From:
Gautam Vivekanandan
AIR 211, UPSC cse 2022Why do I think I secured 149 in essay paper
1) The topics I selected were selected by only a few
>> Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of this world
>> A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
2) I tried to write as many relevant examples as possible. For eg in the 1st essay I wrote about both foreign and Indian poets such as - Wordsworth, Auden' theory of agape and eros, our very on Kabir and his dohas which had social overtones. Tried to quote a few lines too.
3) Right at the onset I mentioned my interpretation of the topic. Thereafter, my attempt was to expand the same and cover as many dimensions as possible.
4) Did not stick to any template for essay. I personally believe that essays should be free flowing.
5) Tried to start and end on a high. Quote or anecdotes etc
A thumb rule that I follow- Whatever one has experienced in life, whatever one has read or heard, all of that could be used in an essay. Its the only paper where there is no fixed syllabus. It is where you can express yourself. Use that opportunity to the fullest. But be sure that you only mention relevant things. No point in beating around the bush.
Important Note: The reason why I selected those topics was because I was extremely comfortable in them. Not because I thought that they would be less chosen. This is an important point of difference. Whatever you feel you are comfortable with and can write with conviction, go for that.
I was very fortunate ke mujhe aise topics mil Gaye Jahan mee jee bhar ke likh paaya.
P.S.
The post reflects author’s personal views only.Join
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