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How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

PWOnlyIAS July 24, 2024 05:59 509 0

Learn How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024 with these tips & techniques. Enhance your skills and understand how to write a good essay for UPSC Mains 2024.

How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024: Writing a good essay is not an easy task for the aspirants in the UPSC Mains Examination, to achieve good marks and favourable rank. The UPSC Mains Essay Paper is designed to test the ability of candidates to articulate their thoughts coherently and concisely. This paper not only highlights the knowledge of candidates but also their thoughts and ideas effectively. In this particular guide, we will explore how to write a good essay for UPSC Mains 2024 and present insights on UPSC mains essay writing tips, UPSC mains essay format, UPSC mains essay examples, UPSC mains essay topics 2024, and strategies for improving essay writing for UPSC mains.

Understanding the Importance of the UPSC Mains Essay Paper

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper consists of two essays that carry 250 marks, each requires a word limit of 1000-1200 words. This paper provides a golden opportunity to make a significant increase in your score for the UPSC Mains exam. This particular paper is not only about writing long essays, but it provides the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think critically and present your arguments convincingly.

Here are some reasons why the essay paper is so important:

  1. Reflects Your Analytical Skills: The essay writing paper is designed to test your analytical abilities and how you present logical arguments.
  2. Tests Clarity of Thought: It measures and helps you actualize your ability to think clearly and express your thoughts in a structured manner.
  3. Showcases Your Knowledge: It provides an opportunity to showcase your understanding of various topics.
  4. Impacts Your Rank: Due to the high weightage of this paper, doing well in the essay paper can significantly affect your final rank.

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Essay Paper: What UPSC Says

While preparing for the Essay paper, first thing to analyse is the requirement of UPSC from aspirants. While there is no clear syllabus, the UPSC Syllabus Notification mentions this about the Essay – 

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

UPSC Essay Paper vs. GS Papers

While the content of UPSC GS subjects is useful in writing essays, the approach of Essay Paper is different. The reason being:

  • Content plus: Unlike GS, the examiner considers language, coherence, and organization alongside content while evaluating the essays.
  • Language and Grammar: The fundamental spelling and grammatical errors matter in the Essay paper and can impact your score. Further, you need to arrange ideas properly in 1000-1200 words, unlike the 150-250 word limit in GS papers.
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Preparing for UPSC Essay Paper: How & Where from?

The sources to prepare for the UPSC essay paper are similar to those of the GS paper. Some books can benefit in UPSC Essay paper including the following sources:

  • General Studies (GS): Most essay content will come from GS preparation.
  • Non-Fiction Reading: Develop a mature thought process and gather examples. For instance, use Yuval Harari’s Homo Deus for arguments on AI as a threat to humanity.
  • Specific Magazines: Refer to Yojana, EPW, and Economic Survey 2024 for the latest statistics and government scheme insights.
  • Anecdotes and Quotes: Collect stories, anecdotes, and quotes from newspapers and books for use in essays.
  • Useful Phrases: Phrases from speeches by the PM,  President & other signatories like “Sabka saath sabka vikas”, and “Viksit Bharat” can enhance your conclusion.

How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

Creating a strong essay for the UPSC Mains exam requires an essential skill set, for any candidate aiming to succeed in this exam. How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024 is not just about delivering information on the respective topic, it is more about expressing ideas clearly, structuring arguments effectively, and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topics.

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Candidates can enhance their chances of scoring by learning the key UPSC mains essay writing tips and getting familiar with the UPSC mains essay format.

1. Understanding the Essay Structure

A well-structured essay written by the candidate can impress the examiner. Here’s a simple UPSC mains essay format that you can follow:

  • Introduction: Start writing your essay with a strong introduction that briefly overviews the topic and then present your thesis statement or main argument.
  • Body Paragraphs: Divide content into 3-4 paragraphs, each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the topic, which ensures smooth transitions between paragraphs.
  • Conclusion: Lastly, summarize key points and restate the thesis, by adding insights or solutions if applicable.

Components of a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

Component Description Tips Example
Introduction The initial paragraph that sets the tone and provides a brief overview of the essay topic.
  • Capture the examiner’s attention with engaging content like quotes, stories, or real-life examples.
  • Avoid starting with simple definitions.
For “Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom,” introduce the contrasting paths of North and South Korea post-1945.
Body The main part of the essay, divided into well-structured paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point or argument.
  • Develop content using techniques like time travel, analysis of different groups, impact on people’s lives, problem-solving, and multiple perspectives.
  • Support arguments with solid evidence such as facts, expert opinions, real-life examples, and laws.
For “phones,” explore their evolution, impact on businesses, influence on personal life, and societal implications.
Conclusion The final paragraph that summarizes key points, offers a vision for the future, and provides a sense of closure.
  • Reiterate main arguments
  • Present a hopeful outlook
  • Connect to larger themes or issues
  • Inspire critical thinking or action
  • Optionally, connect back to the introduction.
Conclude by summarizing key factors contributing to the topic, presenting a vision for the future, and emphasizing the need for a holistic approach, such as “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Language and Style The choice of words and sentence structure used to convey ideas effectively.
  • Use clear, concise, and formal language.
  • Maintain a balanced and analytical tone.
  • Avoid jargon and complex sentence structures.
Instead of “At the end of World War 2…”, write “After World War 2, while North America and Europe championed capitalism, the USSR promoted communism…”
Coherence and Flow The logical progression of ideas and smooth transition between paragraphs.
  • Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas.
  • Create a clear link between paragraphs.
End a paragraph about historical context with a question like “How has this historical background influenced current policies?” to introduce the next topic.

2. Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic for writing an essay is a difficult task when you want to craft a compelling essay. Candidates are advised to select the topic they are familiar with and they are passionate about, this will make the writing process smoother and more enjoyable.

To get an idea of essay writing topics for the UPSC Exam, check out the UPSC essay topics from the previous year’s question paper which will provide you with the list of probable essay topics that can be asked in the coming UPSC exam 2024.

3. Brainstorming and Planning

Before starting the essay, candidates should brainstorm some ideas and organize their thoughts. Here are some methods to do it effectively:

  • List Down Key Points: Candidates should identify the main points that can be covered in your essay.
  • Create a Rough Outline: Candidates should logically arrange the points and accordingly structure their essay.
  • Think of Examples: Candidates should use relevant examples, data, and case studies to support their arguments.

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4. Writing the Essay

Now that you have a clear structure and outline, it’s time to start writing. Here are some UPSC mains essay writing tips to help you:

After acknowledging the clear structure and outline of the UPSC Mains essay writing, Here are some UPSC mains essay writing tips to help you:

  • Maintain Clarity: While drafting essays, candidates should use simple and clear language to convey their ideas.
  • Be Concise: Candidates should maintain the word limit for the particular answer by avoiding unnecessary word stuffing.
  • Focus on Coherence: It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure each paragraph is coherent and relates smoothly to the next paragraph.
  • Use Quotations: Use relevant quotes from experts that will add depth to your arguments.
  • Stay Neutral: Present balanced viewpoints without being biased and writing the answer from one point of view.
  • Innovative Subheadings: Use engaging subheadings like “Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril?” instead of bland ones.
  • Rough Drafts: Prepare and modify drafts based on the essay question’s demand.

5. Reviewing and Editing

Take some time after completing your essay, this will help candidates oversee and proofread their copies, by reviewing and editing if there is any mistake. This step is necessary for improving essay writing for UPSC mains. Here’s what to do:

  • Check for Grammatical Errors: Proofread your content this will help in correcting spelling or grammar mistakes.
  • Refine Your Arguments: Add more clarity and precision to your essays that will strengthen your arguments.
  • Ensure Logical Flow: Make sure the essay is cohesive and logically structured.
  • Seek Feedback: Get feedback from peers or mentors to gain valuable insights.

UPSC Mains Essay Writing Tips

Drafting an effective essay requires more than just knowledge. Here are some additional UPSC mains essay writing tips that will enhance the writing skills of the candidates:

  1. Practice Regularly: Mastering the art of essay writing needs consistent practice. It is suggested to write on diverse topics to improve your skills.
  2. Read Widely: Stay updated on current affairs and expand your knowledge base, by reading newspapers, magazines, and books. 
  3. Analyze Previous Year Papers: To understand the expectations of examiners, study UPSC mains essay examples from previous years.
  4. Time Management: Practice writing essays within the allotted time to improve your speed and efficiency.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep track of UPSC mains essay topics 2024 to be well-prepared. 
  6. Use Diagrams and Charts: Use diagrams and charts to present complex ideas and improve understanding.

Improving Essay Writing for UPSC Mains

Improvement is an ongoing process while you are drafting an essay for the preparation of the Essay paper. Here are some of the strategies that will help the candidates in improving essay writing for UPSC mains:

  • Feedback Analysis: Ask for feedback from mentors and peers to identify areas of improvement.
  • Focus on Weaknesses: Work on areas where you find yourself weak or need improvement.
  • Join Study Groups: It is advisable for candidates to engage in discussions with fellow aspirants to gain diverse perspectives and insights.
  • Attend Workshops: Participate in essay-writing workshops to learn new techniques and receive expert guidance.

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UPSC Mains Essay Example

Introduction

UPSC Mains Essay Example

Body

UPSC Mains Essay Example

Conclusion

UPSC Mains Essay Example

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In conclusion, Mastering the art of how to write a good essay for UPSC Mains 2024 needs efficient dedication, practice, and a strategic approach. Effectively understanding the UPSC mains essay format, using UPSC mains essay writing tips, exploring the relevant UPSC mains essay examples, and staying updated on UPSC mains essay topics 2024, can significantly enhance the essay-writing skills of the candidates. Remember, continuous improvement and consistently following the provided tips are the keys to success in the essay paper and achieving your UPSC aspirations.

If you want to seek assistance from experts and the best resources, consider enrolling yourself in PW online UPSC batches.

UPSC Mains 2024 Related Articles
UPSC CSE Mains 2024 UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2024 UPSC Mains Previous Year Cutoff

 

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UPSC Daily Editorials UPSC Daily Current Affairs
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Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

 

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FAQs On How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC Mains 2024

Focus on a clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion. Use logical arguments, provide relevant examples, maintain coherence and practice regularly.

Some useful UPSC mains essay writing tips include practising regularly, reading diverse topics, analyzing previous papers, maintaining clarity, and managing time effectively.

The recommended UPSC mains essay format includes three main parts: an engaging introduction with the thesis statement, a structured body divided into paragraphs for different arguments, and a concise conclusion.

You can find UPSC mains essay examples in various UPSC preparation books, online forums, and coaching institutes’ websites. These examples help you understand the writing style and structure.

Expected UPSC mains essay topics 2024 may include AI's impact on employment, climate change, media's role in democracy, urbanization challenges, and cybersecurity threats.

Practice regularly, seek feedback, join study groups, read extensively, and participate in workshops. Analyze weaknesses and work on areas like structuring arguments, language usage, and time management.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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