Common Mistakes to Avoid in UPSC Mains Essay Paper

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper is an essential part of the Civil Services Examination, carrying 250 marks. Despite having good knowledge, many aspirants score low due to common mistakes in structuring, coherence, and expression. Let’s explore why aspirants struggle and how to improve.

Why Do Aspirants Score Low in UPSC Essays?

1. Lack of a Clear Structure

• Many candidates fail to organize their thoughts systematically.
• Essays must follow a clear introduction, body, and conclusion format.

Mistake	Impact
No proper introduction	Weak first impression
Unorganized body paragraphs	Confusing flow of ideas
Abrupt conclusion	Leaves essay incomplete

Solution: Use a structured approach like Introduction – Body – Conclusion (IBC) to make essays well-organized.

2. Weak Introduction and Conclusion

• A generic or vague introduction fails to create interest.
• The conclusion should summarize the essay, not introduce new points.

Tip: Start with an engaging quote, anecdote, or fact. Conclude by linking back to the introduction.

3. Poor Coherence and Flow

• Essays should connect ideas logically from one paragraph to the next.
• Lack of smooth transitions makes reading difficult.

How to Maintain Coherence and Flow in an Essay?

1. Use Proper Transitions

• Ensure each paragraph connects logically to the next.
• Use linking words like: Moreover, Furthermore, Consequently, Hence, In contrast.

2. Follow a Thematic Approach

Instead of randomly listing points, divide the essay into structured sections like:

Historical Background Current Scenario Challenges Solutions & Way Forward

This helps in maintaining logical flow.

Example of Coherent Flow:

Good: Education is the foundation of a progressive society. However, India still faces challenges in literacy rates, which hinders socio economic growth. To address this, policies like the NEP 2020 have been introduced.

Bad: Education is important. Many people are illiterate. Government is doing work. Literacy is needed for progress.

3. Avoid Repetitions & Redundancy

• Do not repeat the same ideas in different words.
• Keep sentences concise and to the point.

How to Balance Objectivity and Personal Opinion in Essays?

1. Avoid Extremes in Opinion

• Essays should be balanced and neutral, not biased.
• Example: Instead of saying “Privatization is bad”, write “Privatization has both benefits and challenges, depending on implementation.”

2. Use Data and Facts for Objectivity

Method	Example
Using Reports	“According to the NITI Aayog report, India’s literacy rate is 77.7%.”
Citing Examples	“The Green Revolution improved food security in India.”

Graphs can help present facts effectively:

3. Blend Personal Insights with Logical Reasoning

• Personal insights make essays engaging but must be backed by reasoning.
• Example: If discussing climate change, share a personal observation (like unusual weather patterns) but support it with scientific reports.

Conclusion

Scoring well in the UPSC Mains Essay Paper requires a mix of structure, coherence, and balance. By avoiding common mistakes and implementing these strategies, aspirants can write compelling essays that stand out.

Final Tip: Practice writing essays regularly, get feedback using AnswerWriting.com, and refine your approach. Good luck!