Essay Syllabus
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
Keywords in Syllabus
Closely: One must stick as closely as possible to the essay topic at hand. Any example, quote, anecdote or reference must be closely related to the essay topic. Avoid writing arguments/data/substantiation that does not satisfy the core demand of the essay.
Arrange: The essay must be arranged in a logical flow. IAS aspirants are supposed to plan ahead and form a structure of the essay before actually writing it down (a rough page is given for it). Well structured essay is awarded good marks in UPSC Mains
Orderly: The ideas or arguments written in an essay must follow an order. Candidates should avoid a haphazard essay that does not flow sequentially.
Concisely: Arguments, examples, anecdotes, etc. written in an essay must be expressed as precisely and to the point as possible. Clarity of thought and brevity of expression is what is looked for in the CSE essay. Avoid stretching points unnecessarily.
Effective and Exact: Essay lanngauge must conveys the message effectively. Writing should make a strong impression. Present exact arguments that are substantiated with logic/examples/data etc. Sentences/paragraphs must convey a clear and well-thought-out exposition