Essay : Target 140

Devising a correct strategy for Essay Paper:
Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Examiners will pay special attention to the candidate's grasp of this material, its relevance to the subject chosen, and to his ability to think constructively and to present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively.
Candidate have to write essay on any one topic of the given 6 topics.

The essay paper (200 marks) in the civil services main examination is crucial in determining the final outcome/ selection and ranking.

This paper is decisive in the sense that it can make a difference between a winner and a loser because there is no specialisation in an essay and so no aspirant can claim expertise, unlike optional subjects.

An essay truly reflects the personality of the writer – his/her ideas, views, values, attitude, analysis, assessments and inferences, aptitude, orientation and communication (written) abilities -- all the attributes that are wanted by UPSC in an aspirant.

An essay is considered a complete composition. An essay should consist of
(i) format (framework, structure):
(ii) information (content, substance),
(iii) language (expression, presentation), and
(iv) logic (analysis and information).

The introduction is the opening part of the essay and should be confined to a paragraph. The introductory paragraph is expected to introduce the topic, and wherever necessary, explain the central theme or idea, basic or core concepts, and definitional criteria. The introduction should arouse interest and generate curiosity in the mind of the examiner.

The main text of an essay essentially is a systematic organisation of information based on a consistent methodology. It deals with the topic and related issues to be addressed, the correlation of facts, figures, ideas, views, concepts; an in-depth, systematic, coherent analysis based on the topic leading to logical inferences; as well as making (if it is required) plausible projections and providing with (if necessary) viable solutions. The text of the composition must develop, support and explain the main ideas stated in your introduction.

As the text draws close to the conclusion, the essay should have reached the stage of 'critical mass', a sort of a climax. The conclusion, a summary, should express the essence of the essay. It should not contain any fresh evidence, facts or figures.

Select topic of essay cautiously. If you are strong in English and have literature background you can select reflective essay; otherwise select essay on social/economic topic. As you are preparing for the GS Indian Economics, you should keep in mind that you may have to write an essay on the topic. You may shortlist a few topics which you think are most likely and collect necessary inputs from appropriate sources for writing the essay. Write essay on your own and get it corrected by your teacher. Talk to someone experienced about the sources from which necessary inputs may be collected.