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The UPSC Essay Paper is a huge part of your final marks, carrying 250 marks. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you understand how to approach it, it becomes much easier. The essay tests your ability to think clearly, organize your thoughts, and express your ideas logically, not just about facts.
Here’s an easy-to-understand strategy to help you prepare.
You will have to write two essays, each worth 125 marks.
Each essay should be about 1000-1200 words, and you have 3 hours for both essays.
The topics can be anything from current events to general issues. But don’t worry, they are usually related to common knowledge, so you don’t need to be an expert on anything.
The essay tests your ability to analyze, express your views, and write clearly.
Content and Depth: Do you understand the topic well? Are your examples relevant?
Structure: Is your essay organized logically with a clear flow?
Language and Expression: How well do you express your ideas?
Relevance: Are you sticking to the topic?
Originality: Are your ideas fresh, or are you just repeating what you’ve read?
Presentation: Is your essay easy to read, with proper paragraphs and transitions?
The essay topics are generally general in nature and can cover anything like social issues, economic problems, ethics, politics, international relations, etc. It’s about showing how much you understand, not just facts, but different perspectives on a topic.
Reading is key to writing a good essay. Here’s what you should read:
Newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express to stay updated on current affairs.
Magazines such as Yojana or Kurukshetra which discuss social, economic, and political issues.
Books on General Studies for deeper understanding of topics related to society, economy, etc.
Reports from agencies like the UN or NITI Aayog to understand global and national issues.
A clear structure makes your essay easy to follow. Here’s how you can organize your essay:
Introduction (15-20%):
Start with something interesting, like a quote or statistic related to the topic.
Briefly introduce the topic and what direction your essay will take. Avoid being vague.
Body (60-70%):
Divide your essay into 3-4 parts, each covering a different aspect of the topic.
Use examples, data, and real-life cases to support your points.
Make sure each paragraph has a clear point, and the ideas flow logically.
Conclusion (15-20%):
Summarize your main arguments.
End with a solution or your final view on the topic. Avoid introducing new ideas here.
Your essay should be easy to understand. Don’t use difficult words or long sentences. Keep it simple and straight to the point. Focus on:
Simple language: Avoid complex vocabulary, especially if it makes the meaning unclear.
Clarity: Make sure your ideas come across clearly.
Cohesion: Use transitions between paragraphs so the essay flows smoothly.
The best way to get good at writing essays is to practice regularly. Try writing at least one essay per week. Over time, you’ll become faster, more structured, and more confident.
Start with current topics.
Write in timed conditions (2 hours per essay).
After writing, review your work. Did you stay on topic? Were your ideas clear? What can you improve next time?
UPSC essays are often tricky because they want you to think about a topic from different angles. For example, if the essay is about climate change, you might need to talk about scientific facts, social impact, economic costs, and even ethical issues. The more perspectives you can offer, the better your essay will be.
Time management is crucial. Here’s how you can break down your time during the exam:
Planning (15-20 minutes): Spend a few minutes brainstorming and organizing your thoughts.
Writing (90-100 minutes): Stick to your structure and stay focused on your points.
Reviewing (10-15 minutes): Leave some time at the end to check for any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Including current events in your essay shows that you are aware of what’s happening in the world. Whenever you read the newspaper, note down important facts, policies, or issues that might come up in your essay. This will help you back up your arguments with fresh, relevant examples.
Sometimes, your essay might deal with ethical or philosophical issues. These essays require you to be thoughtful and present balanced views. For example, an essay on "The role of women in society" might require you to talk about historical perspectives, modern-day challenges, and solutions. Use ethical frameworks and examples from history to back up your views.
Writing a good UPSC essay is all about being organized, clear, and thoughtful. You don’t need to memorize facts; it’s more about how you analyze and present your thoughts. By practicing regularly, reading widely, and thinking critically, you can improve your essay writing skills and perform well in the exam.
Keep it simple, stay focused on the topic, and most importantly—practice, practice, practice.