Essay: Things to know

Mastering essay writing is crucial for success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This guide provides an in-depth overview of essential aspects of the essay paper, including the syllabus, types of essays, potential topics, and key instructions. Additionally, it offers valuable tips on how to write a good essay, common mistakes to avoid, and effective preparation strategies. By understanding and implementing these insights, candidates can enhance their essay-writing skills and improve their performance in the examination.

About Essay Paper

Introduction: The essay paper in the UPSC Civil Services Examination holds significant weightage, evaluating a candidate’s ability to articulate their thoughts coherently and succinctly. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive guide on mastering the art of essay writing for the UPSC examination.

Understanding the Essay Syllabus: The UPSC essay syllabus covers a wide array of topics ranging from socioeconomic issues to political and philosophical musings. Candidates must focus on developing their writing skills and analytical abilities rather than becoming experts in specific subjects.

Types of Essays: Candidates should be familiar with different essay types such as informative, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive essays. Each type has its unique writing style, skill set, and format that candidates must master to score high marks in the exam.

Topics for Essay Writing: The topics for essay writing can encompass national and international importance, relevant social, economic, political, cultural, historical, geographical, and contemporary issues. Candidates should choose familiar topics and express their opinions coherently and structured.

• For the CSE essay examination, candidates are required to compose two essays within a three-hour timeframe, adhering to a word limit of 1000-1200 words for each. Each essay holds a weightage of 125 marks, thus totaling 250 marks for the paper.
• The essay paper consists of two sections, A and B, with each section offering a choice of four essay topics. Candidates must select one essay from each section.
• The guidelines outlined in the syllabus are explicit regarding the expectations from candidates. They are instructed to maintain relevance to the given topic and organize their ideas coherently. 
• Furthermore, emphasis is placed on effective expression, as these aspects are pivotal in the evaluation process.
• Understanding and adhering to these key instructions is crucial, as they serve as the precise criteria upon which the essays will be assessed.

How to write a good essay

• When you write body paragraphs, think about them in three ways: supportive, critical, or narrative. 
• Start with a narrative paragraph to explain the topic in detail. 
• Then, add a supportive paragraph with positive facts or ideas. 
• Critical paragraphs work best towards the end, but there’s flexibility.
• The introduction is crucial. It’s like making a good first impression. A well-crafted intro will impress the examiner. 
• The conclusion is another chance to score marks. 
• Stick closely to the topic. You can deviate a bit, but not too much. Everything should relate to the topic somehow.
• Plan your essay before writing. It should have a clear structure and flow in an orderly way.
• Keep it concise. 
• Be clear and brief. 
• Avoid using fancy words just for show.
• Write effectively. 
• Every sentence should make a strong point.
• Make sure your essay is coherent. 
• Check that each sentence makes sense and that paragraphs flow well together.
• Emphasis on the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address societal challenges 
• Interconnectedness of various domains of knowledge in a structed way. 

Essay Writing Tips:

• Understand the topic thoroughly before starting to write.
• Create an outline to organize thoughts and arguments logically.
• Write in a simple and lucid language.
• Adhere to the word limit set by UPSC.
• Provide examples and factual data to support arguments.

Preparing for the Essay Paper:

• Understand the types of essays that might appear in the exam.
• Stay updated on current affairs and trending topics.
• Focus on improving language skills and creative thinking.
• Allocate fixed time for brainstorming, outlining, and writing.
• Avoid common mistakes like overusing quotes, lack of relevance, and poor time management.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Lack of clarity in language and ideas.
• Overuse of quotes, making the essay less original.
• Poor essay structure without a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Lack of relevance to the question asked.
• Poor time management leading to errors and inadequate proofreading.

Crafting a syllabus for the UPSC Essay Paper is a meticulous task that requires a deep understanding of the examination’s evolving patterns and the diverse topics it encompasses. The syllabus is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to articulate thoughts coherently, maintain relevance, and demonstrate effective expression. Given the broad range of subjects covered, from technology and society to politics and economics, it is essential to develop a structured approach to studying.

Our syllabus is meticulously developed by analysing previous UPSC essay papers, identifying recurring themes, and understanding the depth and breadth of issues addressed. This analysis helps in categorising topics into sections such as technology, environment, education, health, social issues, globalization, politics, economics, science, and art. By organising the syllabus in this manner, candidates can systematically prepare and ensure they cover all potential areas comprehensively.

As per the UPSC, “Candidates are 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.” However, seeing the pattern of previous papers, it can be divided into following sections— 

1. Technology and Society 
   1. Impact of technology on human communication 
      1. Evolution of communication mediums 
      2. Effects on interpersonal relationships and communication skills 
   2. Role of social media in shaping public opinion 
      1. Influence on political discourse and social movements 
      2. Spread of misinformation and echo chambers 
   3. Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence 
      1. Implications of AI algorithms in decision-making processes 
      2. Concerns regarding privacy and data security
2. Environmental Issues 
   1. Climate change and its consequences 
      1. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events 
      2. Impact on ecosystems and biodiversity loss 
   2. Deforestation and its impact on biodiversity 
      1. Loss of habitats and species extinction 
      2. Contribution to carbon emissions and climate change 
   3. Importance of renewable energy sources 
      1. Transitioning to sustainable energy sources 
      2. Benefits for the environment and long-term sustainability
3. Education 
   1. Pros and cons of online education 
      1. Accessibility and flexibility 
      2. Challenges of digital divide and lack of in-person interaction 
   2. Role of standardized testing in education 
      1. Assessment of academic proficiency 
      2. Criticisms regarding limitations and biases 
   3. Addressing challenges of global access to education 
      1. Disparities in educational resources and infrastructure 
      2. Initiatives for promoting education equity worldwide
4. Health and Wellness 
   1. Mental health awareness and destigmatization 
      1. Importance of addressing mental health issues 
      2. Challenges in reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking behavior 
   2. Impact of sedentary lifestyle on health 
      1. Health risks associated with lack of physical activity 
      2. Promoting active lifestyles and workplace wellness programs 
   3. Healthcare disparities and access to medical services 
      1. Disparities based on socioeconomic status and geography 
      2. Initiatives for improving healthcare access and affordability
5. Social Issues 
   1. Gender inequality and its manifestations 
      1. Gender disparities in education, employment, and leadership roles 
      2. Movements for gender equality and empowerment 
   2. Racial and ethnic discrimination 
      1. Systemic racism and structural inequalities 
      2. Promoting diversity and inclusion in society 
   3. LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance 
      1. Struggles for equality and recognition 
      2. Importance of fostering inclusive communities and legislation
6. Globalization 
   1. Cultural implications of globalization 
      1. Spread of cultural ideas and practices 
      2. Challenges to cultural diversity and identity preservation 
   2. Economic disparities in a globalized world 
      1. Wealth distribution and income inequality 
      2. Effects on developing economies and labor markets 
   3. Role of international organizations in fostering cooperation 
      1. United Nations, World Bank, and other global institutions 
      2. Efforts to address global challenges through collaboration
7. Politics and Governance 
   1. Role of media in shaping political opinions 
      1. Influence of media bias and framing 
      2. Importance of media literacy and critical thinking 
   2. Challenges to democracy in the 21st century 
      1. Threats to democratic institutions and norms 
      2. Strategies for safeguarding democracy and citizen participation 
   3. Corruption in politics and its consequences 
      1. Impact on governance and public trust 
      2. Anti-corruption measures and transparency initiatives
8. Economics 
   1. Income inequality and its impact on society 
      1. Economic disparities and social mobility 
      2. Policies for reducing income inequality and promoting economic justice 
   2. Role of small businesses in the economy 
      1. Contribution to employment and innovation 
      2. Challenges faced by small businesses and support initiatives 
   3. Economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic 
      1. Disruptions to global supply chains and markets 
      2. Government responses and recovery efforts
9. Science and Ethics 
   1. Ethical considerations in scientific research 
      1. Research integrity and human subjects protections 
      2. Ethical implications of emerging technologies 
   2. Balance between scientific progress and environmental conservation 
      1. Sustainable development and responsible innovation 
      2. Mitigating environmental impacts of scientific advancements 
   3. Impact of technology on personal privacy 
      1. Surveillance technologies and data privacy concerns 
      2. Legal and ethical frameworks for protecting privacy rights
10. Art and Culture 
    1. Role of art in society 
       1. Expression of cultural identity and societal values 
       2. Art as a catalyst for social change and dialogue 
    2. Cultural appropriation in the arts 
       1. Appropriation vs. appreciation 
       2. Ethical considerations in cross-cultural artistic exchange 
    3. Influence of technology on the entertainment industry 
       1. Digital platforms and distribution channels 
       2. Challenges and opportunities for artists and content creators 
    4. Preserving cultural heritage in a globalized world 
       1. Cultural heritage conservation efforts 
       2. Importance of cultural diversity and heritage protection

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) essay paper is a crucial component of the Civil Services Examination. It challenges candidates to engage deeply with a variety of themes, demonstrating their ability to think critically, articulate their ideas clearly, and offer balanced perspectives on complex issues. The essay paper includes topics that range from philosophical reflections and social issues to economic challenges and technological advancements.

The Nature of UPSC Essay Topics

Each essay prompt in the UPSC examination serves as a thought-provoking statement or theme, requiring candidates to delve into their understanding of various subjects and construct a coherent, structured essay. The topics often cover:

1. Philosophical Reflections: Candidates are prompted to discuss abstract ideas such as wisdom, truth, justice, and values, and relate these concepts to real-world scenarios.
2. Social and Economic Perspectives: Essays frequently address issues like education, gender inequality, poverty, and societal structures, pushing candidates to evaluate these challenges and propose insightful solutions.
3. Technological Impact: Topics on technology and innovation emphasize the transformative effects of technological advancements on society, highlighting both opportunities and potential risks.
4. Global and National Perspectives: Many essays focus on global issues like climate change and international relations, as well as national concerns such as governance and economic reforms in the Indian context.
5. Ethical Considerations: Ethical dilemmas are a recurring theme, encouraging candidates to explore the balance between tradition and modernity, the ethics of development, and the influence of media and technology on moral values.

 

PYQs

2023

Section-A

Q1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

Q2. Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

Q3. Not all who wander are lost.

Q4. Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.

Section-B

Q1. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.

Q2. Mathematics is the music of reason

Q3. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

Q4. Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

 

2022

Section-A

Q1. Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence

Q2. Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world

Q3. History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man

Q4. A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for

Section-B

Q1. The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining

Q2. You cannot step twice in the same river

Q3. A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities

Q4. Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right

 

2021

Section A

Q1. The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

Q2. Your perception of me is reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

Q3. Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

Q4. The real is rational and the rational is real.

Section B

Q1. Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Q2. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

Q3. History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

Q4. There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

 

2020

Section A

Q1. Life is long journey between human being and being humane.

Q2. Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.

Q3. Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.

Q4. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Section B

Q1. Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.

Q2. There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.

Q3. Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.

Q4. Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

 

2019

Section A

Q1. Wisdom finds truth.

Q2. Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be

Q3. Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society

Q4. Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success

Section B

Q1. South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.

Q2. Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.

Q3. Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.

Q4. Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.

 

2018

Section A

Q1. Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

Q2. A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

Q3. Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere

Q4. Management of Indian border disputes—a complex task

Section B

Q1. Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life

Q2. ‘The past’ is permanent dimension of human consiousness and values.

Q3. A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both

Q4. Reality does not conform to the idea, but confirms it.

 

2017

Section-A

Q1. Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India.

Q2. Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.

Q3. Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.

Q4. Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world?

Section-B

Q1. Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.

Q2. Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is myth.

Q3. We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.

Q4. ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium.

 

2016

Section-A

Q1. If development is not engendered, it is endangered.

Q2. Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.

Q3. Water disputes between States in federal India.

Q4. Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare.

Section-B

Q1. Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality

Q2. Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.

Q3. Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms

Q4. Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.

 

2015

Section-A

Q1. Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.

Q2. Quick but steady wins the race.

Q3. Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.

Q4. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil.

Section-B

Q1. Technology cannot replace manpower.

Q2. Crisis faced in India— moral or economic.

Q3. Dreams which should not let India sleep.

Q4. Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?

 

2014

Section-A

Q1. With greater power comes greater responsibility.

Q2. Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?

Q3. Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress?

Q4. Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.

Section-B

Q1. Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?

Q2. Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?

Q3. Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?

Q4. Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?

 

2013

Section-A

(Old Pattern— Write an essay on any of the following topics in not more than 2500 words.)

Q1. Be the change you want to see in others — Gandhiji.

Q2. Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s success?

Q3. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.

Q4. Science and Technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.