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ESSAY STRATEGY By Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC Civil Services Exam Topper, All India Rank – 1 CSE-2017 – How to write a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained 

Essay strategy.

How to write a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained 

By Anudeep Durishetty

UPSC Civil Services Exam Topper, All India Rank – 1 CSE-2017

anudeep durishetty

Novelist Stephen King put it beautifully when he said, “I write to find out what I think.” 

Writing is a window to your thought process. What you write on paper will tell the reader how you think, how you argue and the way you substantiate your viewpoint. This is why for most competitive examinations and academic entrance tests, essay is mandatory. 

In the Civil Services Exam too, we have a paper worth 250 marks, equivalent to a General Studies paper. Despite its importance, essay paper often does not get the attention it deserves from aspirants. First timers think they will write an excellent essay in the final exam itself, whereas experienced aspirants believe that since they had already studied a ton for GS, it will alone be enough to write a good essay. This is a fatal miscalculation. 

I was one of those who made these errors in the past, and it is not a coincidence that I scored only 100 in CSE 2015. But in 2017, I devoted adequate time to this paper. I collected useful quotes, prepared notes and even made rough essay drafts for frequently asked topics. All this effort in essay paper helped me score 155. 

What follows is an elaborate post on how you should tackle the Essay paper. I’ve organised the content as follows: 

What UPSC says about the essay paper 

  • How and from where to prepare? 

Improving language and expression 

  • On subheadings and rough drafts 
  • What you must avoid 
  • How to write a powerful introduction? 
  • Developing the content of an Essay 

Substantiating your arguments 

  • How to conclude an Essay 
  • My notes, quote collection and sample essays 

“Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to  keep closely to the subject of the essay,   to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely . Credit will be given for  effective and exact expression .”  

Essay distinguishes itself from GS in the sense that in GS, marks will be awarded purely for content. But in essay, examiners will pay special attention to not just the content, but also the language, coherence and the way you organise your write-up. 

So you must take adequate care to arrange your ideas properly and not commit any fundamental spelling or grammatical errors. 

How and from where to prepare?  

Most of the content you write in Essay will come from your GS preparation. Apart from this, the following sources will help: 

  • Reading non-fiction  helps you develop a matured thought process. Apart from imparting knowledge, they will also let you come across good figures of speech, art of argumentation, powerful rhetoric and unique content etc. For example, in an essay on Artificial Intelligence, I took arguments from Yuval Harari’s  Homo Deus  to argue that AI is an imminent threat to humanity. Or if you read  Why Nations Fail,  a book replete with examples, you will understand the importance of innovation, political and economic freedoms in propelling a nation forward. So my suggestion is, apart from UPSC related material, develop the hobby of reading non-fiction books. I do not mean to suggest that you should start reading one  non-fiction book per topic to get good scores in Essay, but reading them occasionally in your free time will benefit you in the long run. 
  • Referring to specific magazines:  For certain topics, you can refer to specific issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey etc. Example: for an essay on tribal issues or public health, you can go through specific issues of these magazines for getting the latest statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels etc) and also about the positives and criticisms of govt schemes in that sector. 
  • Collecting good stories/anecdotes and quotes  Anecdotes, quotes and real life stories you see in newspapers and books which can be used in essay should be noted down. In most of my essays, I used to start with a relevant story or an anecdote that has the essay topic as its underlying theme. Apart from these, I also used a couple of quotes of eminent persons. 

         List of quotes, anecdotes I collected are available in the link at the end of this article.  

Language in essay must be simple and clear with as little jargon as possible. If you want to use complex definitional terms such as, say, ‘Constitutionalism’ or ‘Sanskritisation’ please define it in sentence just before you use it. Examiner will also understand clearly what you want to convey. Clear writing is clear thinking. And that is what any reader looks for. 

Keep your sentences short and powerful. Long, winding sentences makes it difficult to read and understand. If you tack on one clause after another through conjunctions, what you get is a bad sentence sprawl.   

Example of a bad sentence sprawl: 

At the end of World War 2, on the one hand, while capitalism was successfully championed by the nations in North America and Europe, on the other hand, it was USSR that put Communism at the forefront due to which there was an ideological clash between the  the  two superpowers which had led to proxy wars in various parts of the globe, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of the security of the world.  

(By the time readers finish reading it, they will lose their breath and the point of the sentence) 

So I had a simple rule: If you run out of your breath while  reading a sentence, then probably you will have to break it into two. 

Rewriting the aforementioned example after breaking it into two (which makes it much easier to read and comprehend): 

After World War 2, while the North American and European nations championed capitalism, USSR put communism at the forefront. This ideological clash between the superpowers led to several proxy wars, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of world security.  

Vocabulary   

There is no need to memorise complex words for writing a good essay. But an occasional use of a powerful word, or a good phrase definitely gives your write-up an edge. 

Also, I believe that learning numerous words by rote will not make them stick in your brain for long. The best way to build your vocabulary is by reading non-fiction and English newspapers. While reading these, if you come across a good turn of phrase, or a word that you don’t recognise, please note it down in a book, find its meaning and understand the context in which the word was used. This helps in long term memory. Having a dictionary app on your phone also helps. 

Building vocabulary is a slow process, but with consistency, anyone can become better at using an expansive set of words. 

Subheadings & Rough Drafts 

We can be a little innovative in our subheadings. Instead of bland subheadings such as ‘ Benefits of Nuclear Energy’  we can use “ Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril?’  Similarly, for the essay on Social Media, instead of writing ‘ Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media ’, I wrote  “Social Media: A Double Edged Sword”  

You can find my collection of a few such subheadings in the link to my notes, given at the end of the article. 

I also prepared a rough draft for a few essay topics (link given at the end). You may need to modify the structure as per the demand of the question. 

What you must avoid in Essay 

  • Do not focus excessively only on one point, or one dimension (such as the historical or political aspect) Your essay needs to be expansive and multi-dimensional. 
  • During preparation, we read a lot and it’s understandable that we feel strongly about certain topics. And since essay offers freedom to write, it’s very easy to get carried away with such a topic. But make sure that you write what is asked, not what you know or feel like. No  mann   ki   baat . Always stick to the subject of the topic. It helps to read the question in the midst of your essay to ensure that you are not steering away from the topic. 
  • If you are not comfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics (I am terrible at writing them), avoid such questions. Your choice of topic has no bearing on the marks and that is why, selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is unwise. Also, if there’s a technical term in the question, be doubly sure that you understand it correctly. For instance, in 2014, there was a question on ‘standard tests’, which is a technical term. I misunderstood it and wrote a generic essay. I got 112. 
  • When you take a final stand on an issue, it’s best to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. We are free to have any opinion in the privacy of our minds, but in UPSC essay why take that risk? For instance, in an essay on Capital Punishment, in the main body content, you should present a case for both abolition and retention. But when you take a stance, it’s best to be an abolitionist. 
  • No ranting. You might be a great fan of Karl Marx, but if there’s a question on Capitalism, do not rant or rail against it  You must present both the positives and negatives of Capitalism and end the essay on a balanced note. 
  • Do not dedicate disproportionate amount of time for the first essay and scamper through the second. Both carry equal marks, so please invest equal time. 

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next 

This can be done in three ways. 

Through a link sentence at the end of a para:  

Here, at the end of a para, you write a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next. For example, let’s say you have just written a para about the threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to jobs. At the end of that para you can write a link sentence—   “Further, we must be mindful of the fact that Artificial Intelligence poses a major challenge not just economically, but also ethically.”  And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI. 

Through a question:    

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of a para so that examiner’s attention is helplessly carried to the next. To take the similar example as above, the question can be something like—   “Thus we have examined the threat posed by AI to our economy, but what about the challenges brought by AI to our ethics and morals?”  And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI. 

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph: 

Here you can simply add a word or two at the beginning of a para that signals a shift in your subtopic. For example in an essay on  Globalisation , let’s say you have just written a para about its historical evolution and impact. You can start the next para with something like—  “Politically too, globalisation has had a tremendous impact……” This way examiner immediately knows what to expect. 

These steps will ensure that the transition between paragraphs is not abrupt. 

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay? 

Essay introduction can be: 

a fictitious incident or story (where you introduce a character);  a real life anecdote;  a quote; or  a simple definition of the words in the question (not recommended in Essay) 

In GS, definitional approach is a great way to introduce your answers. But in essay, they are rather stale, lacking in any human element. I always believe that a good way to start your essay is to have that touch of humanity and warmth in your introduction. 

In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay ‘Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom’ 

“The year was 1945. Towards the end of a gruesome world war, the world powers decided to carve up the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.  

“Before partition, North and South Korea might have been homogeneous in every respect, but after the division, they steered onto different paths. While schools in the North chose to ‘educate’ their children in the worship of a cult leader, ideological indoctrination and servility, its southern counterpart focused on liberal education, innovation and economic growth.  

“Today, almost seven decades later, the difference in the fates of these people and the trajectories of both these nations cannot be more stark. One is known for gross violation of human rights, while the other a champion of liberal democracy. One is known for gut-wrenching poverty, while the other unbridled prosperity.  

“This only proves the age old adage that the destiny of a nation is indeed shaped in its classrooms.”  

Similarly, for the Social Media essay, my introduction sought to bring to the fore the paradox of Social Media. I wrote on how social media was leveraged to crowdsource help and rescue during Chennai floods in 2015. At the same time, I mentioned how it was used nefariously in 2012 to cause mass exodus of northeast people from Bangalore. And taking cue from this introduction, in the main body, I discussed about the inherent selfishness and altruism associated with social media. 

These real life stories, anecdotes and incidents are everywhere in our books and newspapers. So when you come across them, note down and ponder as to how you can use them in your essay.   

Developing the Main Content from the Topic 

This is like spinning the web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can choose among the following options that fits best. 

  • Temporal : Past, present and future 
  • Sectoral :  Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration etc 
  • Walks of Life : Individual, Family, Professional workplace, Society, Community, National, Global 
  • Problem & Solution:  Concept (historical evolution+status), benefits, problems, solutions 
  • Standard : Social, Political, Economical, Administrative, International, Environmental, Historical, Scientific, Security/Defence, Legal 

Example: for a topic like  “Has  Globalisation  delivered on its promise?”  I find the problem & solution method an apt way to develop your narrative. So choose as per the question. 

In the main body of the essay, each para must have an argument or an idea and a reasoning to back that argument. You can substantiate it through a real life example, a statistic, an authentic committee or organisational report etc. 

For example, if you are arguing that Capital punishment is an expensive form of justice, you should be able to given an example or a statistic or Law Commission’s opinion as to how the subjects of death penalty are overwhelmingly from poor communities. 

Statistics, examples, expert opinions and constitutional provisions are crucial and they make your arguments authoritative. 

Concluding an Essay 

Conclusion needs to be on  a futuristic, optimistic note. You need to summarise the complete essay in 3-4 sentences, after which you can write your vision for future. 

You can source some useful terms from the speeches of PM Modi. Phrases like  Sabka   saath   sabka   vikas ,  Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India  etc can come handy.  Rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, sanskrit slokas and quotes are a good way to conclude your essay. 

But suppose in your introduction, if you had written about a fictitious character, then it’s always advisable to end your write-up with a reference to that character. It gives a sense of completeness to the essay. 

Readers should keep in mind that these notes are written rather haphazardly (I mean who makes notes thinking that in future, they might have to upload them publicly :D)  

They are fragmented in certain pages, so you may not be able to comprehend them completely, but nevertheless I hope you take home something useful.  

Link to handwritten notes: 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jmVMGOzAk2d9B5Y0HQ9XpVF5Mh2IXGku  

Quote collection:  

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jk71jLao60hHwJoTuGYaIDgJWccxa5Xn  

List of Topics one needs to prepare:  

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q0W0PeH-80EKt6ucJTFOVPUlmXvCIzd-  

Sample Essay:    

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqfUi1FXdG0icBdJpdQvwH1wlAizCMvo  

https://anudeepdurishetty.in/my-upsc-marksheet/

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Essay Writing for UPSC - Weekly Essay Writing Programme

by Vajiram & Ravi

Essay Writing for UPSC: Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach. The UPSC essay paper is not just limited to assessing a candidate's creative writing skills, but rather, the focus is on evaluating a candidate's ability to think critically, express their ideas clearly, and present a balanced perspective on various issues. This article discusses the do’s and don'ts that need to be remembered while writing your Essay for the UPSC Mains Exam.

Check:  UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

Essay Writing for UPSC

The UPSC Mains Examination comprises a total of nine papers, inclusive of an essay paper. The Essay Paper is categorised into sections A and B, each containing four topics. These topics hold a value of 125 marks each, thereby totalling 250 marks (125×2). Candidates are required to choose one topic from each section and compose an essay spanning 1,000 to 1,200 words within the allocated three-hour duration. UPSC provides the following guidelines in its Notification on the Essay Paper:

  • Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics.
  • They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely.
  • Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Essay Writing for UPSC - What is Expected?

When preparing for the UPSC Mains Essay Paper, there are a few basic points that you should remember. The paper tests the diversity of your content and not its creativity .

When writing your Essay Paper for the UPSC Mains Exam, your focus should be on the following points-

  • Diversity of the content: Incorporating diverse content in the essay paper not only enriches the content but also showcases your depth of knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to present a comprehensive perspective on complex topics.
  • Focus on the topic: Centre your essay around the core theme of the chosen topic. By maintaining a clear focus on the topic and consistently reinforcing its relevance, your essay becomes a well-structured and compelling piece that effectively communicates your ideas to the examiner.
  • Clarity, Depth, and Language: Language plays a crucial role in conveying your ideas effectively. Use precise and simple language to articulate your points and maintain a formal and coherent tone throughout the essay. Focusing on clarity of thought ensures that your ideas are easily understood by the examiner, and providing an in-depth analysis supported by relevant examples, data, and arguments, helps showcase your ability to engage with the topic critically.
  • Providing Evidence: While stating a Quote, there should be evidence to support your thought. This helps you to avoid the superficial treatment of the subject and delve into its complexities, showcasing your ability to engage with the topic critically.

How to Write Essay for UPSC Mains?

Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach.

Choose the Right Topic

Read the given UPSC essay topics carefully and choose the one that resonates with your strengths and interests. Pick a topic that allows you to showcase your knowledge and understanding effectively.

Brainstorm Ideas

Spend some time brainstorming ideas related to the chosen topic. Jot down key points, arguments, examples, and relevant data that you could use to support your essay.

Create a Structure

A well-structured essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your introduction should introduce the topic and provide a brief overview of your stance. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point, argument, or example. The conclusion should summarise your main points and reiterate your thesis.

Format for UPSC Essay Writing

The UPSC essay format requires a thoughtful approach to convey your ideas effectively. There are three stages or steps in any essay - Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion.

Introduction Paragraph of an Essay

Craft a strong introduction paragraph that outlines your main argument or perspective. This paragraph should be concise and provide a roadmap for your essay. You can begin your essay with a quote, and the last line of the introduction paragraph should end with reinforcing the main topic.

For example: Topic: The Health of the Nation is more important than the Wealth of Nation

Start your essay with a quote-

“P ublic Health depends upon winning over Hearts and Minds. It's not enough to just have a good policy; you have to convince people to actually follow it .”

In a country's journey forward, we often talk about how having a lot of money is crucial. But there's another side to this story, which says that the good health of the people in a country is even more vital. If there is something that COVID-19 has taught us, it is how no economy with ample amounts of money can guarantee the health of its nation and how the health of its citizens eventually affects the wealth of the country. This idea highlights how the health of the nation is more important than the wealth of the nation.

Writing in Paragraphs

Writing in paragraphs is important in an essay because it enhances readability and organisation. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea, argument, or point, making it easier for readers to follow the logical flow of your thoughts . Paragraphs create visual breaks, helping to structure your essay into manageable sections. The following points have to be kept in mind while framing your Essay Paragraphs:

Address Counter-arguments:

Acknowledge potential counter-arguments and address them in your essay. This shows that you have considered multiple perspectives and strengthened your argument.

Use Examples:

Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Examples make your essay more relatable and persuasive.

Gather Evidence:

Collect relevant current affairs facts, statistics, historical examples, and real-life incidents to support your arguments. Ensure that your evidence is accurate and well-researched.

Logical Flow:

Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, creating a coherent narrative.

Use of simple Language:

Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using overly complex language that might obscure your message. Focus on communicating your ideas effectively.

Avoid Repetition:

Be mindful of repeating the same points or ideas. Each paragraph should contribute something new to the discussion.

Conclusion of the Essay

The conclusion serves the purpose of providing a seamless ending to the essay. It's worth noting that a strong ending holds the same level of significance as a compelling beginning. Both aspects contribute to achieving higher scores.

To effectively conclude an essay, you can utilise various elements, including facts, statistics, reasons, examples, quotes, opinions, experiences, and sensory details . The essay's conclusion can take on several forms: it might involve briefly reiterating the main points, suggesting potential future steps or actions, or injecting an engaging personal comment or relevant anecdote.

An alternative approach to concluding an essay involves revisiting the topic introduced in the introduction. This is known as a 'cyclic return,' and it's a straightforward method employed in many essays to bring the discussion full circle.

Ultimately, a conclusion should carry a positive perspective, seeking out the silver lining amidst challenges. It should also strive for clarity and brevity, ensuring the ideas are expressed concisely.

Proofread and Revise the Essay

Once you've finished writing, take some time to proofread and revise your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity of expression.

Vajiram & Ravi Essay Module

Our Essay Course,by Mr. Brijendra, offers a comprehensive platform to master essay writing, guiding aspirants through the demanding path of UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation.

Course Objectives:

  • Enhance Competency: Develop proficiency across diverse and essential themes.
  • Strengthen Understanding: Utilize provided handouts containing all pertinent information essential for crafting quality essays.
  • Refine Writing Proficiency: Improve language, grammar, and flow through two specialized classes.
  • Evaluate Proficiency: Assess skills with a thorough test series.

This meticulously designed Essay Course assists students in structuring their essay preparation and cultivating a crucial set of skills to enhance their chances of securing high scores. Clear, concise, and well-structured essays are indispensable for aspiring civil servants, and mastery of essential elements of essay writing is paramount.

Through this course, students will:

  • Organize and articulate ideas clearly.
  • Analyze primary sources with critical insight.
  • Apply critical thinking to evaluate information.

Course Features:

  • Comprehensive Classes: 11 sessions covering various themes used for framing essay topics.
  • Well-Curated Handouts: Concise handouts on each theme providing exam-ready content.
  • Special Emphasis: Focus on philosophical and quote-based essays.
  • Mini-Assignments: In-class assignments to master the nuances of essay writing.
  • Simulated Writing Practice: 6 tests (2 half-length and 4 full-length) for exam-like practice.
  • Detailed Evaluation: Objective evaluation of essay scripts with exhaustive feedback.
  • Guidance and Support: Post-test guidance for individual doubt clarification.

This comprehensive essay writing course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the essay component of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Join us to enhance your essay writing skills and significantly boost your chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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how to prepare essay writing for upsc

How to Write an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide for UPSC Success

how to prepare essay writing for upsc

Unlock success in UPSC exams with our comprehensive guide on how to write an essay. Learn effective strategies, structure, and language for top scores. Master the art of impactful essay writing now!

how to prepare essay writing for upsc

Essay Writing for Top Scores: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Write an Essay

The Union Public Service Commission conducts Civil Services Exams every year which comprises three stages i.e Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The UPSC Mains exam consists of multiple papers, with the first paper being the Essay paper. In this article, we will see how to write an essay so that candidates can fetch good marks in this UPSC essay paper. Before proceeding further let us look at the structure of UPSC exam structure.

how to write an essay

UPSC Essay Writing for Top Scores: Learn How to Write an Essay in CSE Exam 

If we analyze the past year’s trends of selected aspirants there is a pattern deciphered which indicates that almost all selected candidates get the highest marks in essay papers out of all papers of UPSC mains. Marks obtained in essay papers play an important role in overall marks in the UPSC CSE exam so it has become very important to know how to write an essay. Although essay papers should have good content, proper structure, and coherency, using quotes or statements but a proper structure is needed for putting all elements of the essay aligned to make an impactful essay.

UPSC Essay Paper Vs. GS Papers: The Art for Exam Success

  • Candidates who are thinking that the Essay and answer to GS question carry similar sense and content could be used exchangeably, then they should know what distinguishes the Essay paper from the other GS papers that marks in GS papers are explicitly for that type of related content, but Essay paper is kept just not to see the content but the language, coherence and the way arguments are lined up to explain one’s viewpoint.
  • The ideas cannot be put up here randomly but have to be arranged in an orderly fashion as UPSC demands along with the least spelling or grammatical errors.

how to write an essay

Parameters for How to Write An Essay: Structure, Sources, and Language for Top Scores

Upsc’s recommendation on the essay: how to write an essay with precision and impact.

  • UPSC’s Essay Guidelines -UPSC has stated that “Candidates may be required to know how to write an essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression”.
  • Instruction in Essay Writing by UPSC- According to the instructions on essays by UPSC it is clear that Candidates may encounter the task of composing essays on various topics during the examination. It is essential that they adhere closely to the assigned subject , organize their thoughts in a systematic manner, and convey their ideas concisely. The evaluation process will reward candidates for effective and precise expression.
  • Differentiating the Essay Paper and General Science Paper- Distinguishing essay paper from the General Studies (GS) section, where marks are allocated solely for content, the essay section requires a more comprehensive evaluation. Examiners not only assess the substance of your essay but also scrutinize the language used, the coherence of your arguments, and the overall organization of your writing.
  • Importance of Structure in Essay- It is very important that candidates provide structure to their essay, ensuring that ideas flow logically and avoiding fundamental errors in spelling or grammar. While content remains significant, the essay section places a premium on language proficiency and the adept organization of your thoughts. Take ample care to present your ideas with clarity and coherence, pa ying attention to the finer details to maximize your essay’s impact.

Essay Writing Enrichment: How to Write an Essay, Leveraging Diverse Sources for Comprehensive Preparation

The majority of the content for the essay paper will be extracted from the General Studies (GS) preparation. However, to enrich the essay candidates can consider the following additional sources:

  • Engage with Non-Fiction- Reading non-fiction not only enhances knowledge of the candidates but also cultivates and nourishes a mature thought process. Apart from the factual information, non-fiction text give exposure to figures of speech, effective argumentation techniques , powerful rhetoric , and unique content. So, aside from UPSC-related materials, cultivating the habit of reading non-fiction books can significantly contribute to a candidate’s overall preparation.
  • Reference to specific magazines- It will be very wise to utilize the specific issues of magazines such as Yojana , E PW (Economic and Political Weekly), and the Economic Survey for certain topics. For example, if topics of the essay are somewhere related to tribal, public welfare and sustainable development etc. these magazines can offer valuable insights , including the latest statistics (Infant Mortality Rate , Maternal Mortality Rate , malnutrition levels, etc.) and evaluations of government schemes in those sectors.
  • Just remember that the objective is not to read one non-fiction book per essay topic but to gradually cultivate a habit of incorporating diverse sources into your preparation. Regularly integrating non-UPSC materials, referencing specific magazines, and collecting compelling anecdotes and quotes will prove beneficial in the long run. A comprehensive list of quotes and anecdotes I gathered is available in the link at the end of this article for your reference.

Language and Expression of an Essay Writing: How to Write an Impactful Essay, Simple Language, Concise Sentences, and Effective Expression

  • Focus on making sentence simple- It is advised to candidates that the language in their essay should be straightforward and devoid of unnecessary jargon. If it is necessary to incorporate complex terms like ‘Constitutionalism’ or ‘ Sanskritisation,’ put it under a  clear definition in the sentence immediately preceding their use. This approach ensures that the examiner comprehends your intended meaning with clarity, as clear writing reflects clear thinking something every reader seeks.
  • Go for impacting sentences- Choose for concise and impactful sentences, avoiding lengthy and convoluted constructions. A proliferation of clauses through excessive conjunctions results in poor sentence structure, making it challenging for the reader to follow and comprehend the content.
  • For example below there is a paragraph which can be improved and can be made interesting to the examiner.

how to write an essay

Vocabulary: How to Write an Essay with Impactful Words and Phrases

  • If a candidate thinks that complex vocabulary is the key player in the essay, in actuality it is a contrast. There’s no necessity to commit intricate words to memory to excel in essay writing. However, infrequent incorporation of potent words or compelling phrases can undoubtedly enhance the quality of your composition.
  • Moreover, there is a belief that mere rote memorization of numerous words doesn’t ensure their lasting retention in your memory. The most effective approach to enriching your vocabulary involves immersing yourself in non-fiction literature and English newspapers.  
  • Expanding your vocabulary is a gradual process, but with sustained effort, anyone can improve their proficiency in employing a diverse range of words.

Subheading and Drafts: How to Write an Impactful Essay with Innovative Subheadings and Drafts

  • We can be a little innovative in our subheadings. Instead of bland subheadings such as ‘Benefits of Nuclear Energy’ we can use “Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril? ’ Similarly, for the essay on Social Media, instead of writing ‘Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media’, I wrote “Social Media: A Double Edged Sword”.

Things Should Be Avoided During the Essay Writing: How to Write an Essay with Precision and Balance for Top Scores

There are many small points we do and don’t do in an essay which mess up our essay and despite having good knowledge about the topic, the candidate can’t get marks in the essay that he/she deserves.

  • Avoid Singular Focus- Refrain from fixating excessively on a single point or dimension, ensuring your essay incorporates a broad, multifaceted approach.
  • Stay True to the Topic- Despite personal opinions developed during preparation, strictly adhere to the essay prompt. Resist the temptation to deviate from the assigned subject.
  • Revisit the Question- Incorporate the essay question within your composition to verify its alignment with the topic, preventing unintentional drift in your narrative.
  • Mind Your Comfort Zone- If abstract philosophical topics are challenging, consider avoiding them. The marks are not significantly affected by the choice of topic, so opt for familiarity over novelty.
  • Understand Technical Terms- Clarify the meaning of any technical terms in the question before proceeding. Misunderstanding technical terms can lead to lower marks, as experienced in the 2014 examination.
  • Balancing approach on Issues- When taking a definitive viewpoint on an issue try to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. Try to create a balanced approach, presenting arguments for both sides before asserting your position.
  • Avoid lengthy and one-sided Arguments- The candidate should avoid indulging in ranting or presenting one-sided arguments. Even with strong personal opinions, candidates should maintain a balanced presentation in line with UPSC essay expectations.
  • Try to put both Sides- In topics like Capitalism try to put both positive and negative aspects. For instance, while discussing Capital Punishment try to cover arguments for both abolition and retention , concluding the essay on a balanced note.
  • Allocating Equal Time- Allocate equal time and effort to both essays mentioned in both sections of the paper  as they carry equal weight in terms of marks. Try not to spend a disproportionate amount of time on the first essay, ensuring consistency in your approach.

Essay Development: How to Write an Impactful Essay, Time Management, and Topic Approach for Success

  • Dedicate 80 minutes for each essay.
  • Spend 60 minutes on writing, aiming for 8-9 pages per essay.
  • Allocate 20 minutes for thoughtful consideration.
  • Utilize the first 10 minutes for selecting the topic.
  • Reserve the last 10 minutes for revision.
  • Go with the topics with the potential for multiple dimensions, considering the broad scope they offer. While mainstream topics are common choices, venturing into a non-mainstream topic presents both risks and rewards. A slightly lower score is preferable to struggling with a less conventional topic.
  • After selecting the topic, the second crucial step is brainstorming. This involves listing keywords, phrases, and facts related to the chosen subject.
  • Develop 5-6 questions about the topic that you aim to answer in your essay.
  • Establish coherence by linking your ideas to the questions and crafting a cohesive narrative.
  • Dedicate the next few minutes to recalling relevant quotes, examples, data points, and insights from philosophers or leaders. This enriches the content of your essay and adds depth to your arguments.=

Paragraph Linking: Linking Paragraphs for Cohesive Essays in 3 Effective Steps

Effectively transitioning from one paragraph to the next can be accomplished using three methods:

  • Linking sentence at the end of the paragraph- Try to conclude a paragraph with a link sentence that previews the upcoming content.
  • Transition by Questions- If the paragraph is not structured with a link for the next paragraph try to insert a question at the end of a paragraph to naturally guide the examiner’s attention to the next topic. 
  • Signal Shift at the Start- Introduce a word or two at the beginning of a paragraph to indicate a shift in the subtopic.
  • By incorporating these steps, you can ensure that the transition between paragraphs remains smooth and avoids abrupt shifts in your essay.”

Impactful Introduction of an Essay: Quotes, Overviews, and Historical Insights

  • Start with the relevant Quote- While writing an essay try to commence with a thought-provoking quote that aligns with the theme of the essay while adding depth to your introduction and put an impressive impact on examiner,
  • Presenting an overview of content- Try to present a concise thesis outlining the key arguments which candidates are going to explore in the essay this will provide a roadmap for the examiner
  • Historical Background- Provide a brief historical context related to the issue at hand, offering a foundation for your essay’s exploration.
  • Definition of Key Terms (Caution Advised)- As a last resort, offer simple definitions of terms from the question, though this is not recommended for essays due to its potential to lack the warmth and human touch needed for a compelling introduction. This approach is more suitable for General Studies (GS) answers.

Tools for Core Content: Approaches for Impactful Essay Writing

The styles that can be used to spin our essay around the given topic, depend on the nature of the topic and go as follows-

  • Problem & Solution Approach– Historical evolution, concept, benefits, problems, solutions
  • Stakeholder Approach- Individual, Family, Community, Society, National, Humanity or Global.
  • Dimensional Approach- Social (Education, Health, Women, Children, and other vulnerable groups), Political, Philosophical, Environmental, Economic, Cultural (Beliefs, Attitude, Values, and Ethics), Linguistic/Local, International, Humanistic Historical, Governance, Administration.
  • Temporal Approach– Past, Present, and Future
  • Sectoral Approach- Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration, etc.
  • Question Approach- Use of rhetorical questions to build a structure of the essay.
  • Use of Diagrams is not advisable or must not be encouraged because this is the test of your language, argument building, and writing.

Supporting Your Arguments: Strengthening Arguments Effectively

  • For instance, when asserting that Capital punishment is a costly form of justice, provide a compelling example, and relevant statistics, or cite the opinion of authoritative bodies like the Law Commission. This might involve demonstrating how individuals subjected to the death penalty are disproportionately from economically disadvantaged communities.
  • Utilising Essential Elements- Utilizing statistics, real-life examples, expert opinions, and references to constitutional provisions is imperative. These elements not only reinforce your arguments but also lend them an authoritative and well-supported quality.

Conclusion of the Essay Writing: Strategies for Impactful Endings

  • The conclusion should project a forward-looking and optimistic stance. Summarize the entire essay concisely in 3-4 sentences, followed by articulating your vision for the future.
  • Incorporate impactful terms drawn from speeches by figures such as PM Modi, such as “Sabka saath sabka vikas,” “Reform-Perform-Transform,” or “Building A New India.” Employing rhetoric, elevated expressions, constitutional ideals, Sanskrit slokas, and quotes can enhance the conclusion’s resonance.
  • However, if your introduction introduces a fictitious character, it’s advisable to conclude your essay by referencing that character. This approach imparts a sense of completeness to your essay, creating a cohesive narrative.

Tips for Effective Argumentation: Beyond Categories: Tips for Impactful Essay Writing

  • Choice of topic- Select a subject that allows for a reasoned and well-balanced argument.
  • Linking and coherent argument- Organize your arguments cohesively for clarity.
  • Understanding the essence- Carefully discern the essence of the topic to steer clear of potential pitfalls.
  • Finding Counterarguments- Explore an antithetical perspective; refrain from assuming the inherent correctness of the topic.
  • Good Presentation- Eliminate unnecessary abbreviations for a polished presentation.
  • Inserting creativity- Inject creativity into your subheadings; for example, consider “World Peace: Navigating Conflict and Fostering Harmony.”
  • Eye-catching Introduction- Craft an introductory hook, background, or thesis with a positive tone. Infuse originality into your essay writing, providing a nuanced and balanced opinion.

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How to Write an Essay FAQs

What is the most appropriate structure for an essay in upsc, how does the choice of essay topic affect essays in upsc exams, what is the recommended word limit for essays in upsc.

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how to prepare essay writing for upsc

Learn to write great essays and answers

My book, Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing is now available! 

How will the book benefit you?

  • Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing is specifically designed to improve your answer and essay writing skill in the shortest amount of time.  
  • If you’re a beginner, you will take considerable time to understand the nuances of the exam. The principles outlined in the book will help you overcome such obstacles quickly and easily.  
  • If you’re a seasoned aspirant, you are going to find new tools to further refine and dramatically improve the quality of your answers.  
  • With Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing , it will become easier for you to stand out, and score well in UPSC Mains, no matter where you are currently in your UPSC journey.    

Contents of the Book

TABLE OF CONTENTS – COMPLETE EDITION

PART I : Essay Writing

  • How to Prepare for the Essay
  • Essay Introduction
  • Main Body of the Essay
  • Flow and Coherence
  • Vocabulary, Language and Grammar
  • Choosing a Topic
  • Writing a Philosophical Essay
  • Useful Quotes
  •  Components of a Good Essay
  • Why You Should Write

PART II: Answer Writing

  • The Mains Booklist
  • Current Affairs Preparation
  • Useful Statistics
  • Anthropology
  • Illustrations
  • Components of a Good Answer
  • Closing Thoughts

PART III : Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PART IV : Sample Answers to Previously Asked UPSC Questions

PART V : Bonus Videos (Only in E-book version)

Want to read a sample chapter from the book? Click below

1. chapter on gs-4 answer writing, 2. chapter on essay introductions.

IMAGES

  1. Tips to Prepare Essay Writing for UPSC Mains

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  2. UPSC Essay Writing, How to write essay, Format, Essay Topics

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  3. Sample Essay for UPSC

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  4. UPSC Essay Writing

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  5. Essay writing for UPSC mains

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  6. How to Write a Good Essay in UPSC Mains

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VIDEO

  1. An approach to Essay Writing || UPSC CSE Mains 2024

  2. How to Prepare Essay in UPSC?

  3. How to Write Essay like a Pro in UPSC Mains

  4. How to prepare for essay paper (UPSC)

  5. How to write a Good Essay

  6. UPSC Essay Writing Techniques & Tips by Ruchika Ma'am #upsc #essay #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. ESSAY STRATEGY By Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC Civil Services ...

    Anudeep Durishetty - UPSC IAS Rank - 1 write in detail his essay strategy with examples and illustrations. Follow this strategy to boost essay marks.

  2. Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

    Having a simple understanding of complex social problems is the secret to writing a good essay for the CSE. One can also keep handy a small collection of quotes or quotable phrases and citable anecdotes to be used while writing the essay. This keeps one prepared for writing any type of essay.

  3. Essay Writing for UPSC - How to Write Essay in UPSC Mains

    Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach. Read the given UPSC essay topics carefully and choose the one that resonates with your strengths and interests. Pick a topic that allows you to showcase your knowledge and understanding effectively.

  4. How to Write an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide for UPSC Success

    Unlock success in UPSC exams with our comprehensive guide on how to write an essay. Learn effective strategies, structure, and language for top scores. Master the art of impactful essay writing now! UPSC Essay Paper Vs. GS Papers: The Art for Exam Success.

  5. Essay Writing 2 - www.visionias.in/

    Through the Essay Paper, the UPSC peaks into the knowledge and interest of the aspirant over a variety of topics. Additionally, it evaluates an aspirants’ analytical skills, articulation of thoughts and expression of ideas in a coherent and logical manner.

  6. Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing - Anudeep Durishetty

    With Fundamentals of Essay and Answer Writing, it will become easier for you to stand out, and score well in UPSC Mains, no matter where you are currently in your UPSC journey. “A master guide for aspirants having phobia of Essay and Answer writing. A practical book that tells one how to apply the gathered knowledge in the exam.