How to Write an Essay Within Word Limit?

An essay is a concise written composition that presents insights on a given topic. According to M.H. Abrams, an American literary critic, an essay is “any short composition in prose that undertakes to discuss a matter, express a point of view, or persuade us to accept a thesis on any subject.”

Essays can be broadly categorized into formal and informal types. For the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), the focus is on the formal essay, which is characterized by an objective tone, structured argumentation, and analytical depth.

Unlike informal essays, formal essays maintain a detached and authoritative stance, avoiding personal opinions, conversational tone, or first-person references.

How to Improve Writing Speed for UPSC Mains Essay Paper?

The UPSC Mains Essay Paper requires aspirants to write two essays in three hours, necessitating efficiency in both thought process and writing speed. To improve writing speed, consider the following strategies:

• Practice with Timed Writing: Set a timer and practice writing essays within the allocated time. Gradually, your speed will improve while maintaining clarity and coherence.
• Develop a Structured Approach: A clear outline before writing saves time by preventing unnecessary digressions. The standard structure includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Enhance Typing/Writing Speed: If you are writing manually, practice writing neatly and quickly. For digital practice, improving typing speed can be beneficial.
• Think Before You Write: Spend the first 5-7 minutes brainstorming key points and organizing them logically. This reduces pauses during writing and ensures a smooth flow.

Brainstorming for Essay Writing (Short & Easy Guide) Understand the Topic – Break down key terms. Make a Quick Outline – Introduction, body, conclusion. List Key Points – Arguments, examples, counterpoints. Use Keywords – Governance, economy, ethics, etc. Avoid Repetition – Be concise. Revise & Refine – Check for clarity.

• Use Concise Language: Avoid long-winded explanations and instead use direct and impactful sentences.
• Memorize Key Phrases and Examples: Having a repository of quotes, statistics, and relevant examples allows you to quickly incorporate them into your essay without searching for new material.
• Develop Writing Stamina: Writing continuously for three hours requires endurance. Simulating exam conditions during practice sessions helps build stamina.
• Revise Smartly: Allocate the last 5-10 minutes for a quick revision to correct minor errors and ensure coherence without rewriting major sections.

How to Avoid Repetition and Redundancy in Essays?

Repetition and redundancy dilute the effectiveness of an essay, making it unnecessarily lengthy and monotonous. To maintain precision and engagement, follow these techniques:

• Avoid Using the Same Words Repeatedly: Expand your vocabulary to express ideas differently without changing their meaning. Instead of repeating a word, use synonyms where appropriate.

(Poor: Time management is essential for success. Without time management, individuals struggle to complete tasks on time. Time management helps in prioritizing work efficiently.

Improved: Effective time management is crucial for success. Without proper scheduling, individuals struggle to meet deadlines. Organizing tasks wisely allows for efficient prioritization.)

• Refrain from Restating the Same Idea: Each paragraph should contribute a new perspective or supporting argument rather than rephrasing previous points.
• Use Crisp and Clear Sentences: Long, convoluted sentences often lead to redundancy. Opt for concise, well-structured sentences to enhance readability.
• Eliminate Unnecessary Fillers: Words like “basically,” “very,” “in order to,” and “it is important to note that” add length without value. Removing them sharpens your writing.

(Poor: It is important to note that procrastination is basically a habit that very often leads to inefficiency.

Improved: Procrastination often leads to inefficiency.)

• Avoid Over-Explaining Simple Concepts: Trust the reader’s intelligence. Providing one strong example per point is usually sufficient.
• Use Effective Paragraphing: Well-structured paragraphs help prevent the accidental repetition of ideas. Each paragraph should address a distinct aspect of the topic.
• Edit Ruthlessly: After writing, revise your essay to cut redundant words and phrases. Reading aloud can help identify unnecessary repetition.
• Vary Sentence Structures: Alternating between simple, compound, and complex sentences keeps the writing engaging and prevents redundancy.

By implementing these strategies, aspirants can write within the given word limit while ensuring their essays remain insightful, structured, and engaging. Developing these skills through regular practice will enhance performance in the UPSC Mains Essay Paper.