How to Ace the Group Discussion and Essay papers : UPSC Toppers Speak

The essay — 200 marks

The essay requires practice, keep writing logically-constructed essays with relevant details, keeping in mind the word and time limits.

“People get too focused on the optional papers and ignore the essay,” Iyer says of the 200-marks paper. “It’s important to prepare for the essay and gather enough resources to write it.” Iyer says he used to pen one essay every 15 days in the run-up to the main exam. Dakua’s advice is to write at least two essays a week and get these corrected by a teacher or  friend. In the first half-hour of the exam, says Kishore, make a rough outline of the essay. Think about the given topic and jot down points. The piece should “proceed logically from one point to another. You should not seem confused. The language should be simple. You can use quotations and idioms. Give lots of practical examples,” she adds. And provide a balanced view.

General studies — two papers, 300 marks

“People think the general studies (GS) papers are unpredictable and try to perfect their optionals,” says Iyer.
Concentrate on the GS  after you are thorough with the second optional paper, says Dakua.  For GS, you should be up-to-date with the news. Also, practice writing the answers in exam conditions — keep an eye on the clock. “Attempt each 100-mark question in an hour. Leave out what you don’t know. Write concisely and to the point,” says Kishore.

Go for the questions you are  sure about. “Pick and choose according to your strengths and plan out priority areas you know well,” says Iyer. You can also form a group for peer-learning and discuss what you have studied. “Group study helps bust stress, too,” adds Dakua.

Before going for the exam, again go back to the second optional, he says.

Another important tip is to study as per the exam timings so that your brain gets used to being active during the hours when you will actually write the exam. Says Iyer, “Three weeks before the exam, I synchronised my body (clock) with the exam timings and studied for three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon.”

Source: HT Horizons