CSE MAINS - Essay

CSE MAINS - Essay

Q. How to start writing essays?

1. Start with an anectode or a story which sets the theme of the essay.

2. Link the anectode with the topic of the essay.

3. Thesis statement.

4. Body of the essay.

Q. What should be my content for the essay?

1. Your GS material including the examples and current affairs.

2. Solution of the test series.

I used the solution of the essay test series provided by ForumIAS institute in 2022 and used the same for 3 years in the row. The solutions provided ample number of anectodes, quotes, examples and pointers that were used selectively in many places across the essays.

Q. How many essays should I write before mains exam?

1. Atleast 8 essays (1.5 hour each) or 4 FLTs (3 hr. each).

2. Brainstorm atleast 10-15 essays other than the test ones with a peer/ parent/ teacher. This helps in understanding the essence of essay and helps in generating the relevant points.

Q. What should be my time management for the essay?

1. 5-10 minutes for selecting the essay topic (out of 4).

2. 15-20 minutes to brainstorm the essay.

3. 50-60 minutes to write the essay and re-reading to correct any mistakes.

Q. How to select the essay topic?

• Select the topic where you can generate more points, understand the topic well and can write about it.

Do NOT chose the hard topic thinking that it will make your essay more unique - if you can't generate enough points on it.

Q. What were your scores in essay and what did I do differently this time?

• My scores: 101 (2022) --> 112 (2023) --> 119 (2024)

In 2024 Attempt - I used the ForumIAS content of 2022 + Took the Essay Test series of Nataraj Paulraj sir. He used to provide me feedback on the same and helped me improve my essays immensely.