c

The essay paper (200 marks) in the civil services main examination
is crucial in determining the final outcome/ selection and ranking. It
is critical because it is a compulsory paper and its score is
incorporated in computing the total. It is decisive because there is
no specialisation in an essay and so no aspirant can not claim
expertise, unlike optional subjects.

Finally, an essay is a paper, which does not have a reservoir of

definitive information as in the case of general studies. All this
constitutes a challenge. It is vital to understand that an essay is a
reflection of the personality - ideas, views, analysis, assessments
and inferences, values, attitude, aptitude, orientation and
communication (written) abilities, all the attributes that are wanted
by UPSC in an aspirant.

An essay is considered a complete composition. The essentials of

essay writing would be the format (framework,
structure), information (content, substance),language (expression,
presentation), and logic (analysis and information).

The conventional design of looking at essay writing in terms of the

introduction, body and conclusion is only the format. Although, this
is fundamental to essay writing, the concept of an essay is quite
intricate. An essay is expected to be a topical text that is self-
explanatory and comprehensive, concise, composite and
unambiguous, informative and logical.

For every effective composition one should ideally begin with

clarifying the purpose of the composition to oneself. This is true
about all written and spoken communication. It's best that this
principle be applied to essay writing. Although, the question cues
that are recommended at this point may appear archaic, they are
useful and often overlooked. At every critical juncture, while writing
a topical text all applicable queries must be asked to oneself about
the issue in question, e.g. who, what, where, when, why, how?
These questions would obtain answers that would make the text
organised and accurate and also ensure that no aspect has been
omitted. Proficiency in applying this principle, i.e. the appropriate
 choice of questions, will come with extensive practise, periodic
evaluation and critical analysis.

The format comprises:

pc An impact-oriented thematic introduction containing the core

conceptual scheme, the defining criteria, the central idea, etc.
pc A series of paragraphs containing arguments based on
information, analysis and systematic inter-connectivity
pc An overall impressive synoptic presentation or an effective
conclusion or a final inference.

The introduction is the opening part of the essay and should be

confined to a paragraph, especially since, unlike a book, the
introduction of an essay is not captioned. The introductory paragraph
is expected to introduce the topic, and wherever necessary, explain
the central theme or idea, basic or core concepts, and definitional
criteria. The introduction should arouse interest and generate
curiosity in the mind of the reader, be it an examiner.

The main text of an essay, after the introductory part is over,

essentially is a systematic organisation of information based on a
consistent methodology. It deals with the topic and related issues to
be addressed, the correlation of facts, figures, ideas, views, concepts;
an in-depth, systematic, coherent analysis based on the topic leading
to logical inferences; as well as making (if it is required) plausible
projections and providing with (if necessary) viable solutions.
The text of the composition must develop, support and explain the
main ideas stated in your introduction or thesis paragraph.

As the text draws close to the conclusion, the essay should have
reached the stage of 'critical mass', a sort of a climax. The
conclusion, a summary, should express the essence of the essay. It
should not contain any fresh evidence, facts or figures. c