LAKSHYA MAINS – 2022
ESSAY
Fundamentals of Essay Writing
Approaches & Insights from Toppers
Preparation Strategies
Table of Content
❑ Essay – The Definition
❑ Types of Essays
❑ Salient Features
❑ Syllabus
❑ Importance of Essay in Civil Services
Examination
❑ Qualities of a Civil Servant
❑ Aspects of Essay Writing
❑ Ways to write an Introduction
❑ Body of an Essay – Various Dimensions
❑ Some Common Myths & Doubts
❑ Ways to write a Conclusion
❑ Need and Importance of Brain-Storming
Exercise
❑ Topic Selection
❑ Things to Avoid in Essay
ESSAY : The Definition
Definition 1: An essay is a structured set of arguments in response to
a specific question or topic.
Definition 2: It is a work of prose non-fiction interwoven around a
subject or topic or point in the form of an-argument having its
analysis, discussion and clarification and as a whole providing some
solution to the matter undertaken.
Definition 3: Essay is an short piece of writing on one subject which
requires you to write a personal yet academic definition of one
specific word or a topic structured around the goal of defining a
term, concept, or idea.
Types of Essays
Argumentative Essay
Expository Essay
Narrative Essays
Descriptive Essays
Argumentative Essay
❑ Presents an extended, evidence-based argument.
❑ Requires a strong thesis statement.
Example:
• Has the rise of the internet had a positive or negative
impact on education?
• Is religion the cause of war?
Expository Essay
❑ Provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic.
❑ A balanced and well-organized view of the topic.
❑ Test one’s familiarity with a topic and ability to
organize and convey information.
Example:
• Role of secondary characters in a play.
• A Single Religion : Is it a need of the hour?
• Is it possible to construct Aristotle’s Republic?
Narrative Essay
❑ A narrative essay is one that tells a story.
❑ Test ability to build up a narrative in an
engaging, well-structured way.
❑ Test one’s familiarity with a topic and ability to
organize and convey information.
Example:
• The day I decided I will never cry again.
• A place where i would like to live.
Descriptive Essay
❑Provides a detailed sensory description of something.
❑Test ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-
structured way.
❑Test one’s ability to use language in an original and
creative way.
Example:
• What it might be like to live on another planet.
• Describe a place you love to spend time in.
• Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.
Essay: Salient Features
→ Essay is a short piece of writing.
→ It essentially consists of Introduction, Body and a Conclusion
part.
→ A strong contention, supported by ideas, arguments and
evidence.
→ It should be specific piece of writing not generic one.
→ It should be readable, clear and logically sequenced.
→ It should have limited elaboration over arguments given.
→ Language should be simple & mature i.e. Free of grammar and
spelling errors.
SYLLABUS
✓ 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.
Importance of Essay in Civil
Services Examination
Explicit Implicit
Express yourself in
Weightage = 250 marks unrestricted manner
Demonstrate knowledge
146 149 143 ❑.
on multiple dimensions
2019 2020 2021 ❑.
Express creative side on
65-70% marks with the paper.
comparative less effort.
Qualities of a Civil Servant
Ample Awareness Data-literate Use of Honest & Risk Taking
knowledge power sincerity
Flexibility Reflective User Centricity Curiosity Outcome Empathy
Focused
Sympathy Fairness Innovative Engaging Strategic Impartiality
Thinking
Professional Rationality Lead by Responsive Humility National
example Interest
Principle of Integrity Principle of Law Excellence Against the
Justice utilitarianism abiding corruption
Aspects of Essay Writing
WHY Purpose of writing an Essay
WHAT Qualities of a good essay
HOW To write a good Essay
Aspects of Essay Writing
WHY ??
(Purpose of writing an Essay)
Test of one’s Knowledge Filtering the information
Test of Personality Multidimensionality
Comprehension Skills Writing skills
Context Time Management
Aspects of Essay Writing
WHAT ?
(are the qualities of a good essay)
Original Analytical Completeness
Specific Concise
Well Organized
Explanatory Coherent
Aspects of Essay Writing
HOW ??
(to write a good essay)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Introduction
▪ Relevance to the essence of Essay
▪ Suggestive of the theme of the Essay
Ways to write an Introduction
1. Personality Based 8. Defining the keyword
2. Current Affairs Based 9. Case Study Based
3. Quotation Based 10. Book & Movie Based
4. Report/facts/index Based 11. Simple/Plane Introduction
5. Anecdote Based
6. Narration Based
7. Background Based
TOPIC: Dissent Is the Safety Valve of a Democracy.
Yasharth, AIR-12
Current Affairs Based CSE-2021
TOPIC: Social Media Is Rewiring Humanity And We Are at the
Crossroads of Its Promises and Perils.
Yasharth Shekhar
Current Affairs Based AIR-12, CSE-2021
TOPIC: In Face of Adversity We Have A Choice,
We Can Be Bitter, Or We Can Be Better.
Ashutosh Kumar
AIR 77 – CSE 2021
Personality Based Introduction
TOPIC: Dissent Is The Safety Valve of A Democracy.
Namarta Chaubey
AIR 73, CSE 2021
Current Affairs Based
TOPIC: There Are Some Things You Learn Best in
Calm, and Some in Storm.
Shubham Kumar
AIR 1, CSE 2020
Personality Based Introduction
TOPIC: The Youth Need to be Enabled to Become Job
Generator from Job seeker.
Namarta Chaubey
Quotation Based Introduction AIR-73, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Dissent Is the Safety Valve of Democracy
Surbhi Goyal
Quotation Based
AIR-78, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Jobless Growth in India – A Threat to Demographic
Dividend.
Divyanshu Chaudhary
Quotation Based AIR 30, CSE 2020
TOPIC: In the Face Of Adversity, We Have A Choice,
We Can Be Bitter, We Can Be Better.
Yasharth Shekhar
AIR-12, CSE-2021
Historical Anecdote Based
TOPIC: Social Media Is Rewiring Humanity And We Are at the
Crossroads of Its Promises and Perils.
Namarta Chaubey
Anecdote Based AIR-73 ,CSE-2021
TOPIC: Social Media is Rewiring Humanity And We Are
the at the Crossroads of its Promise and its Perils.
Utsav Anand
Narration Based AIR 26, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Intolerance Is The First Sign of Inadequate Education.
Narration Based Shraddha Gome
AIR-60, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Health as a Fundamental Right in India:
Prospects & Challenges
Background Based Yasharth
AIR-12, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Health as a Fundamental Right in India: Prospects & Challenges
Background Based Sarddha Gome
Rank-60, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Artificial Intelligence – Risks and Opportunities
P. Srija
AIR 20, CSE 2020
Case Study Based
TOPIC: Is Inequality Inevitable Driver/Outcome of Growth?
Ashutosh Kumar
Simple/Plane Introduction AIR-77, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Ease of Doing Science Needs to Complement “Ease of
Doing Business” for Long-Term Growth and Dynamism of the
Nation.
Use of Data/Indices
TOPIC: Gandhi Reminiscing the man, Forgetting the Ideals.
Movie Based Introduction
TOPIC: Global Politic of Infrastructure & Connectivity
Utkarsh Dwivedi
Book Based
AIR-5, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Commitment to Ideals Not Idols, Is the Need of the Hour.
Divyanshu Nigam
Book Based AIR-44, CSE-2020
Intro to Body : Smooth Transition
TOPIC: International Co-operation and Multilateralism
Are Indispensible.
Utsav Anand
AIR-26, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Is Inequality Inevitable Driver of Growth?
Ashutosh Kumar
AIR 77, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Dissent is the Safety Valve of Democracy.
Shraddha Gome
AIR 60, CSE 2021
Body of Essay
1. Sectoral Dimensions i.e Social, Political, Historical,
Economic, Cultural, Environmental, Ethical ,
Sustainable, Science & Tech, Sports etc.
2. Temporal Dimensions i.e Ancient, Medieval, Modern,
Post-Independence, Post-LPG, Contemporary.
3. Prospects, Success, Issues, Challenges.
4. Individual, Family, Society, Community, Nation,
Globe.
5. Caste, Gender, Class, Religion, Region.
TOPIC: Destruction Breeds Creation.
Utsav Anand
AIR 26, CSE 2021
Shraddha Gome
AIR 60, CSE 2021
Shraddha Gome
AIR 60, CSE 2021
Shraddha Gome
AIR 60, CSE 2021
Some Common Doubts
▪ Can we draw diagrams/ flowcharts in our essay ?
▪ Can we make use of headings ?
▪ Shall we underling the content or not?
▪ How and what kind of Data/Figures can be used?
▪ Para or point format? Which one is the preferred way to present
the content.
Use of Diagrams
Complex to Understand
Being Over creative
Raunak Agarwal
AIR 13, CSE 2019
Use of Headings
TOPIC: Global Politic of Infrastructure & Connectivity
Utkarsh Dwivedi
AIR 5, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Has the Emphasis on Edtech Changed Education From
Necessity to Privilege?
Namrata Choubey
AIR 73, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Health is a smart investment.
Ashutosh Kumar
AIR 77, CSE 2021
Use of Data
TOPIC: The Youth Needs to be Enabled to Become Job Generators from
Job Seekers.
Namarta Chaubey,
AIR 73, CSE 2021
TOPIC: If You Want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone
But if You Want to Walk Far, Walk Together.
Surbhi Goyal
AIR 78, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Jobless Growth in India – A Threat to Demographic Dividend.
Divyanshu Chaudhary
AIR 30, CSE 2020
Use of Language
Utkarsh Dwivedi
Simple & Error Free
AIR 5 , CSE 2021
Shubham Kumar
AIR 1, CSE 2020
Use of Connectors
Satyam Gandhi
AIR 10, CSE 2020
Satyam Gandhi
AIR 10, CSE 2020
Underlining the Content
Shraddha Gome
AIR 60, CSE 2021
Utsav Anand Surbhi Goyal
AIR 60, CSE 2021 AIR 78, CSE 2021
Conclusion
▪ Gives sense of completion to the essay.
▪ It is a closure to the essay.
▪ Can give Practical Solution: Long Term/Short Term
▪ Avoid Summarizing rather give a way forward.
Ways to write a Conclusion
• Quotation Based • Philosophical Conclusion
• Summary Form
• Personality Based
• Story Based
• Poem Based
• Cyclic Approach
TOPIC: In Face of Adversity We Have A Choice,
We Can Be Bitter, Or We Can Be Better.
Yasharth Sekhar
AIR 12, CSE 2021
Quotation based
TOPIC: Dissent Is the Safety Valve of a Democracy.
Surbhi Goyal
AIR 78, CSE 2021
Quotation based
TOPIC: Social Media Is Rewriting Humanity And We Are at the
Crossroads of Its Promises and Perils.
Quotation based
Utsav Anand
AIR 26, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Dissent Is the Safety Valve of a Democracy.
Shraddha Gome
AIR 60, CSE 2021
Personality Based
TOPIC: Intolerance Is The First Sign of Inadequate Education.
Personality Shraddha Gome
Based AIR 60, CSE 2021
Cyclic Approach
TOPIC: Social Media Is Rewriting Humanity And We Are at the
Crossroads of Its Promises and Perils.
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N
T
R
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D
U
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T
I
O
N
C
O
N
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Namarta Chaubey
O AIR 73, CSE 2021
N
TOPIC: If You Want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone
But if You Want to Walk Far, Walk Together.
I
N Cyclic Approach
T
R
O
D
U
C
T
I
O
N
C
O
N
C
L
U
S
I
O
N Surbhi Goyal
AIR 78, CSE 2021
TOPIC: Dissent Is the Safety Valve of a Democracy.
Surbhi Goyal
AIR 78, CSE 2021
Poem Based Conclusion
TOPIC: Nearly all man can withstand adversity, but if you
want to test a mans character give him power.
Raunak Agarwal
AIR 13, CSE 2019
Poem Based Conclusion
TOPIC: If You Want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone
But if You Want to Walk Far, Walk Together.
Utkarsh Diwedi
AIR 5, CSE 2021
Philosophical Conclusion
TOPIC: Is Crypto currency Beginning of Something
Great ?
Yasharth Sekhar
AIR 12, CSE 2021
Summarised Conclusion
Brain-Storming Exercise
✓ Method of generating ideas over a
topic in a creative way.
✓ Helps in exploration of possible
dimensions of the topic.
✓ One can invest 15-20 minutes per
topic to brainstorm the topic.
TOPIC: Digital Infrastructure is the Key to Future Ready Governance.
Yasharth Sekhar
AIR-12, CSE-2021
TOPIC: Digital Infrastructure is the Key to Future Ready Governance.
Shubham Kumar
AIR 1, CSE 2020
How to Select the Essay Topic in UPSC Exam?
• Read all the topics mentioned in the question paper.
• Choose a topic that you have a good knowledge of.
• Be assured that you understand the topic and the demands of
the title.
• Avoid choosing similar types of topics from section A & B.
Things to Avoid in CSE Essay
• Don’t stray away from the topic.
• Don’t attribute quotes to the wrong people.
• Fail to address the question’s topic in your introduction.
• Avoid writing in the first person in body of an essay.
• Don’t unnecessarily underline the content.
• Don’t write too long sentences.
• Don’t write a single para on a page.
• Don’t get too personal and name politicians or political parties unnecessarily.
• Do not go overboard on a single dimension or point.
• Do not select topics you were not comfortable writing when practicing.
• Avoid extremes.
• Don’t use informal language, colloquialisms, or overuse rhetorical questions.
• Insert quotes without introducing them or relating them back to the topic.
• Do not dedicate too long a time to one essay that you fall short on the other.
Thank You !
