Tools and Techniques for Essays | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

Introduction

Essays may serve various purposes, but their fundamental structure remains consistent regardless. Whether you are presenting an argument for a specific viewpoint or explaining the steps to complete a task, the basic format remains unchanged. By following a few steps, you'll discover that the essay practically comes together on its own. Your main responsibility is to provide ideas, which are crucial components of the essay. Don't be intimidated by the idea of starting to write; with the right approach, the process becomes more manageable.

There are some simple tools and techniques which will guide you through the essay writing process, they are as follows:

• Decide the topic on which you want to write
• Make some vague idea or diagram
• Write a thesis statement
• Write the body section
• Write the main points
• Write the subpoints
• Elaborate on the subpoints
• Write the introductory part
• Write the conclusion
• Conclude the essay

Choose a Topic

Topic Has Been Assigned

When your topic is predetermined, you might not have the flexibility to choose. Even in such cases, it's important to consider the type of paper you are expected to create. Determine whether it's meant to be a broad overview or a detailed analysis. If it's an overview, you can proceed to the next step. In the case of a specific analysis, ensure that your topic is sufficiently narrow. If it's too broad, select a more focused subtopic. For instance, if the initial topic is 'Japan,' it's a broad subject. If you aim to provide an overview, it's suitable; however, for a specific analysis, it's too general. In that case, you might narrow it down to something like 'Politics in Japan' or 'Culture of Japan.' Once you've established a suitable topic, you can proceed with writing the essay.

Topic Has Not Been Assigned 

If you are not assigned a topic, then the whole world lies before you. Sometimes, it seems to make the task of starting a topic even more intimidating. Actually, this means that you are free to choose any topic of your interest, which can often make your essay a stronger one. 

Define Your Purpose 

First, you must think about the purpose of your essay that you want to write on. Is your purpose to explain, to persuade, to educate people about some person, place, thing or idea, or something else entirely? The topic you choose must fit that purpose. 

Brainstorm Subjects of Interest 

Once you have decided the purpose of your essay, write down some subjects of your interest. If you are finding it hard to think of subjects, start it to look around you. Is there anything in your surroundings that interests you to write subjects? Think about your life. What occupies the most time of yours? That might be a good topic. Do not evaluate the subjects yet; just write down the things that spring to your mind. 

Evaluate Each Potential Topic 

If you manage to brainstorm a few suitable topics, take the time to evaluate each one individually. Reflect on your feelings toward each topic. If you opt for an educational subject, make sure it's an area where you possess considerable knowledge. If your goal is to persuade, ensure you have at least a moderate level of passion for the subject. The crucial factor in selecting a topic lies in the abundance of ideas you can incorporate. Even if none of the topics seems particularly appealing, choose the one you believe will be most manageable to work with; it might turn out to be a better topic than you initially thought. Before advancing to the essay-writing process, take a final look at the chosen topic.

Organise Your Ideas

The aim of an outline or diagram is to articulate your thoughts on the topic in a reasonably organized manner on paper. The frameworks you establish can still undergo modifications before the essay is finished, so there's no need to excessively worry about it. Choose the structure that suits you best, whether it's the straightforward format of an outline or a more fluid arrangement. If you begin with one structure and find it isn't effective, you always have the option to switch later on.

Diagram

1. Start your diagram with a circle or a horizontal line or whatever shape you prefer in the middle of the page.
2. Inside the shape or on the line, write your topic.
3. From your centre shape or line, draw three or four lines out into the page. Be sure to spread them out.
4. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the centre of the page.
5. In each shape or on each line, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that you want to make. If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
   1. If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed.
   2. You will probably need to group these into categories. If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
   3. If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information can be divided.
6. From each of your main ideas, draw three or four lines out into the page.
7. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the centre of the page.
8. In each shape or on each line, write the fact or information that supports that main idea. When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.