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How to Practice Essays for UPSC? PDF Download

The essay paper is an important aspect of the UPSC civil services exams. It can make or break your outcome. The essay paper is an area where you can let loose your creativity while displaying your knowledge about the topics. But you can write good essays only if you practice essay writing well before the exam.

How to Practice Essays for UPSC?

How to Practice Essays for UPSC?

EduRev UPSC Experts on the advice of various IAS toppers including Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017), Junaid Ahmed (AIR 03, 2018), Muskan Jindal (AIR 87, 2019) and others have compiled the following steps and strategy on How to Practice Essays for UPSC. So that you can attempt the section well and can get great marks in it. Go through EduRev’s course Essay for MAINS- UPSC, PCS & Other Competitive exams and practice as many essays as you can through it.

Step 1: Know the sources of preparation

For the best preparation of the Essay Paper, collecting information and material from the correct sources is very important. Here are a few sources that the aspirants must rely on, while preparing for the IAS Mains Essay Paper.
How to Practice Essays for UPSC?

  • GS + Current Affairs preparation: Preparation of Essays is done when you are studying for GS and current affairs. We have divided the topics GS-wise so that you can keep them in mind while preparing for GS. 
  • GS wise Important topics: Important topics based on previous 5- 10 year papers have been compiled by EduRev Experts for you. GS wise division of topics are done so that you can study the topics along with your GS preparation. 

How to Practice Essays for UPSC?

  • Yojana & Kurukshetra: Magazines like Yojana/Kurukshetra/EPW/Economic Survey, etc. can be referred to for certain topics. They provide the latest statistics along with praises/criticisms of government schemes in specific sectors.
  • Current Affairs: Read many good essays and articles. This will give you a feel of what constitutes a well-written essay. Build a habit of reading newspaper editorials every day. Essay questions are many times asked from current affairs. You can go through EduRev’s course: Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly and can practice and gather information on daily, weekly, and monthly current affairs. 
  • Reading Non-Fiction: Reading non-fiction books occasionally in free time helps in developing a matured process of thinking. It imparts knowledge, good figures of speech, the art of argumentation, strong rhetoric, and unique content.
  • Collecting Good Stories/Quotes/Anecdotes: Note down the stories and anecdotes in newspapers and non-fiction books. Collect quotes from Eminent people too. NITI Aayog website can be followed too.

Step 2: Prepare essay topics: Gather info and Compile

  • Develop a routine: No matter how much you are busy throughout the week you need to devote some time for preparing Essays. Every week one day should be fixed for example sunday and dedicated time should be devoted for essay preparation.
  • Check frequently repeated topics: Prepare some material on general topics like development, women, education, healthcare, internet, technology, science, etc. EduRev Experts have compiled a list of frequently repeated topics (given in step 1). You should devote your time in preparing these topics. 
  • Compile Content: Devote 1-2 hour each for compiling material for the topic. Content for introduction & conclusion, quotes, schemes, relevant data, and more should be found out from the preparation sources and should be compiled. Pocket the important articles on that topic and keep them on side. Your material should include quotations, case studies, examples, government initiatives, etc. This will be useful while writing the essay.

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How to Practice Essays for UPSC?
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Step 3: Write the Essays, Check and Compare them

  • Write the essays and analyze: Write the essays on the topics in a given time limit. Know what are the distinct ways of structuring different types of essays by writing more and more.  You can go through the course Essay for MAINS- UPSC, PCS & Other Competitive exams and practice as many essays as you can.
  • The habit of outlining the structure: get into the habit of outlining the structures of your essays before you begin writing. Arrange the points to give it a structure and flow. This will help you ensure that you include all applicable points and important information in your paper.
  • Work on previous question papers essay topic: Look toppers essays or previous year essays online or in booklets available in the market. Choose a topic, brainstorm for 15 minutes thinking of Intro, conclusion, quotes, data schemes, etc 
  • Compare or get your essays checked: Just writing the essays is not enough you need to compare your essays with the essays written by toppers or you can get your essays checked too. Note down extra points and learn techniques by comparing your essays to those of topper’s. You can also compare your essays through: Toppers Answer Sheets uploaded at EduRev

Follow the above three steps and start your preparation of Essays for UPSC. You can go through the document How to score 150 + in Essays? And can ace the art of writing essays.

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FAQs on How to Practice Essays for UPSC?

1. How can I practice essay writing for the UPSC exam?
Ans. To practice essay writing for the UPSC exam, follow these steps: 1. Understand the UPSC essay paper: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC essay paper pattern, word limit, and evaluation criteria. This will help you structure your essays effectively. 2. Read extensively: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance your knowledge on a wide range of topics. This will provide you with different perspectives and ideas to include in your essays. 3. Develop strong writing skills: Practice writing regularly to improve your writing skills. Focus on clarity, coherence, and logical flow in your essays. Pay attention to grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. 4. Analyze previous year question papers: Study previous year essay questions to understand the type of topics and themes that UPSC asks. Analyze the structure, content, and approach of the top-scoring essays. 5. Time yourself: Set a time limit and practice writing essays within that timeframe. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam. 6. Seek feedback: Ask a mentor, teacher, or fellow aspirant to review your essays and provide constructive feedback. This will help you identify areas of improvement and refine your writing style. 7. Mock tests: Take mock tests specifically designed for essay writing. This will help you simulate the actual exam environment and assess your performance. Remember, regular practice, feedback, and continuous improvement are key to mastering essay writing for the UPSC exam.
2. How should I structure my essays for the UPSC exam?
Ans. To structure your essays effectively for the UPSC exam, follow these guidelines: 1. Introduction: Begin with a captivating introduction that provides context to the topic and grabs the reader's attention. Clearly state your thesis or main argument in this section. 2. Body paragraphs: Organize your essay into coherent and logical paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or argument supported by relevant facts, examples, or data. Use subheadings to make it easier for the reader to follow your essay. 3. Use of evidence: Back your arguments with credible evidence from reliable sources. This could include statistics, research findings, expert opinions, or historical examples. Properly cite your sources to maintain academic integrity. 4. Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints in your essay. This shows that you have considered different perspectives and strengthens your argument. 5. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. End with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action related to the topic. 6. Language and style: Use clear and concise language to express your ideas. Avoid jargon, complex sentence structures, or excessive use of quotations. Maintain a formal tone and adhere to the word limit. Remember to practice writing essays using this structure to develop your writing skills and improve your chances of scoring well in the UPSC exam.
3. What are the common mistakes to avoid while writing essays for the UPSC exam?
Ans. When writing essays for the UPSC exam, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes: 1. Lack of clarity: Ensure that your essay has a clear and concise thesis statement. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that may confuse the reader. 2. Poor organization: Structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner. Use paragraphs to separate different ideas and maintain a smooth flow throughout the essay. 3. Irrelevant content: Stay focused on the topic and avoid including irrelevant information. Stick to the main argument and support it with relevant examples, evidence, and facts. 4. Lack of evidence: Back your arguments with credible evidence from reliable sources. Avoid making sweeping statements without any supporting evidence. 5. Grammatical errors: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Poor grammar can negatively impact the readability and coherence of your essay. 6. Lack of originality: Avoid excessive use of quotations or relying heavily on the ideas of others. Add your own analysis, insights, and opinions to make your essay unique. 7. Ignoring word limit: Stay within the prescribed word limit. Writing excessively or insufficiently can lead to marks deduction. By being aware of these common mistakes and practicing regularly, you can improve your essay writing skills and avoid these pitfalls in the UPSC exam.
4. How can I improve my time management during the UPSC essay writing exam?
Ans. Time management is crucial during the UPSC essay writing exam. Here are some tips to improve your time management skills: 1. Plan your essay: Spend a few minutes planning your essay before you start writing. Create an outline, identify key points, and decide on the structure. This will help you stay focused and save time while writing. 2. Allocate time for each section: Divide your time according to the marks assigned to different sections or paragraphs. This will ensure that you give sufficient attention to each part of your essay. 3. Practice writing within time limits: Regularly practice writing essays within the time limits set for the UPSC exam. This will help you develop a sense of timing and improve your speed. 4. Prioritize content: Focus on writing quality content rather than quantity. It is better to write a well-structured and concise essay than to fill pages with irrelevant information. 5. Use abbreviations and shortcuts: To save time, use abbreviations or shortcuts while writing. However, ensure that your writing remains clear and understandable. 6. Avoid excessive editing: While it is important to review and make necessary corrections, avoid spending too much time on editing during the exam. Trust your initial writing and move forward. 7. Stay calm and focused: Manage your stress levels and stay focused during the exam. Panicking or getting distracted can lead to wastage of precious time. With practice and conscious efforts, you can improve your time management skills and effectively utilize the allotted time for essay writing in the UPSC exam.
5. Are there any specific books or resources to refer to for UPSC essay writing practice?
Ans. While there are no specific books dedicated solely to UPSC essay writing, you can refer to the following resources for practice and guidance: 1. Previous years' question papers: Analyze and practice writing essays on topics from previous years' question papers. This will help you understand the type of questions asked and the expected writing style. 2. Newspapers and magazines: Read newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline. These sources provide valuable insights into current affairs and diverse topics. 3. UPSC publications: The UPSC publishes various reports, papers, and compilations on different subjects. These resources can provide you with in-depth knowledge and analysis on important topics. 4. Online platforms: There are several online platforms and websites that provide essay topics, model essays, and sample answers for practice. These platforms also offer essay evaluation services where you can get feedback on your writing. 5. Standard reference books: Refer to standard reference books on subjects like history, geography, economics, and polity to enhance your knowledge and gather relevant information for your essays. Remember, while these resources can provide guidance and information, it is essential to develop your own understanding and analysis of the topics. Practice writing essays regularly and focus on improving your writing skills and critical thinking abilities.
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