The essay paper (200 marks) in the civil services main examination is crucial in determining the final outcome/ selection and ranking. It is decisive because there is no specialization in an essay and so no aspirant can claim expertise, unlike optional subjects.
Essay paper does not have a source of definitive information as in the case of general studies or optional subjects. This constitutes a challenge. It is vital to understand that an essay is a reflection of the personality - ideas, views, analysis, assessments and inferences, values, attitude, aptitude, orientation and communication (written) abilities, all the attributes that are wanted by UPSC in an aspirant. General trend is that essay paper will contain 6 topics out of which one topic to be chosen. There is no syllabus for essay. Anything under sun can be asked. But, if we analyse previous year paper, it is conspicuous to find some root topics. For example, there is at least one question on women empowerment every year. So, the topic ‘Women Empowerment’ is a root topic.
Topics:
1. Women Empowerment
2. Indian Culture
3. Democracy, judiciary and related topics
4. Education
5. Current Events based
Suggested Reading:
a) Yojana issues
b) Frontline cover stories
c) “The Hindu” Sunday Magazines
d) Articles of Employment News
e) UN Reports
Groundwork Preparation:
The duration of the essay paper is 3 hours and the word limit is not mentioned. It is generally said that 1500-2000 words should make a good essay. This can comfortably be written even with a moderate pace in 2 to 2 ½ hours. So the first 30- 45 minutes can be spent for the groundwork preparation. First is the selection of the proper essay topic. Out of the 6 topics, one topic would generally be related to philosophical issue, unless one is confident it is better to opt it out. Like wise one can eliminate topics with which one is not comfortable. Some topics, most of the aspirants cannot maintain a balance throughout the essay so better opt them also out. Finally select the topic that you think can do justice. The answer booklet of the main examination consists of 24 single pages. The last 3-4 pages can be used for rough work. If you are sure that you can complete the main booklet, then ask for one additional at the beginning of the exam and use it for rough work. In these pages prepare outline for the essay by asking questions yourselves. It is also called as brainstorming.
Suppose take a topic for example: “Terrorism and global peace (CSE-2005)”
The questions can be -
1. What is terrorism, it’s aims, methodology and
its origin?
2. How it is affecting global peace?
3. What are different ways/types of terrorism
and how each one is a threat to global peace?
4. What are the causes for terrorism to
flourish?
5. How the global peace can be maintained
(remedy and a global approach in fighting terrorism because of its spread to all
countries)?
6. What is the relevance of terrorism to India
and affect on Indians way of living?
7. What should be the conclusion? Ex. Terrorism
is affecting global peace and it is a fact.
So the solution is to make it disappear. Whatever form it may be, it should be condemned because it involves loss of precious lives and living of many. On these lines many more questions can be evolved. The next step is question yourself regarding the topic and scribble whatever comes to your mind without any order in just words, not sentences. After this part is over write the conclusion part in detail in the rough area.
Tips:
1. Good introduction and good conclusion are
must.
2. There shall be link between paragraphs.
3. Clarity of expression is very important. Use
simple English to express your point clearly. You need not use flowery
language. Simple logical presentation is sufficient.
4. Practise is essential for getting a good
score.
5. Try to give a good introduction. It should
guide the examiner to what you intend to convey in the essay. The conclusion
should be good and satisfy the examiner. Always conclude on a positive note.
6. The main focus should be on giving a good
analysis of the topic.
7. Do not divert into areas, which are
irrelevant to the topic.
8. Make sure that you have sufficient
understanding and material to write, before chosing the topic.
There is an essay paper in the Civil Services Exam held by the Union Public Service Commission. The essay paper carries 200 marks and time allotted to it is three hours. The topics asked in the exam have a wide range; based on various social issues, women, politics, economy, Science etc. UPSC also asks topics for essay based on Philosophy.
Here are some important tips for essay writing in the Main exam:
• Out of the topics asked in the exam, choose the one from the area in which you have prepared well. For example, if you have prepared well on the social topics already, choose the topic that is based on the social issues. If you have prepared on economic issues and have already practiced in writing on the economic issues then chose the topic based on economy issues.
• Just before starting writing the essay in the exam do some brainstorming on the topic you plan to write. Jot down all the points randomly to avoid wastage of time at this stage in arranging the points. Once you are done with the brainstorming and noting the points, start arranging all the points and then start elaborating them.
• Start the essay with a sensible introduction to the topic. Introductory paragraph should be written in a way that it creates inquisitiveness in the examiner’s mind to read the following parts of your essay.
• Focus on the issue on which you are writing.
• Do not distract yourself from the topic, you are writing on.
• Factual information is not given much importance in evaluating your essay in the IAS Main exam. Your overall grasp on the topic will be given importance and marks will be given to you on the basis of how well you present the topic in the essay; how well you let out your ideas in the essay. Your concept regarding the particular topic is evaluated in the Main exam essay paper. Focus on your ability to think constructively to present your ideas concisely, logically and effectively.
• There should be a fair logic in your discussion on the various points you discuss in the essay. Do not make any logical inconsistency in your writing. If you do, it will show that you do not have proper understanding on the topic and you have written whatever came to your mind. This further will deduct your marks to be given by the examiner.
• UPSC asks an essay of 200 marks in the IAS Main exam. It is advisable to write the essay in 1200 to 1500 words. It should generally not be less than 1200 words and more than 1500 words. One should plan the whole essay keeping the word limit in mind while writing the essay, though there is no such strict instruction of word limit given by the UPSC.
• Additional information related to the topic can be given in a box drawn on the page.
• Always finish the essay writing with a nice conclusion. Do not end it ever suddenly.
• In the conclusion, include opinions and your assessments on the topic. This will show the examiner how well you understand the topic. However, try avoiding giving your personal opinions in the conclusion. It’s always advisable for the candidates to give a conclusion which well suits the whole essay regardless your personal opinions. Personal opinions may contradict the examiner’s opinion and then he may give you less mark even when he found the rest of the essay well written.
Format:
- Introduction
- Background / History related
- Main concept / theory / what the subject is about
- Current scenario related to it.
- Good sides
- Negative sides / obstacles
- Suggested reforms
- Conclusion
What not to write in essay
1. Autocracy is better than democracy. (know that it’s the democracy that’s allowing you to criticize it) so you should never justify certain solution to India’s problems.2. Excessive criticism of Govt. / administration (I mean the frontline and The Hindu’s stand)
3. Seeing negative sides with out suggesting reforms in it.
Provocative Essays
Sometimes the essay topics are given in such a way, that you want to agree all the way. E.g.1. Panchayati raj is wastage of tax payer’s money. (yes it seems so, just like NREGA but when you’re writing an Essay you need to maintain some balance)
2. Poor people are their own enemies.
In such cases – just because he gave you statement doesn’t mean you’ve to sing in his tune throughout the paper.DO NOT forget to show the other side of the mirror.
Its Easier to criticize a non working things than to fix it. (Remember this all time during essay.)
Donot give filmy solutions to real life problems. (Munna Bhai MBBS / Slum Dog Millioner.)
Method of Writing:
After deciding the topic-1. Start brain stroming
2. Write down all the ideas that you about the topic.
3. Do not classify or systematise your points at this stage.
4. Put them on paper randomly as they flow in.
5. Later, arrange the ideas in a logical and sequential manner.
6. Having arrived at the sequence, start writing, giving due care to the introduction, the body and finally the conclusion.
7. Ensure that you have enough time for revision.
8. Remember it is a General Essay Paper and you should not be highly technical.
