UPSC Essay Writing: Six common mistakes
Here is a reminder note Unnikrishnadas wrote to Mains Killer 4.0 students. It encapsulate the common issues found in Essays and remedies of it.
Hi dear students,
You are bravely entering the last phase of your mains preparation. In the light of evaluating dozens of essay copies in this year’s Mains Killer program, I have noticed some common mistakes. Here are the common issues and ways to tweak them so that you can boost your essay score in the CSE Mains 2023. Please pay attention to the following tips and make it part of your essay checklist:
1. Capturing the individual words rather than grasping the essence of the topic: While the keywords in the question are extremely important, always make sure that you pay attention to the topic. Look for literal and metaphorical meanings too. Defining the key words in the beginning is an effective practice, However, do not get distracted by the words themselves.
2. Falling short in giving ample examples: Always remember that examples are wonderworking instruments for driving your arguments straight into the mind of the examiner. Cover different spheres and various walks of life. Explore every field of human endeavour in your examples. Be like an advocate and argue your case convincingly.
3. Explaining examples in detail: While examples are important, each example does not require elaborate explanations. We often end up providing background data of each example. Avoid intricate details and move on. That might steal you of time and space.
4. Gazing into the rearview of time, not the unfurling horizon: Reflect on the present-day context and challenges while covering different spheres apart from covering examples from the past. You may mention and evaluate the policy initiatives and schemes in the context of the topic. Connect the topic to the existing or proposed legal, economic, political, or judicial reforms. Doing so will make the essay more relatable to the examiner and hence, more engaging.
5. Not inquiring if the topic is universally valid: UPSC's interpretative essay topics often consist of quotes from philosophers or proverbs. They generally have universal appeal. Yet, we must remember that exceptions are an inseparable part of every rule. Ask if the given statement is always true. Could there be exceptions? Are there any challenges? What could be the solutions? Such questions will reveal new dimensions and possibilities.
6. Not choosing a decisive position: After elaborating and analysing the topic, make sure that you take a clear position. This can be expressed towards the end of the essay. Try to be rational and inclusive in your stance. It will show the examiner that you can connect dots and make decisions on complex issues after comparing and analysing. Additionally, it will enhance the essay’s strength.
From my experience of going through your essays, please let me double assure you that you have sufficient awareness and life experience to deal with any topic that the UPSC might ask. I have seen you growing from good writers to better writers. You have the craft and creativity. You have got it all in you. I can vouch for you. 😊
Thank you for the insights that you brough to the table.
It's time to keep calm and reflect.
Unveil yourself!
Wish you the vey best!
Unni.