UPSC Civil Services Main 2018 English Literature Paper II PDF

Central Government Jobs Administrative / Civil Services 2018

  • Year 2018
  • Conducted By UPSC
  • Questions 8
  • Maximum Marks 250
  • Duration Three Hours
  • Languages English

Exam Details

Detail Information
Examination Civil Services (Main) Examination
Year 2018
Conducting Body UPSC
Paper English Literature Paper II
Subject English Literature
Duration Three Hours
Maximum Marks 250
Number of Questions 8
Question Type Mixed

This is the English Literature Paper II from the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination held in 2018. The paper, conducted by UPSC, tests candidates' in-depth knowledge of English Literature. It consists of 8 questions divided into two sections, with candidates required to attempt five, including compulsory questions 1 and 5. The exam allows three hours to complete and carries a maximum of 250 marks. This paper is crucial for aspirants aiming for success in the administrative services, providing a clear understanding of the expected literary analysis and critical commentary.

Major Topics Covered

  • English Literature
  • W.H. Auden
  • T.S. Eliot
  • W.B. Yeats
  • Philip Larkin
  • A.K. Ramanujan
  • Auden's The Shield of Achilles
  • Look Back in Anger
  • The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
  • Modern Era Literature

Why This Paper is Important

  • Useful for Civil Services (Main) Examination preparation
  • Helps understand the latest exam pattern
  • Useful for practice and self-assessment
  • Covers frequently asked General Studies topics
  • Helpful for analysing question trends

Related Resources

  • English Literature Paper I
  • General Studies Paper I
  • General Studies Paper II
  • General Studies Paper III
  • General Studies Paper IV
  • Optional Subject Papers
  • UPSC Civil Services Main 2018 English Literature Paper II Answer Key
  • UPSC Civil Services Main Syllabus

Instructions

  • There are EIGHT questions divided in Two Sections.
  • Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
  • Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, any THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
  • The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it.
  • Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
  • Attempts of questions shall be counted in sequential order.
  • Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly.
  • Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

Questions (page 2)

Q1.

(b) With an alien people clutching their gods.
I should be glad of another death.
(T.S. Eliot)

(c) The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
(W.B Yeats)

(d) Yet still they leave us holding wretched stalks
Of disappointment, for, though nothing balks
Each big approach, leaning with brasswork prinked
Each rope distinct.
(Philip Larkin)

(e) And he left us
A changed mother
And more than
One annual ritual.
(A.K. Ramanujan)

Q2. Answer the following :

(a) Auden's The Shield of Achilles is a critique of contemporary culture.
Elucidate.

(b) Comment on the ending of Look Back in Anger. Does it look like being
where we started or, is there indeed a hopeful note?

(c) The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock epitomizes the frustrations and
inertia of the modern era. Justify the statement.

Question paper preview

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UPSC Civil Services Main 2018 English Literature Paper II question paper page 1 instructions scan PDF download
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Frequently asked questions

What is the name of the exam?

The exam is the Civil Services (Main) Examination.

Which paper is this question set for?

This is for English Literature Paper II.

What is the conducting body?

The conducting body is UPSC.

In which year was this exam conducted?

This exam was conducted in 2018.

What is the maximum marks for this paper?

The maximum marks for this paper is 250.

What is the time allowed to complete the paper?

The time allowed is Three Hours.

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