Understanding Essay Writing

An essay is a short piece of writing that sheds light on any given topic. M.H. Abrams, the American literary critic, notes that the essay is “Any short composition in prose that undertakes to discuss a matter, express a point of view, or persuade us to accept a thesis on any subject.”

Broadly speaking, there are two types of essays - formal and informal. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), we are concerned with the formal essay. The formal essay is relatively impersonal, the author writes it as an authority and such essays tend to be less emotional. Formal essays can also have factual elements in it, like quoted statistics from a government report etc. It is never in the form of a conversation, never uses first-person references and seldom gets intimate with the audience. In short, a formal essay has a certain degree of seriousness attached to it.

Essay writing for CSE

For the CSE essay paper, two essays have to be written under 3 hours in the 1000-1200 word limit. Each essay carries 125 marks for a total of 250.

The essay paper is divided into two sections - A and B, each carrying a choice of 4 essays each, and the aspirant has to choose only one essay from each section. The instructions in the syllabus are clear in what is being expected from the aspirant. Aspirants are ‘expected to keep their thoughts closely to the subject and arrange their ideas accordingly. It further states that, credit will be given for effective and coherent expression’.

Beginning Essay Writing

Practice makes perfect. For scoring good marks in the essay, one needs practice. But, before we get to the practicing part, we should do some basic homework first. We would start by looking at what a well-structured essay is, how it can be planned, what elements can be added to make the essay more scoring, and most importantly, how to do it all within the prescribed time limit.

Basic structure of an essay

The most common method of structuring a essay is breaking it up into paragraphs. In this technique, besides the introduction and the conclusion, there will be body-paragraphs. In these body-paragraphs, the aspirant will have to fit in all his content. Body-paragraphs can broadly be:

• Supportive
• Critical
• Narrative

Ideally, one can start any argument in an aptly phrased narrative paragraph which describe the topic in some detail and then move on to a supportive paragraph containing a few positive facts/ideas on the topic. Though critical paragraphs look best when they are placed last, there are no such rules. The most important part of the essay is perhaps the introduction. First impressions are very important, and a well thought out introduction will definitely make a positive impression on the examiner.

Planning to write an essay

A good essay needs planning. There are three steps to it:

1. Defining or understanding what the essay is going to be about in very clear terms.
2. Brainstorming on the topic.
3. Devising the outline of the essay.

Central idea of the thesis statement

All CSE essays have a thesis statement. For example: ‘Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare’. Here the central idea is ‘innovation’. The aspirant is supposed to explore dimensions that affect ‘economic growth and social welfare’ without veering from the central topic.

Brainstorming for essay writing

Brainstorming helps you get all the ideas at one place for quick reference. Ideally, one can devote an entire page for this exercise.

Adding elements to the essay

Any good essay will definitely have a multitude of elements and dimensions. Basic rules include:

• Constitutional Values: Values enshrined in our Constitution must reflect in every discussion.
• Democratic Principles: ‘Freedom and equality’ should be the guiding principles.
• Middle Ground: Avoid taking absolutist/non-compromising positions.
• Nuance: Avoid sweeping generalizations; show patience, justice and understanding.
• Consistency: Do not question the topic itself or contradict your own position.
• Perspective: Never use things universally considered negative in a positive sense.

Elements in an essay

The three basic elements — social, political and economic — form the bedrock. To these, add Constitutional, legal, technological, or technical dimensions.

Writing the Essay

Sticking to the time limit

1 hour 30 minutes for each essay total:

• 30 minutes: Preparation (Brainstorming and Outlining).
• 45 minutes to 1 hour: Actual writing.
• 10 minutes: Revision.

How to introduce the essay

Arouse interest and prepare the reader. Methods include:

• Brief explanation of the topic.
• Personal experience, relevant anecdotes, or quotes.
• Clearing up any immediate doubts regarding the topic.

Writing in paragraphs

Flow is essential. Paragraphs should join using transitional devices. Writing orders include:

• Known-to-New: Going from given concepts to build new material gradually.
• Simple-to-Complex: Establishing an easily understood base before developing complex ideas.

How to conclude the essay

A strong finish is as important as a strong opening. Conclusions can include:

• Summarizing: Restating main points with different wordings.
• Course of Action: Suggesting a way forward.
• Cyclic Return: Returning to the discussion begun in the introduction.

The conclusion should bear a positive outlook, seeing the silver lining in the clouds.

Revising the essay

• Read the essay in its entirety and underline important words or phrases.
• Correct spelling or grammatical mistakes.
• Ensure pages look clean and tidy.
• Avoid inserting entirely new ideas unless critical.

Some tips on essay writing

• Go through previous year’s essays to understand required solutions.
• Maintain a simple understanding of complex social problems.
• Keep handy a collection of quotes, quotable phrases, and citable anecdotes.