Essay Strategy

Essay (Main Examination) 

 

Type of Essay

• In the Civil Services Main Examination, the essay paper is one of the nine papers candidates have to write. The essay paper holds 250 marks and comprises two essays to be written in 3 hours, each with a word limit of around 1000-1200 words. In the Civil Services Main Examination, the essay paper requires candidates to write two essays, The topics for essays cover a wide range of subjects and issues, and candidates are expected to demonstrate their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and writing skills. Here are the different types of essays in the Civil Services Main Examination:

Argumentative Essays:

• Description: Argumentative essays require candidates to present arguments and counterarguments on a given topic, critically analyze the issue, and support their viewpoint with evidence and logical reasoning.
• Example: "Is democracy the best form of government?"

Descriptive Essays:

• Description: Descriptive essays involve providing detailed descriptions, explanations, or narratives about a specific topic or subject, focusing on vivid imagery and sensory details to enhance understanding.
• Example: "Describe the impact of climate change on global agriculture."

Analytical Essays:

• Description: Analytical essays involve examining and evaluating a topic or issue, breaking it down into its constituent parts, and analyzing the underlying factors, relationships, and implications.
• Example: "Analyze the causes and consequences of income inequality in developing countries."

Persuasive Essays:

• Description: Persuasive essays aim to persuade or convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or argument, using persuasive language, emotional appeals, and compelling evidence to support the author's position.
• Example: "Convince readers about the importance of environmental conservation."

Expository Essays:

• Description: Expository essays focus on providing information, explaining concepts, or clarifying ideas, presenting the topic in a clear and concise manner and using examples, facts, and illustrations to enhance understanding.
• Example: "Explain the process of industrialization and its impact on society."

Philosophical Essays:

• Description: Philosophical essays explore abstract concepts, ideas, and principles, engaging in philosophical inquiry and critical reflection to deepen understanding and provoke thought.
• Example: "Discuss the concept of freedom and its implications for society."

These examples showcase the diverse range of essay topics and styles that candidates may encounter in the Civil Services Main Examination. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, clarity of thought, and the ability to present coherent arguments and viewpoints effectively in their essays.

 

Type of Essay (GS Subject Wise)

Here are different types of essay topics along with examples of previous year questions:

 

Essay Type	Examples
Philosophical Essays	"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." "Imagination is more important than intelligence."
Social Issues Essays	"We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws." "Compassion is the basic of all morality."
Environmental Essays	"Ecological considerations need not hamper development." "Are we a consumerist society?"
Political Essays	"Politics, bureaucracy and business – Fatal Triangle." "Empowerment alone cannot help our women."
Economic Essays	"Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?" "Globalization and its impact on Indian economy."
Technology Essays	"Social media is inherently a selfish medium." "Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?"
Cultural Essays	"New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion." "Morality and ethics in advertising."
Ethical Dilemma Essays	"Conscience is a man's most reliable guide." "Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed."
Education Essays	"Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil." "Modern technological education and human values."
Historical Essays	"To understand the origin and evolution of Indian civilization." "Modernization and Westernization are not identical concepts."

 

1. Argumentative Essays:
   • Approach: Present arguments and counterarguments on a given topic, critically analyze the issue, and support your viewpoint with evidence and logical reasoning.
   • Tips: Clearly state your thesis or main argument in the introduction, address opposing viewpoints, provide evidence and examples to support your claims, and conclude with a strong summary of your main points.
2. Descriptive Essays:
   • Approach: Provide detailed descriptions, explanations, or narratives about a specific topic or subject, focusing on vivid imagery and sensory details to enhance understanding.
   • Tips: Use descriptive language and sensory details to create a vivid picture for the reader, organize your essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, and engage the reader's senses through descriptive writing.
3. Analytical Essays:
   • Approach: Examine and evaluate a topic or issue, break it down into its constituent parts, and analyze the underlying factors, relationships, and implications.
   • Tips: Develop a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument or analysis, break down the topic into manageable components for analysis, use evidence and examples to support your analysis, and critically evaluate different perspectives and interpretations.
4. Persuasive Essays:
   • Approach: Persuade or convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or argument, using persuasive language, emotional appeals, and compelling evidence.
   • Tips: Clearly articulate your position or stance in the introduction, anticipate and address counterarguments, use rhetorical devices such as ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to the reader's emotions and logic, and end with a strong call to action or conclusion.
5. Expository Essays:
   • Approach: Focus on providing information, explaining concepts, or clarifying ideas, presenting the topic in a clear and concise manner and using examples, facts, and illustrations to enhance understanding.
   • Tips: Organize your essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, use a straightforward and informative writing style, define key terms and concepts, and provide examples or illustrations to support your explanations.
6. Philosophical Essays:
   • Approach: Explore abstract concepts, ideas, and principles, engaging in philosophical inquiry and critical reflection to deepen understanding and provoke thought.
   • Tips: Clearly define the philosophical concepts or ideas you are discussing, provide historical or theoretical context, critically evaluate different philosophical perspectives, and offer your own insights and interpretations.

 

Tips for Writing Essay

Writing a good essay in the Civil Services Main Examination requires a structured approach, thorough preparation, and effective time management. Here's a comprehensive strategy along with important processes like brainstorming to help you excel in the essay paper:

Understand the Exam Pattern:

• Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and word limit for the essay paper in the Civil Services Main Examination.

Analyze Previous Year Papers:

• Analyze previous year's essay topics to understand the trend, themes, and areas of focus.
• Identify common topics and prepare notes on diverse subjects including social, economic, political, environmental, and philosophical issues.

Develop a Clear Structure:

• Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Each paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument supported by evidence and examples.

Brainstorm Ideas:

• Before you begin writing, spend some time brainstorming ideas related to the essay topic.
• Use techniques like mind mapping, listing, or freewriting to generate ideas and organize your thoughts.

Formulate a Strong Thesis Statement:

• Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your main argument or viewpoint on the topic.
• Your thesis should guide the direction of your essay and provide a central focus for your arguments.

Plan Your Essay:

• Create a rough outline outlining the main points and arguments you want to cover in your essay.
• Allocate time for each section of your essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Write an Engaging Introduction:

• Start your essay with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader's attention and provides context for the topic.
• Clearly state your thesis statement and briefly outline the main points you will be discussing in the body of the essay.

Develop Coherent Body Paragraphs:

• Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument related to the topic.
• Support your arguments with evidence, examples, and relevant facts from your knowledge base.

Provide Balanced Arguments:

• Present balanced arguments by considering different perspectives and viewpoints on the topic.
• Anticipate counterarguments and address them in your essay to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis.

Conclude Effectively:

• Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and restate your thesis statement in the conclusion.
• Offer insights, implications, or suggestions for further exploration related to the topic.

Proofread and Revise:

• Review your essay for coherence, clarity, and logical flow of ideas.
• Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, and make necessary revisions.
• Ensure that your essay adheres to the prescribed word limit and follows the guidelines provided.

Practice Writing Essays:

• Practice writing essays regularly to improve your writing skills and time management abilities.
• Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors to identify areas for improvement and refine your essay-writing technique.

By following these strategies and processes, you can effectively tackle the essay paper in the Civil Services Main Examination and demonstrate your analytical abilities, critical thinking, and writing proficiency.

 

 

Essay Type	Approach	Tips
Argumentative Essays	Present arguments and counterarguments on a given topic, critically analyze the issue, and support your viewpoint with evidence and logical reasoning.	Clearly state your thesis or main argument in the introduction. Address opposing viewpoints. Provide evidence and examples to support your claims. - Conclude with a strong summary of your main points.
Descriptive Essays	Provide detailed descriptions, explanations, or narratives about a specific topic or subject, focusing on vivid imagery and sensory details to enhance understanding.	Use descriptive language and sensory details to create a vivid picture for the reader. Organize your essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Engage the reader's senses through descriptive writing.
Analytical Essays	Examine and evaluate a topic or issue, break it down into its constituent parts, and analyze the underlying factors, relationships, and implications.	Develop a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument or analysis. Break down the topic into manageable components for analysis. Use evidence and examples to support your analysis. Critically evaluate different perspectives and interpretations.
Persuasive Essays	Persuade or convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or argument, using persuasive language, emotional appeals, and compelling evidence.	Clearly articulate your position or stance in the introduction. Anticipate and address counterarguments. Use rhetorical devices such as ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to the reader's emotions and logic. End with a strong call to action or conclusion.
Expository Essays	Focus on providing information, explaining concepts, or clarifying ideas, presenting the topic in a clear and concise manner and using examples, facts, and illustrations to enhance understanding.	Organize your essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use a straightforward and informative writing style. Define key terms and concepts. Provide examples or illustrations to support your explanations.
Philosophical Essays	Explore abstract concepts, ideas, and principles, engaging in philosophical inquiry and critical reflection to deepen understanding and provoke thought.	Clearly define the philosophical concepts or ideas you are discussing. Provide historical or theoretical context. Critically evaluate different philosophical perspectives. Offer your own insights and interpretations.