To effectively write the Essay Paper for the UPSC Civil Services main examination, here are some essential steps, each elaborated with practical examples:
- Plan Your Essay in 1000-1200 Words:
- Example: Suppose you’re writing about “The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture.” Start by outlining the introduction, main points, and conclusion. Allocate around 150 words for the introduction, 800-900 for the body (divided into sections), and 150 for the conclusion.
- Select the Essay Topic Based on Your Knowledge and Interest:
- Example: If you’re well-versed in technology, choosing a topic like “Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?” will allow you to provide informed insights and relevant examples.
- Mark Keywords in the Essay Topic:
- Example: For a topic like “Digital India: A Reality or a Dream?” underline keywords like “Digital India,” “Reality,” and “Dream.” This helps in maintaining focus throughout the essay.
- Brainstorm Keywords from All Perspectives:
- Example: For “Digital India,” consider perspectives like technological infrastructure, digital literacy, economic impact, and challenges. This ensures a well-rounded argument.
- Organise Points in a Logical Order:
- Example: Start with the introduction of Digital India, followed by its achievements, challenges, and future prospects. This logical flow makes the essay coherent and easy to follow.
- Frame a Blueprint to Justify the Essay Topic:
- Example: Before writing, outline how you’ll justify your stance on “Digital India,” perhaps by arguing that while significant progress has been made, challenges remain in rural connectivity and digital literacy.
- Develop the Blueprint with Sub-Points and Explanations:
- Example: For the section on challenges, break it down into sub-points like “Infrastructure Issues” and “Lack of Digital Literacy,” each with detailed explanations.
- Support Arguments with Facts/Theory for Authenticity:
- Example: While discussing “Digital India,” cite statistics like the increase in internet penetration and refer to government initiatives like BharatNet to back your claims.
- Avoid Prejudice on Sensitive Issues:
- Example: When discussing gender equality, focus on data and policies rather than personal opinions. Ensure your essay remains neutral and factual.
- Apply a Balanced Judgment:
- Example: In an essay on “Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword,” weigh both the positive aspects (like connectivity) and negatives (such as misinformation).
- Adopt a General Writing Style:
- Introduce the Subject: Example: “Digital India aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society…”
- Build the Discussion: Example: Discuss various aspects such as infrastructure, economic impact, and social change.
- Conclude with a Suggestion or Way Forward: Example: Conclude with recommendations on improving digital literacy and addressing infrastructure gaps.
By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure that your essay is comprehensive, balanced, and aligned with the expectations of the UPSC examiners