In this article, we will share some tips on how to write the context of an essay in the UPSC IAS Mains Exam. We will also discuss the common mistakes to avoid while writing the essay and the key components of essay writing.

Tips to Nail the Context of Essay in the UPSC IAS Mains Exam

Read extensively: Reading extensively is one of the most crucial aspects of writing a good essay. The candidate should read various books, newspapers, and magazines to broaden their knowledge and understanding of different topics. Reading will also help in developing critical thinking skills and improving language proficiency.

Analyse the topic: Once the candidate has understood the essay’s context, they should analyse the topic and its various dimensions. Providing a holistic view of the topic and presenting a clear argument is essential.

Plan the essay: Planning the essay is crucial to ensure that the essay is well-structured and coherent. The candidate should make a rough essay outline, including the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Use examples: Using relevant examples to support the argument is essential in essay writing. The candidate should use examples from current affairs, history, literature, or any other relevant field to support their argument.

Practice writing: Practice is the key to success in essay writing. The candidate should practice writing essays on different topics to improve their writing skills and gain confidence.

Common mistakes to avoid while writing the Context of an Essay

Lack of clarity: Lack of clarity in the essay can lead to confusion and ambiguity. The candidate should ensure that the essay is well-structured and presents a clear argument.

Grammatical errors: Grammatical errors can affect the readability and comprehension of the essay. The candidate should ensure the essay is free from grammatical errors and typos.

Lack of coherence: Lack of coherence in the essay can affect the flow of ideas. The candidate should ensure that the essay is well-structured and presents a clear argument.

Exceeding word limit: Exceeding the word limit can lead to the deduction of marks. The candidate should ensure that the essay is within the prescribed word limit.

Key Components of Essay Writing – Structure and Content

The key components of essay writing are structure and content. The essay should have a well-defined structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and the thesis statement. The body should present the argument and provide supporting evidence. The conclusion should summarise the main points and provide a final perspective on the topic.

The content of the essay should be relevant and provide a critical analysis of the topic. The candidate should use examples, statistics, and other relevant data to support their argument. The essay should also reflect the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the topic.

Understanding the UPSC CSE Syllabus 2023

The UPSC CSE Syllabus 2023 includes the essay paper as one of the nine papers in the Main Examination. The essay paper carries 250 marks and is of 3 hours duration. The essay paper is evaluated based on the candidate’s ability to think critically, articulate their thoughts clearly, and present them in a structured manner.

Conclusion

Writing an essay in the UPSC IAS Mains Exam requires a clear understanding of the context and the ability to present a critical analysis of the topic. The candidate should read extensively, analyse the topic, plan the essay, use examples, and practice writing to improve their essay writing skills. The essay should have a well-defined structure and relevant content. The UPSC CSE Syllabus 2023 includes the essay paper as one of the crucial papers, and the candidate should prepare accordingly. By following these tips, the candidate can nail the essay’s context in the UPSC IAS Mains Exam and succeed in their endeavour.

Frequently asked question 

Q1. What role does context play in essay writing for the UPSC IAS mains exam?

A1. Context is important in essay writing for the UPSC IAS mains exam because it allows the candidate to show their knowledge of the subject and its relevance to the current period. It also demonstrates the candidate’s ability to relate the subject to other problems, which is an important skill for a future civil servant.

Q2. How can one identify the context of an essay topic in the UPSC IAS mains exam?

A2. Carefully read the instructions, understand the topic and related subjects, and extensively investigate the issue. While composing the essay, the candidate must also consider current events, historical context, and socioeconomic circumstances.

Q3. When discussing the context, what are the important components to include in the essay for the UPSC IAS mains exam?

A3. When addressing the context in the essay, include historical backdrop, current events, social, economic, and political variables, and a global viewpoint. These elements contribute to the essay’s overall context and show the candidate’s ability to analyse the subject from various perspectives.

Q4. How to establish the topic’s relevance in the present times while writing an essay for the UPSC IAS mains exam?

A4. To show the subject’s present relevance, the aspirant could include recent incidents, data, and news stories connected to the topic. They can also highlight the topic’s effect on society and the globe and connect it to other pertinent problems.

Q5. How do you conclude an essay with a powerful context in the UPSC IAS mains exam?

A5. To provide a powerful context for the conclusion of an essay, the applicant can summarise the key points covered in the essay and reiterate their importance to the current moment. They can also share their thoughts and suggestions on the subject and propose solutions to connected problems. The end should impress the viewer and demonstrate the candidate’s analytical and critical thinking abilities.

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