Philosophy Optional has been a popular choice among UPSC toppers over the years. Many candidates have achieved remarkable success in this subject by following effective answer writing strategies. Let's look at a few examples of successful Philosophy Optional toppers and their answer writing techniques for Paper I.

1. Tina Dabi, UPSC 2015 Topper:
- Introduction: Begin your answer with a brief introduction to the topic, highlighting its relevance and significance.
- Logical Structure: Organize your answer in a logical manner, presenting arguments and counter-arguments coherently.
- Clarity of Thought: Ensure that your thoughts are clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex language.
- Examples and References: Support your arguments with relevant examples and references from renowned philosophers or thinkers.
- Balance: Maintain a balanced approach while discussing different perspectives and viewpoints.
- Critical Analysis: Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments, providing your own insights and interpretations.
- Conclusion: Conclude your answer by summarizing the key points discussed and presenting a well-rounded perspective.

2. Anudeep Durishetty, UPSC 2017 Topper:
- In-depth Understanding: Develop a deep understanding of the philosophical concepts and theories, going beyond the surface-level knowledge.
- Diagrams and Flowcharts: Use diagrams and flowcharts wherever possible to visually represent complex ideas and enhance clarity.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Relate philosophical concepts to other subjects like ethics, sociology, or political science, showcasing a broader understanding.
- Critical Evaluation: Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different philosophical theories, providing balanced arguments.
- Contextualization: Contextualize your answers by relating them to contemporary issues or real-world scenarios, demonstrating their practical relevance.
- Language and Presentation: Use simple and precise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Present your answers neatly and legibly.

3. Kanishak Kataria, UPSC 2018 Topper:
- Conceptual Clarity: Develop a strong conceptual understanding of the core philosophical theories and ideas.
- Structured Approach: Structure your answers in a well-organized manner, using subheadings or bullet points to present key arguments.
- Answer Length: While it's important to present a comprehensive answer, avoid unnecessary elaboration and focus on quality rather than quantity.
- Crisp Introductions: Begin your answers with a crisp and focused introduction, setting the context and scope of your response.
- Diagrams and Tables: Utilize diagrams, tables, or charts to present information systematically, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your answer.
- Exam-oriented Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the previous years' question papers and practice writing answers within the given time frame.

By following these strategies, Philosophy Optional aspirants can effectively tackle Paper I and maximize their chances of success. Remember to practice consistently, revise regularly, and seek feedback to improve your answer writing skills.