How to Write Essay for IAS Exam?
The candidates selected after the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims qualify for the CSE Mains and there’s one paper in which they have to write a 1000-2000 word long essay for IAS exam and its of 250 marks.
An essay is a write up that evolves from childhood to youth and thereafter to maturity. An essay is a focused, descriptive and analytical writing on any particular topic and also reflect the perceptions and understanding of the writer, which may be supported by facts, quotes and findings.
A good essay consists of three distinct parts— Introduction, Description and Conclusion. A good essay for IAS exam should also reflect the understanding, thoroughness, analytical capacity, research and analytical capability of the writer.
A candidate writing an essay for Civil service examinations should keep in mind that he has good ideas on given subject. He can also arrange his ideas systematically and can express, analyze his opinion correctly using good language.
To write essay for IAS Exam required strategy needs to be followed:
Suitable Topic
Begin the essay writing process by researching your topic, making yourself an expert. It is essential to select a topic you are more comfortable with and you are completely sure of. Make sure that you have sufficient understanding and material to write, before chosing the topic.
Outline Your Ideas
Prior to start writing the essay note down all important points randomly. Noting down these points will help you recalling the important facts which you main miss due to shortage of time. Make a chart in front of you which may consist important dates, events etc. and note down all the ideas and views that comes to your mind.
Use one-line sentences to describe paragraphs, and bullet points to describe what each paragraph will contain. Plan the essay’s order. Map out the structure of your argument, and make sure each paragraph is unified.
Introduction
The most important point is to make the introduction strong. Introductory paragraph should be hard hitting and impact full which will create a positive impression on the examiner. You should not deviate from the topic you are writing. It should be to the point and straight forward. Focus on the topic you are writing on and throughout the topic the main subject should not be left behind.
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Analysis
Start analyzing the arguments of the essays/articles you’re reading. Clearly define the claims, write out the reasons, the evidence, etc. Look for weaknesses of logic, and also strengths. Learning how to write an essay begins by learning how to analyze essays written by others. Think and think until you come up with original insights to write about.
Arrangement of Ideas
Arrange your ideas in such a way that their logical consistency is maintained. After ordering your points, think of a suitable introduction and conclusion.
Stick to subject of the Essay
Don’t go off topic. Stick to the topic. Write down your views and ideas. Try and maintain a neutral point of view towards a particular topic and show human concern wherever possible.
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Write concisely
Although a candidate has to write an essay of 1000-2000 words, the writing needs to concise and informative. Patience and perseverance must be maintained while writing a topic and make it sure about excellence to present cogently.
Paragraphs
Each individual paragraph should be focused on a single idea that supports your thesis. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, support assertions with evidence, and expound your ideas in the clearest, most sensible way you can. In other words, instead of writing the essay, try to talk through essay.
Exact and Effective Representation
Represent your views in an exact and effective manner. Articulation, effective expression, logic, flow and rhythm are important. Correct grammar and style of writing adds to the overall effectiveness of the message which you want to convey through your essay.
Conclusion
Gracefully exit your essay by making a quick wrap-up sentence, and then end on some memorable thought, perhaps a quotation, or an interesting twist of logic, or some call to action. After you’ve written your essay for IAS Exam, proofreading and revising your essay is absolutely essential.