How to write an essay Set 2 - For UPSC / SBI PO / UIIC AO / State PSC & other competitive exams Video Lecture | Crash Course for CLAT

Ans. To improve your essay writing skills for competitive exams, you can follow these steps: 1. Understand the exam pattern and requirements: Familiarize yourself with the essay topics and word limits specified in the exam pattern. 2. Read extensively: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance your knowledge and vocabulary. 3. Practice writing essays regularly: Set aside time to practice writing essays on a variety of topics, focusing on clarity, coherence, and structure. 4. Analyze sample essays: Study well-written essays to understand how to effectively develop arguments, provide evidence, and maintain a logical flow. 5. Seek feedback: Ask someone knowledgeable to review your essays and provide constructive feedback on areas that need improvement. 6. Time management: Practice writing essays within the given time constraints to enhance your speed and efficiency. 7. Revise and edit: Always review and edit your essays for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors before submitting them.

Ans. While prior knowledge about the essay topic can be helpful, it is not always necessary to write a good essay in competitive exams. The examiners primarily evaluate your ability to present a well-structured argument, analyze the given topic, and communicate effectively. Even if you are unfamiliar with the topic, you can still perform well by following these steps: 1. Analyze the topic: Carefully read and understand the given essay topic. Identify the key aspects and determine the angle you want to approach it from. 2. Brainstorm ideas: Spend some time brainstorming relevant ideas, arguments, and examples that support your chosen angle. 3. Research: Conduct quick research to gather some basic information about the topic, which can help you strengthen your arguments. 4. Plan your essay: Create a clear outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Organize your thoughts and arguments logically. 5. Focus on structure and coherence: Ensure that your essay has a coherent flow, with each paragraph supporting a specific point. Use appropriate transition words and phrases to maintain the logical progression of ideas. 6. Use examples wisely: While prior knowledge can be beneficial, avoid providing inaccurate information. Use general examples or hypothetical scenarios to support your arguments if you are unsure. 7. Revise and edit: Always allocate some time for revising and editing your essay. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and make necessary revisions to improve clarity and coherence.

Ans. Yes, you can use quotes in your essay for competitive exams. Quotes can add credibility, provide expert opinions, or strengthen your arguments. However, it is important to use them judiciously and ensure they are relevant to the essay topic. Here are some guidelines for using quotes effectively: 1. Choose quotes wisely: Select quotes that directly support or enhance the point you are trying to make. They should add value to your essay and not appear forced or out of context. 2. Attribute quotes properly: Always provide the name of the person who said the quote along with their credentials, if applicable. This helps establish the credibility of the quote. 3. Introduce quotes seamlessly: Integrate quotes smoothly into your essay by using introductory phrases or clauses. Avoid abrupt or standalone quotations. 4. Punctuate quotes correctly: Use quotation marks to indicate the beginning and end of a quote. Place punctuation marks (such as commas or periods) inside the quotation marks if they are part of the original quote. If the quote ends with a question mark or exclamation mark, place them inside the quotation marks only if they are part of the original quote. 5. Analyze and explain quotes: After using a quote, analyze and explain its relevance to your argument. This demonstrates your understanding and interpretation of the quote. 6. Use quotes sparingly: While quotes can be impactful, do not rely heavily on them. Your essay should primarily consist of your own analysis and arguments. Remember to follow the specific guidelines provided in the exam instructions regarding the use of quotes and citations.

Ans. The essay component is crucial in competitive exams like SBI PO and UIIC AO as it allows the examiners to evaluate your analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills. Here's why the essay component is important: 1. Demonstrates thought process: Writing an essay showcases your ability to think critically, analyze a given topic, and present your thoughts logically and coherently. 2. Reflects communication skills: The essay component assesses your proficiency in expressing ideas, organizing information, and communicating effectively in written form. 3. Tests time management: Writing an essay within a given time frame challenges your ability to prioritize, plan, and manage time effectively. 4. Assesses knowledge application: The essay component evaluates your understanding and application of concepts learned, as you need to draw upon relevant knowledge to support your arguments. 5. Differentiates candidates: A well-written essay sets you apart from other candidates by demonstrating your unique perspective, depth of understanding, and ability to articulate ideas. 6. Measures adaptability: The essay topic may cover a wide range of subjects, requiring you to adapt and write convincingly even if you are unfamiliar with the topic. 7. Reflects overall competence: A strong essay showcases your overall competence, including language proficiency, analytical skills, and general awareness.

Ans. To improve the structure and coherence of your essay for state PSC and other competitive exams, consider the following tips: 1. Plan and outline: Before starting your essay, create a clear outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This helps organize your thoughts and ensures a logical flow of ideas. 2. Introduction: Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader and clearly states your thesis or main argument. Provide a brief overview of what the essay will cover. 3. Body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point or argument related to the topic. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea and provide supporting evidence or examples to strengthen your argument. Ensure there is a smooth transition between paragraphs. 4. Coherence and cohesion: Use appropriate transition words and phrases to maintain coherence and logical progression of ideas. These words and phrases help connect different parts of your essay, making it easier for the reader to follow your arguments. 5. Avoid repetition: While reinforcing key points is important, avoid unnecessary repetition of ideas or examples. This can lead to a lack of coherence and make your essay appear disorganized. 6. Conclusion: End your essay with a concise and impactful conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion. 7. Proofread and edit: Always allocate time for proofreading and editing your essay. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your sentences are clear and concise. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the structure and coherence of your essay, making it more effective in competitive exams.