Improving writing skills for UPSC Mains answer writing is essential to excel in the examination. Here are some detailed steps and tips to enhance your writing abilities:

1. Understand the Question: Before starting to write, thoroughly analyze the question to grasp its meaning, context, and requirements. Pay attention to keywords that indicate the approach you need to take.

2. Research and Gather Information: Conduct extensive research on the given topic using reliable sources such as textbooks, government reports, journals, and reputable websites. Gather relevant and up-to-date information to support your arguments.

3. Plan and Organize: Create a clear and logical structure for your answer. Divide it into sections or paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the topic. This will help you present your ideas in a systematic manner.

4. Introduction: Begin your answer with a concise and engaging introduction. Clearly state the main points you will discuss in the subsequent sections. Make sure your introduction is relevant to the question and sets the tone for your answer.

5. Body paragraphs: Elaborate on the main points mentioned in the introduction. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence that introduces the key point, followed by supporting evidence and examples. Use bullet points to present important information or arguments clearly.

6. Use Relevant Examples: Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, or historical events to illustrate your arguments. This not only adds credibility to your answer but also demonstrates your understanding of the topic.

7. Be Objective and Balanced: While presenting arguments or discussing different perspectives, maintain objectivity and avoid personal biases. Provide a balanced view by considering various sides of the issue.

8. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and provide a concise conclusion that directly addresses the question. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

9. Language and Grammar: Use clear, concise, and grammatically correct language. Avoid using unnecessarily complex vocabulary or jargon, as it may hinder comprehension. Proofread your answer for spelling and grammatical errors.

10. Time Management: Practice writing within the given time limit to enhance your speed and efficiency. This will help you effectively manage your time during the actual examination.

Remember, practice is the key to improving your writing skills. Regularly attempt mock tests and previous year question papers to assess your progress and identify areas that need improvement.