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Strategy: Answer Writing for CSE MAINS

• 16 Aug 2018
• 40 min read

In this strategy we will tackle one of the most important challenges faced by CSE aspirants i.e. how to write a good answer in the Mains examination.

It is said that answer writing is an art.The good news is that any form of art can be learnt over a period of time. All it takes is will and effort, regular practice and some guidance. We are here to provide you help with the guidance part and we hope you successfully integrate the tips we are going to provide in your preparation.

This answer writing guide has been divided into three sections – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced . As the names for the section headings suggest,one should proceed step by step, understanding each section completely before proceeding to the next. Ultimately you should be able to use the tips from all sections in your answer writing in a holistic manner.

The Basics section of answer writing tackles the bare minimum requirements needed for effective answer writing . The answer you are going to write has to be effective in order to earn an advantage over the competition. To write an effective answer there are certain basic tricks that you need to know and these are discussed below.

Do’s and Don'ts

• Do understand the question fully and correctly before contemplating an answer for it . Questions in the Mains examination come with certain directives like ‘discuss/ critically discuss’ etc and you should be able to grasp clearly what that particular directive is asking you to do. You should consult the accompanying table on various directives and their meanings for a proper appreciation of what the examiner is expecting from you in the answer. This is also the most basic and yet a very important skill that you should have for effective answer writing.
• Do develop a basic mental framework of the answer before actually committing anything to paper. This is a very crucial skill that you need to develop on a war footing. It should be that the moment you have read and understood a given question, you immediately start forming the structure for the answer in your mind. With practice, it becomes easier and easier to do this and if required, jot down (with a pencil) whatever you remember as and when you remember it. The last point is important because sometimes we tend to forget or we simply are unable to recall from memory at the very last minute (or while writing) which can drastically affect the quality of our answer.
• Don’t wait for the answer to come to you, instead force it out. It is important that you learn how to force an answer out of you. This is not something very hard to achieve. Think of it in this way. You are a serious aspirant and you have prepared considerably for the Mains examination and as a result you are in the possession of a considerable amount of information, facts, ideas etc. If time were not an issue you could contemplate generously before each and every sentence you write but within a given time limit you do not have such luxuries of time. For example,  suppose you can recall only two points (fully) for an answer and you think you need at least four points for a complete answer. In such a case you should not waste time trying to recall all the points before attempting to answer and instead force yourself to write the answer with whatever information you’ve got. That way, without wasting time you give your best shot to the question.
• Don’t overstretch your imagination. UPSC requires that you have a good understanding of a given issue and that the same should be readily understandable when expressed. Thus, one should not slip into thoughts, ideas or arguments that are not absolutely necessary for writing a particular answer. Overbrooding and philosophizing may lead to confusion and as such it should be left out of Mains answer writing. Moreover, this can save you time and effort which can be used in answering other questions efficiently.

How to structure your answer

• Step 1: Write a fitting introduction to your answer. Ideally, the introduction should not only introduce the topic/issue/idea to the examiner but also (very) briefly narrate the central premise of the answer. If the question has two or more parts, then all parts must be introduced briefly. The introduction should not be lengthier than 20% of the word limit at any cost, and its ideal length is about 10% of the word limit. For 200 words, 20-40 words is what you should be looking at for the introduction (and the conclusion too).
• Step 2: Divide the main body of the answer into paragraphs or bullets as required. Each paragraph or bullet should have one point only (unless it is very necessary to do otherwise) and the most important points or the points that you have recalled fully should go first. When you are asked to discuss both positive and negative aspects of an issue, you can either list all the positives in one paragraph and then list the negatives or you can go for a positive-negative combination in each paragraph. Do the latter only when there are very less points in the answer (because 3 paragraphs for 200 words looks best) and for all other purposes go with the former.
• Step 3: Wrap up your answer with a well balanced conclusion. You can balance your conclusion with a healthy positive opinion. The opinion does not necessarily have to be original but ideally (and mostly) has to be a positive one. Never end on a negative note or tone, you must be able to see the silver lining in the clouds. Also, never end the conclusion by posing another question. If you want to pose a question as part of your answer, do so in the main body of the answer only. Also, avoid ending your answer in the rhetoric and instead try to put forward a solution or a way-forward. This shows a positive bent of mind and a willingness to find solutions - things that any CSE aspirant should possess.

How to introduce and conclude your answer

• Introduction:   For introducing your answer choose first the crux of the problem/issue/idea that the question is inquiring about. Then add to it the one line version of the answer that you are planning to write. Finally, if space permits write the ‘verdict/sentiment/judgement’ in another line. So, basically the introduction is 3 sentences that lets the examiner know beforehand that you know the answer and that you are not going to beat around the bush looking for the right answer.
• Conclusion:   To conclude your answer, begin with a simple sentence that brings together all the main elements/points/arguments of the answer. Follow it up with the above-mentioned positive opinion. The last sentence should be a general statement reiterating the ‘verdict/ sentiment/judgement’ mentioned in the introduction.
• An example of introduction and conclusion: For the question ‘What is meant by Employment 4.0? Discuss the benefits and challenges posed to Indian economy by Employment 4.0.’ we can introduce thus – ‘Employment 4.0. refers to an on-demand, digitally driven labour market characterised by independent workers in temporary positions for short-term engagements or contracts like freelancing for a magazine, driving cabs through Uber etc. It is also referred to as Gig Economy. According to a recent report, India is the largest supplier of online labour, hosting 24% of such workers globally.’ (59 words). For conclusion we can write - ‘There is a large gap between the way gig economy is growing and the adoption of regulations, as the law associated with it is incomplete and antiquated in many respects. But given the huge potential of gig economy going forward, there is a case for the state to deftly balance the interests of business exigencies and social welfare.’ (58 words).

Whether to write in bullets or in paragraphs

• An opinion-based answer should ideally be written in paragraphs.  Such answers are generally essay type answers and could consist of an Introductory paragraph, Main body of the answer in paragraphs, and the Concluding paragraph. A fact-based answer can be written in both paragraphs and in bullets or in a combination of both . A fact-based answer in bullets would consist of the Introductory paragraph, Main body of the answer in bullets, and the Concluding paragraph. Since, most questions asked in the CSE would invariably be a mix of both facts and opinions, it is best that you develop a method that suits you naturally. For example, have a look at this question from CSE 2016 – ‘Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.’ – and then take a look at the suggestions given below.
• Case 1: The opinion-based question –  ‘Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development’ – this part of the question is opinion-based and as such could be attempted in paragraphs.
• Case 2: The fact-based question –  Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India’ – this part of the question has factual elements to it and as such can be presented in either paragraphs or bullets. Choosing the latter here could surely save time if not fetch extra marks.

The Intermediate

The Intermediate section will handle the second set of challenges that aspirants face in the Mains examination. To score well and above the competition it is important that you understand and follow the guide given below.

Sticking to the word limit

• The General Studies (GS) papers, with the exception of GS paper IV which is the Ethics paper, has a limit of 200 words per question. This is a justified word limit given the time that you are given to answer a question. The trick here is to write sentences that are short. Avoid compound sentences even though you may feel that by joining two sentences with an ‘and’ you have saved time and words. Instead use a semicolon to separate a sentence into clauses with each clause addressing a related but different idea or argument. You can also break into bullets if the question is asking you to list down factors, causes etc.
• GS paper IV (Ethics) has 150, 250 and 300 as word limits. 99% of the time the questions are opinion-based so, it is best to write the answers in paragraphs. Follow the tips mentioned in the above point and add two more tricks to it. First, for open-ended questions like ‘Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being (CSE 2016)’ that have to be answered in 150 words, spare 30 seconds to figure out a framework for the answer. Once you have a vague idea that this is what your answer is going to be, sticking to the word limit becomes much easier. Second, when answering the case study questions avoid bringing unnecessary justifications to your ideas and arguments (instead, you can use a paradigm to justify an answer, for example, the paradigms of Rights-based approach, Justice based or Utilitarian approach etc.). State your ideas in a plain and simple manner, cite an example or two (or quotes) when necessary and make sure that you do not repeat the same thing in one or more paragraphs.
• Most Optional subject papers carry the 150 word per question limit for the short-note section (the optional History is a notable exception). Generally, a well prepared aspirant should be able to write more than 150 words on a given topic. Therefore, the trick here is to learn how to compress a (say) 500 word answer to a 150 word short-note. In order to compress something get to the gist of it first. The root idea/information should not be ignored at any cost. Ignore only the peripheral, unnecessary, redundant or repeated things. You can also use the ‘comma’ creatively as illustrated by this example – ‘the Battle of Buxar, 1764, was fought and won by the British, led by Hector Munro, who faced the combined armies of Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal; the Nawab of Awadh; and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam’ (38 words). In this example, we ignored the exact date of the battle (unnecessary), the name of Awadh’s Nawab (peripheral), the description or location of Buxar (unnecessary) etc.
• The rest of the questions in the Optional subject paper do not come with a word limit. The word count in this case can vary from 150 to 350 words depending on factors like time, marks, writing speed and how much you can recall at a particular moment. Though, the lack of a predetermined word limit might look encouraging, we would advise against filling up the entire provided space with words just for the sake of it. But, do write your answer carefully and comfortably and do so without any compulsion on adhering to word or space limits. The various tricks mentioned here will definitely help you achieve that.

• In the Essay paper you have to write two essays in the 1000-1200 word limit. The booklet provided for you to write your answer is very very generous so, do not worry over space or large handwriting. Writing a very good essay, within the stipulated time and word limit, is very much possible, provided that you follow some of the basic rules. These basic rules are - brainstorming, outlining, idea/argument placement and structuring . There are also well established types of essays like the narrative, descriptive, expository and the persuasive essays that you need to know. Generally, the more prepared you are in the GS papers the more content you will have for your essay. Also, do not choose a topic for the essay only because it looks exotic or impressive. Instead, choose a topic that is most comfortable to you, and on which you can recall many interesting things, and can develop the most vivid dimensions. Ultimately, a good essay on an average topic is likely to fetch more marks than a bad essay on an exotic topic.

Time management in the exam hall

• To manage time while attempting the Mains examination mean that you know how to allocate the right amount of time to each question so, that you can complete all the questions within 3 hours. The three rules of thumb for time management in this case are i) go with the flow while writing and thinking; learn to trust yourself; do not indulge in self-doubt like being unable to decide whether to write a particular thing or not ii) write in language that comes naturally to you; do not use forced made-up writing styles, and iii) do not get stuck with one question – temporarily leave the question that you are unable to write at a particular moment and move on to the next question; come back to the difficult question as and when you get the opportunity to do so. With practice you should be able to master the time management aspects of the Mains examination.
• Always stick to the word limit; develop a good writing speed; try to consume as less personal time as possible - in the exam hall, drinking water, going to the bathroom, changing pens, imagining how others are faring etc qualify as personal time; and lastly, do not try to reach ‘perfection’ with your answers - the Mains examination is not the right platform for such things - instead try to consistently maintain above average quality in all your answers. Consistency matters more than writing one excellent answer and then following it up with a bad answer.

Choosing when to attempt a question

• One good question for the Mains examination is, should we attempt the questions we are confident on, first? We would like to answer this question in the positive. Always try to answer this type of questions first, as these will come from you fresh and spirited. Also, due to higher energy levels and lower stress levels during the initial period of the exam, such answers can turn out to be dynamic in content, well favoured in style, and yet completed in less time.
• You should also, always revise your answers. The question is when should you do it – should you revise as you go or should you revise after completing the entire paper? Revising the answer immediately after you’ve completed it, is untenable, given the time factor of the exam. Instead, we recommend that you ‘revisit’ your answer immediately after its completion and check for spelling mistakes or other errors. Ideally, you should also underline important points only when you are ‘revisiting’ your answer and not while writing it. Underlining important points after you have seen the complete answer, helps greatly in the correct identification of important points. If, after you’ve completed all you answers, there is time remaining, you should revise or at least check for errors. You should also always be relaxed and extra careful while carrying out any revision work so as to avoid the tendency to make any unnecessary changes or additions.

Whether to leave or attempt unfamiliar questions

• Leave unfamiliar questions when you know you can use the time thus saved, elsewhere, like in answering a different question properly or in revising. Sometimes, it is not prudent to attempt unfamiliar questions despite having time because it may send a negative impression to the examiner and may also lower your self-confidence for the rest of the question paper.
• Attempt unfamiliar questions only if it crosses a certain minimum threshold for information (information that is available with you on the topic and at that given time). Suppose, if you are able to recall 20-30% or 1-2 points on any topic, only then you may attempt an answer. By many standards, this threshold is very low for answer writing but since this is a competitive exam one must do everything it takes to score marks. The only exception to this should be that it must not work against your getting a good score. For example, beating around the bush, hoping to hit the mark by writing things that you ‘think’ may be relevant to the answer, can never be recommended. Because doing so, may affect you negatively. Thus, you should be very careful before attempting to answer a question that you are unfamiliar with.

The Advanced

How to practice answer writing

• While practising answer writing, keep in mind that it involves three things primarily. These are the abilities to recall, process and write down thoughts in a streamlined and time-bound manner. To do this you need to cultivate a habit of being able to process information quickly and thoroughly. As such, begin with open-book answer writing - you will have the source/ reading material in front of you and you will refer to these while answering a question. You should continue with open-book answer writing till you get comfortable and reasonably quick at it. Then move on to answer writing from memory - read up a topic first and then answer the questions to it. Doing this would also improve your writing speed because writing from memory is faster than writing from an open book. Also don’t forget that answer writing is an art, the more you write the better you get.
• To practice answer writing begin with the CSE previous year’s papers which are a great source for quality questions. Now, pick a question on a topic that you may have recently prepared, and simply write the answer to it. Read the answer that you have written multiple times, analyse it and ask yourself whether you have been able to do justice to the question. If yes, then how can you better it and if no, then what have you missed. Always remember that answer writing helps us find gaps in our preparation. At the same time it also helps us get a glimpse into the mind of the examiner. Thus, you should practice answer writing because it will help you not only in knowing what is left in the topic for you to prepare but also what the examiner is looking for in any given topic.

Whether to enrol in a test series

• Ideally, if it is possible you should enrol for a test-series. A good test series can not only guide you but it can also help you maintain a time-table. Besides, it will tell you where you have fared well and where work needs to be done. In any case, having a regular report card on your answer writing is always helpful.
• If you are pressed for time, or if for some reason it is not possible for you to join a good test series, you should try and do the following.
• First, if you are in a coaching or have a mentor then you should periodically get your answers checked by them. Then, you can also go for peer review where aspirants check each other’s answers.
• Lastly, you can also ask your friends and family (if they are qualified) to review your answers. The bottomline is that you should not keep writing answers solely but get feedback as well.
• Feedback is a very important part of the learning process and good feedback can help you with course correction in your preparation, and also help you in the evaluation of progress in your answer writing practice.

How to develop a lucid answer writing style

• To develop a lucid answer writing style, first and foremost discard the use of complex language. Use words that have a chance of being universally understood, for example, use allocate instead of bestow. Write simple and easy to understand sentences, for example, read the following sentence from the Economic Times – ‘India’s agricultural growth will accelerate to 4.1% in the current fiscal from a sluggish 1.2% in drought-hit 2015-16, the Economic Survey said while raising concerns that inadequate supply may lead to a spurt in prices of milk, sugar, potato and onion as happened in the case of pulses last year’. This sentence can be converted to multiple sentences, like ‘India’s agricultural growth will accelerate to 4.1% this year from last year’s 1.2%. Yet, the Economic Survey is concerned that if the supply of milk, sugar, potato and onion does not increase it may lead to a price rise. Last year, the price of pulses had spiked due to a drought.’
• An advanced strategy for successful answer writing would also be to develop templates for answers that you can recall at a short notice .
• For example, you can have a universal answer template consisting of an introduction, body/bullets and a conclusion, or you can have a particular template for answering science-based questions and another for socio-economic ones, etc, or you can have both. It would help tremendously if you can recognise in the exam hall that a given question fits one of your templates (perfectly, or with slight modifications) and all that you need to do now is start writing your answer. In order to develop this template you will need to understand what interrogative directives are and how to approach them. In the final part of this month’s strategy we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently used interrogative directives that you can use to develop and retain your own answer templates. We hope that you will find it useful and valuable.

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UPSC : GUIDELINES ON ESSAY WRITING

Upsc : guidelines on essay writing .

An essay is a written exposition on a given subject which allows the writer to organize her/ his thoughts intellectually, and present them in a logical and coherent manner. Essay writing aids in critical reading and in developing written communication skill. It fosters a spirit of logical inquiry and an ability to identify significant aspects of any topic. It allows the writer  to construct arguments supported by evidence.Essay is a critical examination of the issue which presents its various dimensions. All pertinent questions are raised and answered. The author is required to take a stand after examining all facts and facets and present it in a convincing and well thought out manner. The objective of an essay is to convey the author’s thoughts on the topic s/he sets out to examine. A well written essay can shed new light on the subject and add significantly to the existing body of knowledge.

Theme and Topic: 

1. National Security: Threats to National Security in Coming Decade 2. National Integration and Communal Harmony : Science and Technology as a promoter of Communal harmony in the Society 3. Human Rights : Nationalism, Globalisation and Humanitarian Crisis-The paradox of our times 4. Science and Human Development : Nurturing Scientific Temper in India: Challenges and Prospects

Note: 100 marks will have a weightage of 10 marks in Director’s assessment. Style: Every individual has a style of expression and word usage. It becomes very clear to the reader when an essayist cobbles up random quotes from various sources since there is no consistency in style. Use of short and simple sentences is preferable. It is better to spread out complex/compound sentences. Flowery language and archaic use puts off readers and more often does not communicate the meaning at all. Word / phrase usage should be appropriate. Refer to get the correct meaning and the context of usage of words, whenever in doubt. Usually essays are written in third person singular. However, narrative in the first person can be adopted if you have a flair for it. Avoid use of words which convey vagueness or uncertainty. Avoid repetitive use of words. (Example –but, therefore, supposedly, as they say, not only but also, used to etc.) Lay out: Every essay has the following layout1. Introduction 2. Body /Discussion 3. Conclusion Plan the word limit for each of these sections. As you research the topic, it is useful to take notes with relevant references and later on arrange them in logical sequence.

Introduction generates interest in the topic. A statement, a quotation or an incident can be used to open an essay. The body contains review of available literature, raises pertinent issues or questions, presents them in the context, and sheds light on the views of the author and the thought process that leads her/him to those views. Every idea is presented in one or more separate paragraphs arranged in logical sequence. When there is a need to reiterate an idea already discussed, it can be mentioned in detail. While reinforcement of a line of thought may need reiteration, try and reduce redundancy. Pay attention to Grammar and spelling. The conclusion of an Essay is more than just a summary. It gives a comprehensive idea of what has been discussed and the settled thoughts of the author after due inquiry. 

Referencing: Same guidelines to be followed as given for the Book review. Foot notes:

Foot notes can be given wherever relevant. Care should be taken that they are short and never longer than the main text on the page.  Plagiarism: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. The Essay has to be put through Turn it in Software before submission. More than 10% of commonality will attract penal action and the essay will be marked zero.The entire activity of Essay writing should result in knowledge and skill enhancement to the writer. A good essay gives a comprehensive idea of the topic and makes for an interesting reading. Suggested References:  Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M Williams, (2008) The Craft of Research, University of Chicago Press: Chicago 

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5 Essential Steps: How to Write an Essay in UPSC Mains

Writing an essay in the Union Public Service Commission ( UPSC ) Mains examination can be a daunting task for many aspiring civil servants.

The essay paper carries a weightage of 250 marks and requires a high level of language proficiency, analytical thinking and writing skills. The essay is also one of the few opportunities for candidates to showcase their knowledge and views on a wide range of topics and make a lasting impression on the examiners.

In this blog, we will provide you with steps and strategies on how to write an essay in UPSC Mains exam.

Whether you are a first-time aspirant or an experienced candidate, you will find useful insights to help you approach the essay paper with confidence and write an essay that stands out. So, let’s get started!

UPSC CSE Mains Essay Writing Exam Pattern

What is a good score in essay writing paper in upsc mains, structure of an essay in upsc mains, 5 essential steps: how to write a well-structured essay in upsc mains, 1. t- time limit, 2. i- introduction, 3. p- paragraphs and pointers, 4. c- conclusion, 5. r- revision, strategy for essay writing in upsc mains exam, 1. the central idea is the key, 2. brainstorming for a better idea, 3. making a blueprint, essential elements of essays in upsc mains, the super 3, the supportive 3, personal comments and opinions, reference books for essay writing in upsc mains, faqs on how to write an essay in upsc mains exam, what is the format of an essay in upsc mains, how to choose a topic for an essay in upsc mains, how to write the introduction of an essay in upsc mains, how to write the body of an essay in upsc mains, how to write the conclusion of an essay in upsc mains, what are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an essay in upsc mains.

• How to improve one's essay writing skills for UPSC Mains?
• The paper comes under the UPSC CSE Mains exam in which two essays must be written within 3 hours, each within a 1000-1200 word limit.
• Each carries 125 marks, so the total is 250 marks.
• The paper is divided into two sections, each carrying a choice of 4 essays. The aspirant has to choose only one from each section.
• UPSC CSE Syllabus clearly instructs aspirants to keep their thoughts close to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly. It further states that credit will be given for effective essays and coherent expression’.

Also Read : How To Complete UPSC Mains Paper in 3 Hours? – A Clear-Cut Guide

The essay paper counts for up to 250 marks. A score above 50% could be considered good. 125 is the perfect example.

A score of around 110-125 is considered average.

For an exceptional essay, you might score a perfect mark in the range of 150-160.

How to structure an essay for the UPSC exam is the first and foremost thing that should be learnt while taking into consideration how to write an essay in UPSC Mains.

The traditional way of UPSC CSE Mains essay writing is to break it into paragraphs with pointers in simple language. This technique is still working in structuring an informative and well-written essay for UPSC Mains.

A body paragraph is of utmost importance besides the introduction and conclusion part. The body paragraph contains important facts, figures, data, and information along with several relevant quotes.

Here are some points regarding the structuring of an essay in the form of an introduction, body, and conclusion that will help you in writing a well-balanced essay.

• The introduction part is the most important of all. Your introduction creates a first impression on the examiner. Your essay should always have a good starting and a conclusion.
• Body paragraphs are equally important parts of the essay that can be supportive, critical, or narrative. However, it is advised to have a mature thought process in all forms and to not take any side or get emotional in writing a certain opinion.
• Essays, along with facts and language skill also demands your opinion that should be written in a well-balanced way. The narrative part should be written by starting with an argument along with different facts.
• Further, a supportive paragraph is necessary to contain positive facts/ideas. Talking of a critical paragraph, it is advised to place it in the last part with the exact expression. However, it depends on your will. You can also open with a critical part.
• The conclusion is also crucial as it can bring you additional marks if done properly. Your concluding statement reveals a lot about you, as balancing every statement after a lot of critical evaluation and facts is a form of art.

Related Reading: How To Start Answer Writing Practice For UPSC: 5 Effective Pointers

Remember the mnemonic provided here that will help you to keep the important pointers in mind on how to write an essay in UPSC Mains.

Stick to the  TIPCR  formulae always. If you write with this structure, along with filling in a good amount of content, you are definitely going to score well in this paper.

Time management  is very important for UPSC CSE Main essay writing. You get 3 hours to write two essays in the exam which means you have 1 hour and 30 minutes for each essay.

It is a fact that any aspirant needs 45 minutes to 1 hour to write one essay. Another 10 minutes is required for the revision of one essay.

Before all this, you need at least 20-30 minutes to brainstorm, jot down some points, and make an outline. Dividing the time and sticking to it is the only key to scoring good marks.

A good start of the introduction always arises the interest in the examiner. The examiner’s judgment and how they are going to take your whole piece depends on your starting.

If you start well, you must also end in an impressive manner. A good introduction can be a brief explanation of the given topic and you can make it effective by adding some quotes, a critical narrative, or your own narrative.

Paragraphs and pointers provide a smooth flow to your essay which not only looks like a structured essay but also feels like a more informative but less hectic to read a piece of writing.

Paragraphs in small chunks or pointers like short paragraphs provide an establishment that leads towards a conclusion.

Examiners are habitual of reading something in an ordered way, especially in Mains essay writing section.

Finishing on a good or smooth note is as important as starting on a good note. A smooth and positive conclusion with a clear explanation will help you in scoring good marks.

There should be a ‘Cyclic-return’ approach in your essay. The introduction should end with a question or discussion and in the conclusion, you can again come to that question to conclude it with a positive statement or anecdote.

To revise or read your whole piece in the entirety is as important as writing it. Keep a check on grammatical mistakes, and some missing points, or make sure your answer looks clean and tidy.

These things can be done only when you revise your answer. Add/omit some words as per your demands but should not be overdone.

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Just like the UPSC CSE your essay writing also needs planning. There are broadly three steps to writing a structured essay defining what the essay is going to talk about i.e. the central idea, brainstorming, and making a blueprint of it.

Mains essay writing demands a well-structured format from your side as it is one of the most prestigious and tough examinations in India .

“Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare” . 

This is basically a thesis statement of an essay question of UPSC CSE Mains 2016. In this statement, the central idea is ‘innovation’.

Here, the aspirant is supposed to bring out a dimension of innovation that directly or indirectly affects economic growth and social welfare. Aspirants are supposed to write that statement of facts only which supports the central idea or those statements that supplement the overall idea.

Brainstorming is one of the most powerful tools in the examination phase. Brainstorming leads to developing new ideas quickly or listing those ideas that align with your knowledge of the given topic.

There is no specific rule or technique for brainstorming, instead, you can jot down points on a paper that are necessary for your Mains essay writing.

Making a blueprint or outlining your essay means deciding what to write in the introduction, body, and conclusion parts. What ideas to represent in which section, which quotes are relevant to the given thesis, etc.

Before the actual writing, it is very important to see it in its entirety. It helps you to see the big picture. The blueprint also helps you in finding the right conclusion to wrap up your essay.

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• Social element
• Political element
• Economical element

These three points should be considered while writing an essay. These three elements give a proper shape to an essay or any piece of the thesis.

Writing a formal one always demands dimensions and these three dimensions will always support your arguments concerning various areas of society. It enhances the effectiveness and creates a proper report-like structure along with your narratives to form well-balanced and good writing in your Mains essay writing.

• Constitutional
• Technological

These three additional dimensions also enhance the quality of your writing. You can use various technological perspectives, constitutional facts, remedies, laws, and legal terms to support the thesis in your Mains essay writing.

Your opinions matter a lot. UPSC CSE Mains essay writing demands a subjective approach to writing. It is very important to express your personal opinion on the issue or the given statement.

However, it should be kept in mind that your personal opinions should not be too biased in nature. Neutral and well-balanced writing is always appreciated by the UPSC.

Additional Reading: 3 Ways to Build a Revision Strategy for UPSC – A Must

You may seek help from books that will assist you with Essay Writing for UPSC Civil Services Exam. 

• Essays for Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations by Pulkit Khare.
• Essay Paper For Civil Services Main Examination by Pavneet Singh and Sonali Bansal
• Selected Contemporary Essays by Saumitra Mohan (MHE)
• My Experiment With Truth by M.K. Gandhi
• J.L. Nehru Getting India Back on Track by Ratan Tata

In addition to the above-mebtioned books, you make take help of English newspapers such as The Hindu and the newspaper editorial section to expand your vocabulary.

Staying updated with the current affairs is also necessary. Take a look at the Best Current Affairs Magazine For UPSC to keep yourself informed about the latest events happening around the world.

Practice is the key to success. Focus on reading, the art of argumentation, and correct sequence to achieve good scores in essays. Remember there is no such thing as a perfect essay, just arrange the ideas in an orderly fashion and keep writing.

Essays in the UPSC Mains exam must be written with the help of facts and figures along with data, like statistics from a government report or any data from a major research paper that supports a writer’s perspective on a given topic.

Conversational form, the use of first-person references, and getting emotional with the audience are not allowed in a formal structure.

The points made by the candidate need to be neutral, supported by logical facts and not someone’s biased personal opinions. A certain degree of straightforwardness should be there while writing a formal exam, especially for an exam like UPSC CSE.

The tips mentioned above revolve around how to write an essay in UPSC Mains. These will help improve your writing skills and build a better essay structure.

Also Read: Powerful Tips on How to Stay Motivated for UPSC Preparation

The format of an essay in UPSC Mains is as follows: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. The introduction should state the main idea of the essay and the body should elaborate on it with examples and arguments. The conclusion should summarize the key points made in the essay. The word limit for an essay in UPSC Mains is usually around 250-300 words.

Choose a topic that you are well-versed in and have a strong opinion on. It is advisable to choose a topic that is relevant to current events and has social and political significance. This will help you present a well-researched and thought-out argument in your essay.

The introduction of an essay in UPSC Mains should be concise and clear. Start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, state the main idea of the essay, and provide a thesis statement. The thesis statement should provide a clear direction for the rest of the essay.

The body of an essay in UPSC Mains should elaborate on the main idea presented in the introduction. Divide the body into paragraphs and make sure each paragraph has a clear focus and supports the thesis statement. Use examples, facts, and statistics to make your arguments more persuasive.

The conclusion of an essay in UPSC Mains should summarize the key points made in the essay and restate the thesis statement. End with a final thought or a call to action that provides closure to the essay. Make sure the conclusion is not repetitive and adds value to the essay.

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing an essay in UPSC Mains include: poor structure, unclear arguments, repetitive information, grammatical errors, and using informal language. Make sure to proofread your essay before submitting to avoid these mistakes.

How to improve one’s essay writing skills for UPSC Mains?

To improve your essay writing skills for UPSC Mains, you can practice writing essays on a regular basis, read newspapers and articles to stay updated on current events, improve your vocabulary, and seek feedback from peers and teachers.

Additionally, reading sample essays and learning from the writing style of experienced writers can also help improve your skills.

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• The 7 5 3 Rule For UPSC Mains Answer Writing

How To Write UPSC Mains Answers ? - Learn Seven-Five-Three Rule

There are a few effective answers to the question ‘How to write UPSC Mains answers?’ to clear the civil services examination. This article will provide you with the ‘ Seven-Five-Three Rule ‘, which aspirants should follow during answer writing practice for IAS Exam . Following this method will make it easy for them to answer questions in the Mains exam.

Aspirants can also visit the UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practise page and work on their writing skills to improve their scores in the mains examination. Candidates can also compare the answers written by other aspirants and adapt necessary aspects from each of them in their own answers.

UPSC Mains Question Pattern

UPSC Mains consists of 9 papers, all of which have descriptive answer type questions. To achieve the dream to clear this coveted IAS Exam, an aspirant has to go through three stages – Prelims, Mains and Interview. Mains stage for many will be the most challenging as after reading a lot of information, one has to produce the answers in a limited span of time and that too accurately.

Before getting into the rule, let’s take a look at the pattern of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam , which every candidate should be aware of. It will give them a fair idea about how to answer a question within the given word limit and stipulated time.

Major types of questions asked in the UPSC Mains Exam

• Evaluate/critically evaluate
• Critically Examine

It is useful for aspirants to go through UPSC previous years’ papers (Linked above) to know the type of questions that have been most commonly asked. The answer writing practise for UPSC 2022 should incorporate most frequently asked questions to be effective. In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is the 7-5-3 rule for answer writing in Mains.

The 7-5-3 Rule of Answer Writing

The name of this rule is taken from the code of discipline that many martial artists use. The 7-5-3 rule is as simple as the numbers given, where:

• SEVEN – Candidates’ should aim to answer questions within 7 minutes per question.
• FIVE – Write 5 points in their answers related to the keyword. It would be better to break down the answer into bulleted points.
• Social, Economic, Political and Geographical perspective
• For, against, and conclusion
• What/Why/How

Now, let us learn with how to apply the 7-5-3 rule for answer writing in IAS Mains Exam.

Examples of Application of 7-5-3 Rule for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

First and foremost, aspirants’ should read the questions thoroughly (twice at least) then recognize the type of the question and identify the keyword/s in the question.

Example Question: Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (UPSC 2016 Civil Services Mains Question)

The first part of the rule: Identify the keyword/s

• The keyword is Krishnadeva Raya as a scholar
• Write a small introduction.
• Write five points on the keyword
• How he patronized learning and literature
• His contribution to literature and learning
• Scholars who adorned his court and whom he patronized
• Famous literature work
• How literature flourished during this period
• Discuss each point written and conclude it with how the learning and literature flourished during this period and ensure you are done with answering in 7 minutes.

Some questions may require a conclusion that summarizes the bullet points listed in their answer. Other questions may require essay type answers where they should justify their argument with supporting facts through charts, flowcharts or diagrams as required.

It would be useful for aspirants to go through sample answers for UPSC Mains from answer keys. This would give good templates to apply the above rules and check if the highest scoring answers and the ones written during answer writing practice match. If not, aspirants can focus on the areas that need improvement.

This is how the 7-5-3 rule can be applied while answering the questions asked in the UPSC Mains exam. If IAS aspirants follow this method during answer writing practice, it would become easy to employ it during the exam.

The key to scoring high is to perform intensive answer writing practice in a time-constrained setting. Candidates should also refer to the UPSC Syllabus from time to time. It would enable aspirants to increase speed and accuracy while deploying this method and guarantee success in UPSC examination.

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How many pages should we write for UPSC Mains answer?

The Civil Services Mains examination is a subjective type exam consisting of 9 papers and overall writing of 27 hours. Of these, two are of qualifying nature- The Compulsory Indian Language paper (Paper A) and the English paper (Paper B). Here, each question will be provided with fixed spaces accordingly. Since the nature of questions is not of the standard type in the language papers, one does not have to worry about the pages as the focus should be only to answer them within the given space. For the mains exam, UPSC will be providing a booklet that comes with pre-printed questions that have a fixed space for the aspirant to write their answers.

Coming onto the next one, the essay paper (Paper I) asks for two essays to be written in 3 hours. There will be a list of topics, from which the aspirant has to select one topic from each section (Section A & B). Here, each essay has to be written adhering to a word count of 1000 to 1100 words.

Moving onto the General Studies (GS) papers (Paper II to Paper V), there are four papers, each with a maximum of 250 marks. In the GS papers, there will be 20 questions in each paper. Here, two types of questions are asked- 10 marks questions with a word limit of 150 words and 15 marks questions with a word limit of 250 words. Here, the ten markers are given two pages, and for the 15 markers, three pages are provided. The aspirants are expected to write their answers within the fixed space and word limit. Please keep in mind that you do not have to use the word limit perfectly. The idea should be to NOT cross the word limit.

Concerning the Optional papers (paper VI, paper VII), there are two, and each paper counts for 250 marks. Here, there is a slight difference in the marks distribution. Of the five questions that an aspirant has to write, each question has sub-questions, which is further subdivided into three types- 10 mark questions, 15 mark questions and 20 mark questions. These different types in various orders make the entirety of one optional paper. Here, the pages allotted for 10 marks, 15 marks, and 20 marks are two, three and four pages, respectively.

When you are ready to appear for the Mains exam, make sure that you have practised enough. The answers are expected to have quality, quantity, clarity, flow, and relevance and should cover various dimensions. While you attempt a question, the standard practice is to have an introduction-body-conclusion style. Keep writing mock tests to sharpen your skills while you learn to ace the Mains exam. UPSC will frame questions that will test your knowledge and mental calibre to withstand pressure in the actual exam. Hence, one might be pressed for time to complete the papers on time. This is another reason to take practice tests.  Kindly keep in mind that the expertise in the Mains is acquired through practice. So, one should not worry if the marks they get in their mocks are less than satisfactory. While practising, make sure that you take papers that are identical to the ones used by UPSC. This is to ensure that you are accustomed to the space provided for writing as UPSC answer booklet space does not correspond to the usual A4 sheet space. There will be margins on the UPSC mains booklet, and it is wise to practice on similar lines to ensure maximum benefit. Below given is a sample specimen of the GS answer sheet.

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How to write answers in UPSC mains?

The civil services main exam consists of descriptive type of questions. It focuses on testing the candidate on various levels. The time limit for the essay paper is 3 hrs without a word limit, but for the optional paper, there are questions with specific word limits like 250 words in optional subjects and 250 words, 150 words and 20 words in general studies. The candidate then has to prepare himself to answer all types of questions. The most important thing to be kept in mind is the time constraint. Therefore it becomes necessary to answer these questions quickly and effectively and in minimum words.

One common doubt that students have is with regard to the style of answering questions, whether to adopt the paragraph or the point style of answering questions. Though there is no set rule, it is wise to adopt a style depending on the question asked. If the question says to discuss, analyse or critically examine, it would be better to answer the question the paragraph format. On the other hand, if the question asks you to list the advantages or give reasons for/ against etc., it is better to go in for the point format of answering.

STYLE OF ANSWERING QUESTIONS:

For this it is very important to understand the question first. Depending on what the question is, whether one is asked to "discuss", "elucidate", "explain","critically Appreciate" or "give reasons for and against", the answer should be written Accordingly because it is only through the examinee's style of answering questions that one can assess his or her originality of thought and analytical abilities. The question should be read properly, in fact the question paper should be read thoroughly in the first five or ten minutes of the exam and then one should decide on the questions which are to be answered first. Time should also be given to frame the answer so that there is no confusion later on.

A good way to write effective and precise answers is to pracise writing out answers. our answers should present the facts and concepts in an interesting way and should never read like a passage from a book. It is best to use simple English and avoid flowy and decorative langauage wich takes our attention away from the original facts and our opinions about a given topic. Making a practice of writing out answers is especially useful in managing the time limit set for the exam and to write the best possible answer in the allotted time It not only improves one's style of expression, but also one gets used to the time and word limits.

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ANSWER:

It is just not enough to know all the facts and information but the most important thing to be kept in mind is to write an answer which has a clear and a logical frame, which presents information in a clear and concise manner, which does not contain any irrelevant or piling up of information, which is interesting and able to hold one's attention.

So the next logical step is to know how to write a good answer. The first step is to prepare the framework where one can list all ideas, thoughts and facts and write them down. It is important to adopt an answering style which is natural, original and to the point. Emphasis should be given to the kind of language used, one which is simple and clear without unnecessary use of nouns and verbs. Use of archaic and fancy words or language should be avoided at all costs. Care should be taken to avoid grammatical mistakes which will give a negative opinion however good the answer may be. Last but not the least, it is very important to have a good and a legible handwriting.

HOW TO ANSWER THE EFFECTIVE PART OF THE QUESTION:

Everyone repeatedly talks about the effective part of the question. This is different from the Introduction, Body and Conclusion of any answer which is its structure. The effective part means which angle or perspective do they wish the answers to be seen. The facts remain the same but the presentation differs. So enumerate means represent in numbers and views means your opinion on those very numbers or facts. For example in enumerate the population ratio you give data like 93 females per 100 males. But in views you write that - The man woman ratio needs to be the same for which we need to take care of the girl child etc etc.

We will explain to you the meaning and application of some of the terms that appear repeatedly in questions in the IAS mains exam. We rae not going by facts and the sentences may be funny at times. We are simply trying to drive the point home.

How to write answer when asked to Enumerate:

Simply list the points about the topic and don't give detailed explaination. "The population ratio of India is 93 females per 100 males".

How to write answer when asked to Narrate:

'Early to late' this is how narration occurs. So, temporal (time related) sequencing is critical. You can even predict the course in future if asked. "The Sex Ratio in India was okay till the time of Independence, but has been against women since then. In ancient times there seemed to be more females than males as males seemed to have more than one wife each. With growing say of women more and more women and girl children will be taken care of and so we will perhaps go back to having more females as compared to men."

How to write answer when asked to Define:

This simply means write the definition. A bit of memory helps here as you should try to reproduce verbatim and at least include all possible keywords and phrases which you know are essential parts of that particular definition. "Population Ratio is the sex ratio or the ratio of males to females in a population. Sex Ratio is a term used to define the number of females per 1000 males."

How to answer when asked to Evaluate / Assess / Examine:

Detailed explanations are required. Write in details whatever you know, inlude one to two lines of introduction followed by three to four lines in favour and three to four lines against the given topic. One to two lines of implications if any, and then limitations of the concepts and finally the conclusion in two to three lines needs to be added. "The human sex ratio, is defined in terms of the number of males per 100 females which varies greatly between countries and regions. The biological norm is for the sex ratio at birth to be about 105 more or less everywhere - meaning just over 51% of births are boys and just under 49% are girls...."

Tips to answer when asked for Opinion / Comment / Views:

Whenever your opinion is asked, it should be full of optimism and your answer should be full of zeal and enthusiasm. Give constructive opinions with optimistic, future oriented and progressive ideas. However your opinions should be largely acceptable. "With India's growing economy, gender equality and improving health facilites we are sure to have a better sex ratio."

What is to be achieved, what is the purpose, the goal, the objectives or the targets? "India needs to control its population but at the same time needs to bring a balance in the population ratio. A balanced ratio reflects the progress and future of a country."

How to write answer when asked to Analyse:

When it comes to analyse, it is the same as evaluation, assessment or examination plus your opinion is also needed here. So, once you give your opinion it means you are interpreting the event according to your knowledge apart from detailed explanations. "The human sex ratio, is defined in terms of the number of males per 100 females which varies greatly between countries and regions. The biological norm is for the sex ratio at birth to be about 105 more or less everywhere - meaning just over 51% of births are boys and just under 49% are girls...... and with India's growing economy, gender equality and improving health facilites we are sure to have a better sex ratio."

How to write answer when asked to Discuss:

A frequently used term, it means you can write whatever you know but the most important thing is to write as if you are talking to the examiner. A differing opinion can be used. "Surely India needs to do something to balance the sex ratio. We should do extra policing and stop clinics from doing sex determination...."

How to write answer when asked to Describe:

This is the easiest thing to do and just theoretical knowledge is required here. You have to write basically its parts, what it is made up of, constituents, characteristics and attributes. "Population Ratio is the sex ratio or the ratio of males to females in a population. It is the number of males per 100 females. Advanced countries have a sex ratio around 100:97 but India has 100:106....."

How to answer when asked to Critically examine:

An important term and a favourite of UPSC. Whenever it is asking Critically Examine, Critically Comment or Critically Analyse just remember that you have to write both pros and cons and give a fair, unbiased or value loaded judgement. It should always give a feeling of closure.

"Increasing the women population may increase the number of dependants in a family in rural India and for a while it may be counter productive but as more girls get educated they will find jobs and support their families. Also eduacting a girl will only lead to increased level of education in the next generation of the family as she will make sure all her children go to school."

Answer writing tips for Elucidate / Elaborate / Expand / Exemplify:

These are more or less similar words but not exactly the same. Elucidate means make it clear with examples to make it clear. Elaborate and Expand mean detailed explanations. Exemplify means - give a typical example of that particular category. Please include contemporary affairs, connections or current affairs. "Kerala with 1084 females for every 1000 males has the highest sex ratio because of high levels of education whereas the union territory of Chandigarh has only 818 females for every 1000 males due to the gender bias in Punjab and Haryana. Since more states are like chandigarh the overall India ratio is 940 females/1000 males. "

Answer writing tips for Implications / Consequences / Outcomes / Results:

Write about the possible scenario or impact of the event in question. " Due to better health facilities and reach of education the Indian sex ratio has shown major signs of improvement in the last 10 years. From a small number of 933 in 2001, the bar has been raised to 940 in the 2011 Census of India."

How to write answer when asked to Contrast / Distinguish:

It means write differences not similarities. You can write similarities as well as differences if asked to Compare and Contrast. "Kerala with 1084 females for every 1000 males has the highest sex ratio because of high levels of education whereas the union territory of Chandigarh has only 818 females for every 1000 males."

How to answer when asked about Significance / Importance:

What happens because it exists or what happen if it doesn't exist. "Sex Ratio is a great source to find the equality of males and females in a society at a given period of time."

How to answer when asked to Justify / Advocate:

Here you have to argue in favour of and write favourable comments as far as reasonably possible. "More men per women is actually a good thing as women are known to live longer than men and as India develops we are sure to catch up. We will not have the problem of missing men any time soon like Russia has with sex ratio of 100:45." How to write answer when asked to Illustrate: Use examples; data, diagrams and charts to make it clearer.

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Essay Syllabus

In this article, we will discuss the UPSC essay syllabus and its importance in the preparation for the prestigious Civil Services Examination. The essay paper is a vital component of the UPSC mains exam, and it evaluates a candidate’s ability to express their thoughts in a concise and coherent manner. We will explore the structure and format of the essay paper, the types of topics that usually appear, and the approach that candidates should adopt while attempting the essay. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the IAS essay syllabus and how to prepare for it effectively.

Importance of Essay Paper

Aspiring candidates preparing for the UPSC IAS examination must pay close attention to the Essay Paper section. It holds significant weightage and plays a vital role in determining the candidate’s overall rank. You must dedicate time and effort to develop this skill, as the Essay Paper is a reflection of your critical analytical and comprehensive aptitude. This paper evaluates your presentation skills, creativity, and thought process. Moreover, it tests your ability to articulate your thoughts coherently and succinctly. So, start working on your writing skills from today to make the most of this crucial paper.

Syllabus Overview

The syllabus for the essay paper is not specifically defined . Aspiring civil servants preparing for the highly competitive UPSC IAS exam must focus their attention on the essay paper. This is where candidates can showcase their writing skills and analytical abilities.

The essay paper is divided into two sections, each consisting of four topics. Candidates are required to write two essays in a span of three hours. The essays carry a total of 250 marks and are a crucial part of the selection process. It covers a wide range of topics from socioeconomic issues, to political and philosophical musings.

However, it is important to note that candidates are not expected to be experts in any particular subject. Rather, the essay paper tests their ability to articulate their thoughts and opinions. It is crucial that candidates start preparing for the essay paper well in advance, paying careful attention to the type of essays and common mistakes to avoid.

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Types of Essays

When it comes to the UPSC Essay Syllabus , it’s crucial to understand the types of essays you’ll be asked to write. As such, you must know the different types of essays that are tested in the examination, such as Informative essays, Descriptive essays, Narrative essays, and Persuasive essays. Each type has its unique writing style, skill set, and format to adhere to.

Thus, mastering each essay type is important to score high marks in the exam. While an informative essay highlights the positive and negative points of the given topic, a descriptive essay must focus on describing the topic. The narrative essay must follow a story-style narration while the Persuasive essay must be written in a way to convince the reader about the given topic.

Therefore, a deep understanding of the types of essays is necessary to excel in the UPSC IAS Exam.

Topics for Essay Writing

The UPSC Essay paper is an important part of the Civil Services Examination. As a part of the UPSC essay syllabus , candidates need to write two essays for the examination. The essays are supposed to be on topics of national and international importance, relevant social, economic, and political issues, cultural, historical and geographical significance, and contemporary issues of interest.

The topics for essay writing can range from the economy, politics, education, health, women empowerment, environmental issues, human rights, current affairs, science, technology, and more. It is advisable to read newspapers and books to keep oneself updated with the latest developments and possible essay topics. Additionally, candidates can also refer to previous years’ question papers to understand the nature of the questions and topics that are frequently asked.

Candidates should choose a topic that they are familiar with and express their thoughts and opinions in a coherent and structured way. The essay should be well-researched, free from grammatical errors, and should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. By choosing the right topic and writing an impressive essay, candidates can score well on the UPSC IAS Essay paper .

Essay Writing Tips

Here are some tips for candidates to excel in the essay writing section:

• Understand the topic: It’s important to read and comprehend the essay topic thoroughly. Ensure that you understand the question’s intent, the tone of the essay, and the arguments that you need to present.
• Prepare an outline: Creating an outline before writing helps the writer organise their thoughts and arguments logically. It ensures that the essay is structured and coherent.
• Write in a simple and lucid language: UPSC exams are not meant to test your vocabulary. Therefore, try to write in simple and clear language.
• Stick to the word limit: The UPSC sets a word limit for each essay question. Exceeding the limit can result in a deduction of marks. Therefore, it is crucial to practice writing essays within the stipulated word limit.
• Provide examples and facts: To support your arguments, use real-life examples and factual data to reinforce your views.

By following these tips and practising regularly, aspiring candidates can improve their essay-writing skills, making it easier to crack the UPSC exam successfully.

How to Prepare for an Essay Paper

The essay paper is an integral part of the UPSC IAS exam, and it requires a different level of preparation compared to other papers. In order to ace the essay paper, it is important to have a clear strategy and methodical approach.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand the types of essays that might appear in the exam. This will help in creating a plan for essay writing and practicing accordingly.

Another important aspect is staying updated on current affairs and trending topics. Keeping oneself informed about world events and happenings helps in generating ideas and content for the essay.

It is also crucial to focus on improving language skills and creative thinking. Reading widely, practicing writing every day, and taking mock essay tests can help in enhancing these skills.

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When it comes to time management, it is recommended to allocate a fixed amount of time for brainstorming, outlining, and writing the essay. This helps in maintaining a structured and organized approach.

Lastly, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes like using too many quotes, memorizing essays, or not staying relevant to the topic. These mistakes can be easily avoided by focusing on the guidelines and practicing regularly.

Overall, preparing for the essay paper requires focus, dedication, and a structured approach. By following these tips, one can improve their chances of acing the essay paper and moving closer to their dream of becoming an IAS officer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Essay Writing

UPSC essay writing is an important component of the civil services examination. However, many students make some common mistakes while writing their essays that can prove detrimental to their scores. Here are a few errors to avoid when writing your UPSC essays :

• Lack of clarity: One of the most common mistakes that students make is writing unclear or ambiguous essays. Ensure that the language and ideas that you use are clear and concise.
• Overuse of quotes: Many students use too many quotations in their essays, which makes them sound less original. Try to use quotes sparingly, and only when they add significant value to your essay.
• Poor structure: A well-structured essay requires an introduction, several paragraphs supporting your arguments, and a conclusion. Ensure that your essay has a clear and logical structure.
• Lack of relevance: Many students write essays that are not directly relevant to the question asked, which can result in a reduced score. Make sure you understand the question and write an essay that is directly relevant to it.
• Poor time management: UPSC essay writing requires a student to demonstrate their ability to write coherently and without errors within a given period. Students must manage their time effectively, allowing ample time for each paragraph, revision, and proofreading.
• Lack of examples: Candidates should use examples from real life, which strengthens their arguments and provides more depth to their essays.

Avoid these common mistakes during your UPSC essay writing , and you are one step closer to achieving a high score that will make you proud.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Q1. Which type of essay comes in the IAS exam?

Ans: The four types of essays that come in the IAS exam are Informative essays, Descriptive essays, Narrative essays, and Persuasive essays.

Q2. How to write a UPSC-level essay?

Ans: Tips to write UPSC Essay are given in the article above.

Q3. What is a good score for a UPSC essay?

Ans: An average score falls within the range of 110-125. However, exceptional essays can receive marks as high as 150-160.

Q4. How long is the UPSC essay paper?

Ans: The candidate is to write two essays in a span of 3 hours with a word limit of 1000-1200 words per essay. There are two sections which contain 4 topics each and out of which the candidate has to pick a single topic from each section to write an essay on.

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UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

by Vajiram & Ravi

Essay Course for UPSC

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains Optional Test Series

Mentorship Program for UPSC 2024

Understanding UPSC Essay Topics holds significant importance as it evaluates the candidate's ability to analyse, present arguments, and communicate effectively. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of UPSC essay topics, their significance, and essential tips to excel in this section. Get ready to enhance your writing and analytical skills and make a strong impression on the evaluators with well-crafted essays.

UPSC Essay Paper

The Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination requires candidates to write multiple essays , each on a different topic, chosen from a given list of options. The essay topics for UPSC cover a wide range of issues, including social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical aspects, both national and international.

The essay paper holds significant weightage in the UPSC Mains examination, contributing 250 marks out of the total 1750 marks . Scoring well in this section can have a considerable impact on the overall ranking and selection for the coveted civil services.

Weekly UPSC Essay Topics By Vajiram & Ravi

The UPSC Essay Paper is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in expressing ideas and analysing complex issues. Vajiram & Ravi Pensive-Weekly Essay Writing Programme provides you with two Essay Topics every Saturday based on the previous year's question papers and the changing trends analysis. You can submit your Essay for peer evaluation on vajiramandravi.com. This will help you nourish your writing skills, give you clarity of thought, and build the capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

The purpose of the essay paper is to assess the candidate's ability to critically analyse a topic, present well-structured arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. It also evaluates their knowledge of various issues, their clarity of thought, and their capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Some of the Important Essay Topics to prepare for the UPSC Mains Examination 2023 are:

• Gender Equality
• Environment/Urbanization
• Economic Growth
• Federalism/Decentralization
• Agriculture
• Economics 

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy

Every year, UPSC typically provides you with two or more essay topics centred around philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from notable personalities. To effectively address these philosophical topics, you should refer to Philosophy Books to gain a foundational understanding. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy :

• Everything comes to him, who hustles while he waits.
• We are always blind as we want to be.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• The price of Greatness is Responsibility.
• People would rather Believe than Know.
• Mind - A beautiful Servant? Or a dangerous Master?

UPSC Essay Topics on Art and Culture

The UPSC Essay Topics related to Indian society, art, and culture cover a wide range of subjects, offering great diversity. To gain knowledge about the static content on these topics, you should rely on fundamental books on society, as recommended for the exam. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Art and Culture :

• Culture changes with economic development.
• Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have.
• Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• Impact of Globalization on Indian Art and Culture.
• Caste System - India’s Enduring Curse.
• Godmen - A Threat to Indian Art and Culture?

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

UPSC essay topics on Science and Technology can largely be addressed through current affairs. You may also benefit from consulting a Science and Technology Book for UPSC to compose a comprehensive and well-rounded essay. Here are some UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology:

• Deglobalisation is good for the world.
• Science is organised Knowledge. Wisdom is Organised life.
• Technology is a Weapon against Poverty.
• Prioritising Education Technology for Global Growth.
• Technology is the silent factor in International Relations.
• Scientific and Technological Progress cannot be equated with Human Progress.

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education stands as one of the preferred UPSC Essay Topics, with an essay related to this subject often appearing in the paper each year. To tackle this topic effectively, you should stay abreast of Current Affairs , incorporating significant changes and advancements in the field. Let's explore some of the Essay topics for UPSC centred around education:

• Self Education is a lifelong curiosity.
• Education Breeds Peace.
• Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
• Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking.
• Schooling is not Education.

UPSC Essay Topics on Polity and Governance

To comprehensively address Polity and Governance topics, you should acquire fundamental knowledge from Polity Books for UPSC and Current Affairs. These resources offer static information about relevant issues and their historical context, which proves valuable while writing UPSC Essay Topics on Polity. Here are some Essay Topics on Polity and Governance:

• The Role of Politics in Development.
• Should Youth in India Consider Politics as a Career?
• Art, Freedom and Creativity will change society faster than politics.
• The politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak.
• People should not be afraid of their Government. The Government should be afraid of its people.
• Government Surveillance - Good or Bad?

UPSC Essay Topics on Economy

Essays concerning economic growth are frequently included in the Essay Paper. To tackle these topics effectively, you should refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to gain a comprehensive understanding. Once the fundamentals are grasped, you can enhance their essays by incorporating examples, data, and statistics to create a multidimensional perspective. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Economy:

• We don't have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment.
• India, a $5 trillion Economy - Dream or Reality?
• Digital Economy: A leveller or a source of Economic Inequality?
• Innovation is the key determinant of social welfare and economic growth.
• Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Growth.

UPSC Essay Topics on Social Issues

Social issues are a significant aspect of the UPSC essay paper, reflecting the candidates' understanding of societal challenges and their ability to propose viable solutions. These essays provide a platform for candidates to analyse, critique, and suggest measures for pressing social concerns. Topics related to social issues in the UPSC Essay paper may include:

• Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a Peaceful Society.
• A Gender-sensitive Indian Society is a prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment.
• The weaker sections of Indian Society - are their Rights and Access to Justice getting Better?

Previous Year UPSC Essay Topics

Practising previous year's essay topics will help you become familiar with the UPSC exam pattern , word limit, and the types of essay questions frequently asked in the Mains Examination. Analysing past essay topics will also allow you to identify recurring themes and trends, enabling you to prioritise their preparation accordingly. Regular practice with past essay topics will instil confidence in you, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared for the actual exam.

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Tips to Excel in UPSC Essay Paper

• Understand the Topics: Thoroughly comprehend the essay topics, including the keywords and instructions. Choose a topic that aligns with your strengths and interests.
• Plan and Structure: Devote some time to plan your essay. Create an outline and organise your thoughts in a structured manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Be Objective: Present balanced arguments and avoid a biased or one-sided approach. Consider multiple perspectives and present a holistic view.
• Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, data, quotes and evidence to strengthen your essay.
• Maintain Clarity: Write in a clear and concise manner. Use simple language and avoid jargon or overly complex vocabulary.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential to improve Essay writing skills. Write essays on diverse topics to enhance your versatility.
• Time Management: Allocate appropriate time for planning, writing, and revising each essay to manage time effectively during the examination.
• Revise and Edit: Review your essays for coherence, grammar, and structure. Make necessary edits to refine your work.

FAQs on UPSC Essay Topics

What are the important UPSC Essay Topics?

Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics asked in Mains Examination previously:

• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• What is research but a blind date with knowledge?
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for society.
• Wisdom finds truth.
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

How do I Prepare for the UPSC Essay?

To prepare for the UPSC essay, focus on understanding the essay syllabus and past topics to identify recurring themes. Regularly practise writing essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and time management. Structure your essays with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Which is the best source to practise UPSC Essay Topics?

The best sources to prepare Essay for UPSC include official UPSC materials, newspapers, and magazines like The Hindu, Yojana , and Kurukshetra for current affairs, standard books on diverse subjects, government reports and publications, online platforms like PIB and PRS India, UPSC previous year papers for understanding the exam pattern, and regular practice of essay writing on various topics.

© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved

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UPSC Mains 2018 – Download Essay Question Paper

Last updated on September 28, 2018 by ClearIAS Team

Table of Contents

ESSAY PAPER: UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination – 2018

Instructions.

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

SECTION – A

Write any one of the following essays in 1000-1200 words (125 marks)

• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task

SECTION – B

• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it

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Reader Interactions

September 28, 2018 at 8:35 pm

very tough essays in section B it seems.

September 29, 2018 at 9:04 am

No,friend both sessions questions are very easy

January 23, 2019 at 6:51 pm

Solve any one of SecB

September 28, 2018 at 9:24 pm

September 29, 2018 at 9:26 am

Section B tuff

November 2, 2018 at 7:00 pm

September 29, 2018 at 11:11 am

Well, for me section A Seems tough. Anyways if had any content in mind and have good ability to write an essay then we can make both sections easily.

October 3, 2018 at 8:21 am

Absolutely, i agree with you bro.

September 29, 2018 at 11:08 pm

section B seems to be a bit tough than section A but it ‘s just about you thinking power and writing ability

October 3, 2018 at 3:20 am

Can anyone please guide me on this essay topic: ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. I’m not able to phrase what all points should be included in this topic. So kindly guide me through this. And also if possible, kindly provide me the model essay on this topic. Thanking you.

February 5, 2019 at 11:43 am

It means some people often fears by thinking his/her unforgettable past….. So you should write this topic in that manner…. Further adding, we have to cherish our past, and live in present… So that our future won’t get hampered….

February 21, 2019 at 9:21 pm

Sir essay practise k liye kya karu ? Sir

May 29, 2019 at 10:23 am

CSAT TOPIC NOT GIVEN

September 29, 2019 at 4:01 pm

They’re easy but not getting how to write as per the level of UPSC.

August 9, 2020 at 8:06 pm

how to be write essay to scoring high marks without any mistake

August 9, 2020 at 8:08 pm

how to be write a essay to scoring high marks

February 5, 2021 at 10:23 pm

well anyone said that section B is tuff but you all know that, you have to do this so why are u all thinking negative before start. As i wanna say be positive and just remind himself that u will do ,u have the potential to do this,and u did it.

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