tournaments.I have control over myself and do not lose temper over trivials. I like to wear simple but clean clothes.

2. Social Contacts

I have a few friends and I like them. They have complete confidence in me. They are my companions in games and other group activities like swimming, hiking, speech-making and sometimes going to pictures and picnics.

3. Educational Background

I have passed the B.A. Senior Secondary examination with high Second Division. I have always been a high average student in studies, although I have been excelling in games and sports. I have to burn midnight oil to maintain my position in the class and come up to the standard expected of me by my parents and teachers. I have always achieved success in the examinations.

4. Parentage and Economic Status

I come of a middle class family. I get all the necessities of life. When I am free from my studies and games, I give a helping hand to my mother. I take pride in washing my clothes and shining my shoes. I have a great desire to rise high in life and bring a good name to the family.

5. Moral and Religious Trend

I have been born in a Hindu family and we all join in prayers morning and evening in our house. I am not a fanatic and have respect for other religions also. I love all human beings and try to be truthful and be of use to others if possible.

6. Interest in Cultural and Co-curricular Activities :

Whenever there is a cultural programme in our neighbourhood, I make it a point to attend it. I take part in dramatics in my school. I compose poetry also and have taken part in many poetical symposiums.

7. Hobbies

Photography, gardening, sight-seeing and hiking are my hobbies. I possess a box camera and like to take pictures of new places I see. We have a small garden in our house and I work in it during my leisure, especially during holidays.

B. What my parents think of me

My parents like me immensely as I like them. I must admit, however, that my mother likes me more than my father.I belong to a middle class family. I try to live within the means of the family. My parents always have a word of praise for me because they seldom get any complaints about me. I try to live up to the expectations of my parents. I have given a cause of complaint to my parents except …………..

C. What my teachers think of me

My teachers think highly of me because I am a well behaved student. My teachers have always liked me because of my punctuality, obedience to authority, disciplined habits and showing good results in the examinations. I have always given best co-operation to my teachers and take part in all the activities of the school. I have never given any cause of complaint to my teachers except ……..

D. What my friends think of me

I have a small circle of friends and they like me as I like them. They have full faith in me. Whenever they stand in need of me, they run up to me and I spare no pains to help them for I fully believe in the maxim-a friend in need is a friend indeed. They are also always prepared to make any sacrifice for me. Some of my friends at times get annoyed with me because ……………….

E. What my enemies think of me

As far as I know, I have made no enemies. A couple of my class fellows who ill-treated some weaker students were given a good thrashing by me and since then they avoid me. They think I am too hard a nut to crack and will not stand any nonsense against myself or my other companions. They are fully aware of my capability but they are convinced that I will never stab them in the back. There are a few other students, mostly irregular and hated by the teachers, who do not like me because …………….

F. Qualities I would like to develop in myself

[Hereunder mention what qualities you lack in or would like to develop]

G. Opinion of my boss about me

[Hereunder serving personnel will note down what their boss has written in their Confidential Reports or the opinion expressed by their C.O.’s verbally. They will mention both strong and weak points.]