#152: Roadmap to better your essays
How I did it and you can too!
I have written 8 essays in last 3 weeks & had them reviewed by a top faculty in India
Sharing roadmap on bettering #UPSC Mains essays in this post
• How to pick a topic
• Intro, Structure & Conclusion
• Basics & multi dimensionality
First, 5 pointers on how to approach the essay🤔
1. Before you start, read the essay topics 3-4 times (or more if you need)
• Understand the 'meaning of the topic
• Super important for Philosophical essays
2. Once you decide the topic
• Brainstorm on topics in phases
• Phase I: Brainstorm to generate 8-10 diff points on topics
• Phase II: Once topic decided, brainstorm in depth on your topic
This would help you avoid changing topic midway!
3. Introduction
• Make the introductions engaging
• Intro set the tone of the essay, don't make mistake of keeping it merely 150 words or less
Next, Structure👇🏼
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4. Structure
• It is an 'essay' not a speech
• Text shall be coherent in an essay
• Don't jump from one idea to other
• eg: Jumping from problems to solutions only to mention more problems later
5. Conclusion
• It's called 'Conclusion' for a reason
• Conclude the essence of what you have written
• Connect intro to conclusion to let the essay come a full circle
Now, how to make your essays better?
• Write shorter sentences
• Poor grammar is a big no!
• Write shorter paragraphs
• Space your paragraphs right
• Don't deviate from the demands of essay
• Don't shy away from data, stats & examples
• Explain the keywords in essay topic properly
• Avoid introducing 'imaginary' keywords not asked in the topic
• In Philosophical essays, DO explain meaning of the statement, underlying philosophy/ethics etc.
Lastly, try to touch all dimensions
• Legal & Individual
• Individual & Security
• Political & Economical
• Ethical & Environmental
• Social & Technological
• Science & International
• Historical & Constitutional
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