Asked by: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow
WAT Topic: "Do the ends justify the means?" - abstract category, medium difficulty. Consider 2 perspectives for a balanced essay.
Open with a provocative example (demonetization, emergency lockdown). State: context matters, but process shapes outcome.
Para 1: When ends might justify means (emergencies, Churchill quote)
Para 2: When means corrupted ends (historical examples)
Para 3: Framework for judging — proportionality, reversibility, accountability
Neither pure consequentialism nor pure deontology. Judge case-by-case with clear principles.
Being too abstract without examples
Extreme position without nuance
Not acknowledging the philosophical traditions
Use real examples (demonetization, lockdown, historical events). Show philosophical awareness.
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. Use real examples (demonetization, lockdown, historical events). Show philosophical awareness.
This topic has been asked by: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow.
Open with a provocative example (demonetization, emergency lockdown). State: context matters, but process shapes outcome. Your body should cover: Para 1: When ends might justify means (emergencies, Churchill quote); Para 2: When means corrupted ends (historical examples); Para 3: Framework for judging — proportionality, reversibility, accountability.
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