Asked by: IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore (2024)
WAT Topic: "Growth vs Environment: Can developing nations afford climate commitments?" - environment category, hard difficulty. Consider 2 perspectives for a balanced essay.
Reference India's 2070 net-zero pledge vs 2050 demands. State: false dichotomy, green growth is possible.
Para 1: Why developing nations argue for growth priority
Para 2: Why climate action can't wait
Para 3: How to reconcile — green growth, climate finance, technology transfer
Demand climate justice (finance, tech transfer) while pursuing sustainable development.
India: 2070 net-zero target
Developed nations responsible for 79% of historical emissions
India's per capita emissions: 1.9 tons (US: 15 tons, China: 7 tons)
Not knowing India's climate commitments
Ignoring climate justice/equity argument
Being too one-sided (either development or environment)
Know India's NDCs and the climate finance debate. Use per capita emissions data, not total emissions.
Rhetoric (4th Century BC)
Insight: Persuasion requires ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) working together.
How to apply: Structure your WAT with logical arguments (logos), establish credibility through data/examples (ethos), and connect to human impact (pathos). IIM evaluators look for all three.
Made to Stick (2007)
Insight: Ideas that stick are Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and tell Stories (SUCCESs).
How to apply: Open with an unexpected fact or angle. Use concrete examples, not abstractions. Ground arguments in credible data. Make it memorable.
The Sense of Style (2014)
Insight: Good writing is about showing the reader something in the world, not performing your knowledge.
How to apply: Don't write to impress—write to illuminate. Avoid jargon and pompous language. Show you understand the issue, don't just list points.
Politics and the English Language (1946)
Insight: Clear thinking leads to clear writing. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
How to apply: Prefer active voice. Cut unnecessary words. If you can cut a word, cut it. Clarity beats complexity in 200-word essays.
Values original thinking and nuanced positions over conventional wisdom.
Tip: IIMA loves contrarian but well-reasoned takes. Don't be afraid to challenge the premise of the topic itself.
Practical, business-oriented evaluation. Values structured thinking.
Tip: IIMB appreciates when you connect topics to business/management implications. Always include "so what" for managers.
Rigorous analytical approach. Values data and economic reasoning.
Tip: IIMC loves numbers. Include at least one relevant statistic. Show you understand economic trade-offs.
Balanced evaluation of content and expression.
Tip: IIML values clear structure. Use explicit transitions and signposting.
Ethics-focused, values human-centric perspectives.
Tip: XLRI's Jesuit heritage means they value ethical dimensions. Always consider the human/social impact angle.
There's no "right" stance. What matters is taking a clear position and defending it well. Know India's NDCs and the climate finance debate. Use per capita emissions data, not total emissions.
This topic has been asked by: IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore (most recently in 2024).
Reference India's 2070 net-zero pledge vs 2050 demands. State: false dichotomy, green growth is possible. Your body should cover: Para 1: Why developing nations argue for growth priority; Para 2: Why climate action can't wait; Para 3: How to reconcile — green growth, climate finance, technology transfer.
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