Essay Strategy by Apoorva Pandey

Introduction

• Apoorva Pandey, Rank 39 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017.
• Scored 175 marks in the essay paper.
• Emphasizes importance of essay writing as it is scoring with minimal effort.
• Notes that essay writing requires practice and confidence.

General Strategy

• Practice and preparation are key.
• Some may not need a strategy if confident in writing; others should seek improvement.
• Engaged in an essay test series before the examination.

Framework for Essays

• Initial Preparation (First Half Hour):
  • Prepare a basic framework: introduction, body points, dimensions, examples, conclusion.
  • Importance of a structured flow to avoid jumping between topics.
  • Not just a 250-word answer; it's about coherence and readability.

Captivating the Examiner

• Introduction:
  • Make it interesting to capture the examiner's imagination.
  • Example: For an essay on Non-Aligned Movement, started with a poem about standing for truth, linking to the topic.
• Opinionated Writing:
  • Use strong opinions with substantiating examples.
  • Example: Discussed how a seemingly empowered woman faces challenges in reality; contrasted data on women's representation in parliament.

Key Components of Essays

• Use of Examples:
  • Include data, anecdotes, and statistics to showcase knowledge.
• Paragraph Structure:
  • Avoid long paragraphs; use small, varied paragraphs.
• Grammar and Vocabulary:
  • Focus on grammatical accuracy and use of straightforward language.
  • Creativity in language: similes, metaphors, personification, and alliteration can enhance engagement.

Positive Conclusion

• End essays on a positive note.
  • Acknowledge issues but highlight progress and potential for change.
  • Use examples from history as a way to illustrate growth and future optimism.

Relevance to GS Answers

• Similar approach in General Studies (GS) answers by including a way forward for positive impression.

Importance of Practice and Feedback

• Emphasizes the necessity of practice; even good writers benefit from writing essays and obtaining feedback.
• Feedback helps identify overlooked issues, like long paragraphs or lack of examples.

Conclusion

• Writing from the heart and practicing regularly is crucial for success in essay writing.
• Encourages viewers to pursue their goals and wishes them success in their endeavors.
• Invites comments and interactions with the video content.

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