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ESSAY WRITING for CAT
CONTENTS:
Page No.s
1. Overview 3
Provided herewith are the essential inputs that would help you
handle this task comfortably, with specific focus on
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Essay writing and its standard form
An essay is a creative piece of work, an organized collection of your
thoughts on a particular topic. While the length or forms of essays
may vary, it is possible to distinguish several types of works, such as
narrative, descriptive, comparative, analytical, critical,
argumentative, rhetorical, and so on. Depending on the type and
purpose of essays, their structure may differ greatly - yet it is
possible to distinguish introduction, main body and conclusion.
Descriptive essays
Narrative essays
Argumentative essays
the introduction
the conclusion
The introduction is intended to lead the reader into the topic and
clarify what the essay will specifically deal with. It usually
consists of one paragraph, but this depends on the length of the
essay and the amount of background information the context
requires. The introduction will contain a key sentence (or, if
necessary, more than one).
The main body deals with the major ideas that support the
statement. Each main idea is presented in a separate paragraph
and developed with supporting ideas in the form of explanations
or definitions and illustrated with examples where appropriate or
necessary.
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Evaluation parameters and
the areas/skills being tested
Remember that the basic elements of communication have
relevance here, namely, clarity of thought and effective
expression. In addition, the candidate is expected to display
proficiency in specific areas. The particular elements that an
evaluator would normally look for in an essay, are indicated below
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Suggested steps for an effective essay;
idea-generation and idea-development
A step-by-step method, with a check list, would ensure efficient
use of time spent on an essay.
C – Collect Ideas
Content – the topic itself – What are the key words? What is it
about? What information does one have? How does one gather
further information? What ideas or views does one have (or what
views does one develop) on the basis of this information?
You will find (in the guidebook on GDs) that we've suggested
certain 'approaches' for idea-generation (such as the Key Word
approach, Viewpoint of Affected Parties approach, and SPELT
approach). These could be used when you are preparing an essay
too, to generate ideas on the basis of information that you have.
Remember to make quick, concise notes (just words and phrases)
as you brainstorm, to ensure that you recall your important ideas.
O – Organise them
D – Develop them
R – Review
You must devote the last few minutes to reading through the
essay to satisfy yourself that there is logical flow and coherence,
and that the language is error free. Correction, replacement or
repositioning, if any, should be carried out in a manner that
ensures that the flow remains or is improved.
***********
A comparison between
(i) 'presenting your viewpoint' and
(ii) 'examining viewpoints expressed'
The essays that you are expected to write would fall, broadly,
into one or the other of the two categories described above.
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Tips for preparation
If essay-writing isn't quite your cup of tea, you may be unsure of
how you should go about your preparation. It goes without saying
that you must prepare and practise. It's like swimming - reading
(or being told by someone) about what you should do isn't enough.
You have to get into a pool and try it!
Next, try rewriting. Once in a while, of the articles and essays that
you read, take one that you've understood well, read it again, put it
away, and try rewriting the content in your own words. This would
help you get familiar with writing as an activity. Since you are
reproducing ideas that you've read, you can concentrate on the
aspects of written English. This will help you gain confidence in your
ability to write.
Then, get started on your own essays, using the methods that you've
gone through in this note. For the first few, do not worry about the
time you take. Gain practice and confidence in being able to write
effective essays of 400 to 600 words in length.
Thereafter, progress to trying essays in limited time. Try essays in
20 and 30 minutes. You should aim for (approximately) a 5-para
essay (300 to 400 words) in 20 minutes, and a 7-para essay (450 to
550 words) in 30 minutes. Once you're reasonably comfortable with
these, try writing essays in 10 minutes. You should aim for
(approximately) a 3-para essay (150 to 200 words) in 10 minutes.
***********
Some Discourse Markers:
Introduction of a viewpoint – It is my opinion that...., My own view
is......, As I see it........, I believe......, and so on.
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2 SAMPLES with step-wise notes,
comments, and evaluation
Have a look at the 2 samples provided below, to see what a step-
wise approach can result in.
Sample 1
Steps:
Organise (Notes)
Express (Essay)
(518 words)
Comments –
(Intro)
The next para brings in the perception that some may have, that
effort can be made towards one only at the expense of the other
(and not towards both). The author then explains that effort
towards true development would help improve the lot of the
disadvantaged, enabling them to contribute towards national
productivity and thereby towards national income and wealth.
(Concl)
Evaluation –
I. Content (relevance and adequacy of info): Relevant but not
adequate to support all points made. The writer has used the
phrase “minimum required development”. A little elaboration
of what this comprises would have added value.
III. Perspective (pros and cons & different aspects): Pros and
cons mentioned, but inadequate analysis. Some elaboration,
on the manner in which the benefits of economic growth
could be applied to poverty alleviation, would have added
value.
IV. Structure & Organization (logical flow in intro-body-
conclusion form, paragraphing): Well-organized; good flow;
appropriate structure
Overall: GOOD
Sample 2
“The educational system is killing creativity in Indian children.”
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this
statement.
Steps:
Organise (Notes)
What constts education? - intro
Objective of edn? - intro
people are diff, so edn shd be diff things for diff people. - para
2
what do children get? - para 3
our edn system at present. Features. Shortcomings. - para 3
in some cases yes. Shouldn't happen – para 4
what shd children get?- concl
What would help? - concl
Express (Essay)
(400 words)
Comments –
(Intro)
(Body)
(Conclusion)
Evaluation –
Overall: GOOD
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5 SAMPLES with comments
Sample 1
While machines can do work much faster than the human mind
can, it is the human mind that has created machines. Machines
merely produce or do what we want them to do. From the stone
age, when man shaped stones as spears and knives to help him
obtain his food more easily, to the advanced technological age
where machines are a part and parcel of our daily lives, the main
use for machines has been to make work easier. Take the washing
machine. It's an easy way to wash clothes, it is less taxing and
time-consuming. Like every other machine it has helped reduce
human labour, and has proved an easier means of carrying out a
physical task.
Machines make our jobs less tedious. They have made our lives
more comfortable. But they can never compare with the human
mind, because they are not capable of creativity and spontaneity,
feelings and emotions, which are what a human mind comprises of,
and which is how a mind can make things as wonderful and
amazing as machines.
(624 words)
Comments:
Fair enough, overall. Could add a few points in the body, though,
such as – areas and functions that machines cannot help with,
such as analysis, choices and decisions. This would then
contribute to the conclusion as well.
Sample 2
Then came the news that some hitches had cropped up and that the
programme was being terminated prematurely. With this started the
brickbats – This was a disaster waiting to happen! Hadn't we realised
we were being too ambitious? Should we even have had ambitions in
this area? Weren't there more critical and pressing needs that the
efforts and funds should have been directed towards?
All doomsday theorists and others, who raise these and similar
questions must reflect and realise – our space programme didn't
commence with Chandrayaan, but far earlier, in the early 1960s.
Quietly and unobtrusively, in small steps, and through a series of
humble achievements, our space programme has brought about
many of the technological capabilities that we now take for
granted – in areas such as remote sensing, analysis of weather
and ocean currents, contour mapping, defence applications, and,
of greatest impact, in satellite communication. How easily we, in
India, have forgotten that the two things we love the most –
television and the cellphone – function because of the platforms
that our space programme has put in place!
(350 words)
Comments:
Well written, but a little short. The body of the essay needs a
little more detail, such as - ISRO's success in being able to control
costs, in comparison with the more developed nations; spin-offs /
gains in areas of education, industry and business; etc.
Sample 3
"One should not blindly accept the trite remark “the spirit of
narration goes off in translation.” This is because there are many
distinguished authors who translate their own works. Some
translators are competent writers too. In fact, Shakespeare has
put it very succinctly when he said that a rose is a rose even if it
is called by another name."
Examine this viewpoint and indicate your impressions on how well-
reasoned it is.
Disagreeing with the author’s poorly reasoned argument - a rose when
identified by any other name tends to lose its worth. This can be
best illustrated in relation to Shakespeare’s works. Thomas Bowdler
was an English physician who published an expurgated edition of
William Shakespeare's work. This was done with the intention of
making the work more agreeable to the women and children of the
19th century. Translation can be defined as an author’s interpretation,
which may, in the course of translation, inadvertently deflect from
the original. Bowdler’s abbreviated editions were the subject of some
criticism and ridicule. In this case even though his narration wasn’t
about translating it to another language, his abridged version did take
the spirit away from the original.
Translation is not an exact science; implying that irregularities
are bound to occur. No two languages are like, even though at
times we may come across languages that may sound alike. Indian
languages substantiate the importance of the above stated fact.
For an author to be adept at translation, he needs to know and
understand the source language and the target language. In the
case of translation of a work from English to Spanish; English is
the source language and Spanish is the target language.
In addition to being bilingual the author also needs to know the
usage of colloquial terms in both the languages. Even though Hindi
is the most commonly spoken language in India, the usage and the
dialect all over the country differs. Likewise, in the United
States of America where the national language is English,
differences persist. The usage of the term, “Hello everyone,” in
the north of America would be, “Hey y’all” in the Southern states.
To be able to ascertain the credibility of an author who is well
versed in more than two languages and translates his or her own
work, is quite difficult. Based on this foundation, the author’s
argument is inadequately reasoned, as he fails to demonstrate
the credibility of the writers who have effectively translated
their own works.
People who can speak two different languages fluently may not be
the best translators. Being knowledgeable in Hindi and English
doesn’t make me a competent translator in either of the two
languages. Another misconception is a widely held view that a
person is best suited for translations in his native languages. A
person from Japan, born and brought up in London may not be an
appropriate choice for a translator in his native language, as he
never experienced the culture of Japan.
Sample 4
For most people, television has always been more captivating than
books. In today's world, there are a variety of channels already
available, and new ones coming up frequently. There is always
something to learn from watching TV. However, I believe, that,
even with all this progress, books cannot be replaced. Books have
many advantages that television does not.
(619 words)
Comments:
A fairly good essay, overall. The introduction could have included
a little more by way of background, such as the objectives of
mediums of one-way communication like books and television.
Sample 5
Sample 6
Comments:
(Intro)
the essay introduces the topic effectively. The author expresses
anguish that despite the rapid strides that India has been making
since independence, women have been lagging behind.
(Body)
The next 4 paragraphs expand on what has been mentioned in the
first paragraph by explaining the different types of
discrimination that women face, poignantly listing the huge odds
that are stacked against them right from the time they are
conceived. They also explain the advantages of empowering
women while listing out some of the types of empowerment.
(Conclusion)
The last paragraph gives an appropriate conclusion to the essay
by explaining how utterly important it is for us to improve the
condition of women and ends with thought-provoking quotes from
Swami Vivekananda and Kofi Annan.
(Overall)
The essay has been written well. The language is good, without
being bombastic. There is no hyperbole anywhere, nor are the
recommendations difficult to implement.
Sample 7
Comments:
(Intro)
The topic of social networking has been introduced well through
the first paragraph.
(Body)
The second paragraph follows, explaining the widely divergent
views on social networking. The next 3 paragraphs elaborate on
the positives and negatives of socila networking.
(Conclusion)
The last paragraph concludes the essay very well by saying that
like virtually everything else, social networking sites have both
positive and negative effects and that it is farfetched to say
that they are only harmful to society. The essay ends by
suggesting moderation in the usage of social networking.
(Overall)
The essay is a well-written one. There is no artificial flourish or
one-sided argument.
Sample 8
Next to the world of God, the noble art of music is the greatest
treasure in the world.
Martin Luther
Music is my religion
Music is my pain killer.
So what is music and why does everyone talk about it or rather
sing about it. Let us see a bookish and traditional definition:
music is an art form and cultural activity, whose medium is sound
organized in time. From this definition, we imagine a well-trained
artist performing on a stage to the accompaniment of musical
instruments. But music need not be captured in a bordered
segment. Music is everywhere. Early morning, when you sleepily
role on the bed, the chirping of the sparrows is music. You come
on to the terrace to enjoy the cool morning breeze, the soft
tinkle of the wind chime is music. Mother chants hymns to the
hurried accompaniment of the pooja bell- that is music. Your
little sister runs downstairs her silver anklets jingling – there is
music here too.
The later years saw the bifurcation of music into Carnatic and
Hindustani both vocal and instrumental. Veena, violin, mridangam
fit into the Carnatic mould while, sitar, santoor and sarod are
part of Hindustani. Flute fits into both and we have youngsters
like Mandolin Srinivas, Rajesh Vaidhya and Praveen Godkindi who
have modernized traditional music. Vocalists like
M.S.Subbulakshmi, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and
Balamuralikrishna lighted up the Carnatic sky while Bhimsen Joshi
and Kishori Amonkar dazzled the Hindustani world.
(Intro)
The essay introduces the topic nicely with very apt quotes
followed by an exhortation to the reader too realize that music is
all-pervading to a sensitive person.
(Body)
The next paragraphs build further on what is there in the first
paragraph by taking the reader through things like just how rich
our musical heritage is, the different types of music and the fact
that there is both great traditional and modern music.
(Conclusion)
The last paragraph concludes the essay very well by making the
appropriate point that music knows no barriers.
(Overall)
The essay is very well written in a fluid style. However the
reader of the essay might detect some deeply-held biases in the
writer; read the line "Even our invaders were great patrons of
music". The essay could also have spoken about music in the other
parts of the world, particularly the west.
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SUMMARY WRITING
Simple steps to write a good Summary
I. READ:
Read the passage carefully. Determine its topic, theme, purpose,
tone and structure. This will help you to differentiate between
more important and less important points.
THESIS STATEMENT:
A thesis is a one-sentence summary of the entire passage. Now
write one. The thesis should express the central idea of the
passage and should be based on what you have understood so far.
FIRST DRAFT:
Write the first or the rough draft of your summary now. A
combination of the thesis statement and the one-sentence
summaries could be a good rough draft.
SAMPLE SUMMARY:
The reason for man's suffering is then in his own hands; he must
change his ways to gain favour with God.
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Sample prompts
Some of the essay topics given at the IIMs
A) INTERNATIONAL
World Hunger and Poverty.
War on Terror.
Trade, Economy, & Related Issues.
Third World Debt Undermines Development.
Sustainable Development.
Palestine and Israel.
Nuclear Weapons.
Natural Disasters.
Middle East.
Iraq Crisis.
International Criminal Court.
Human Rights Issues.
Human Population.
Health Issues.
Geopolitics.
Genetically Engineered Food.
G8: Too Much Power?
Free Trade and Globalization.
Foreign Policy — Projecting Power.
Food dumping in the form of aid maintains poverty.
Food and Agriculture Issues.
Fair Trade.
Environmental Issues.
Corporations.
Consumption and Consumerism.
Conflicts in Africa.
Climate Change and Global Warming.
Causes of Poverty.
Biodiversity.
Arms Trade—a major cause of suffering.
Arms Control
B) NATIONAL
Value of rupee
Role of RBI
SEBI
FDI
Railway budget
India at the Olympics
T20 World Cup.
Presidential elections
Indian Politics.
Sample Topics
Ships are safer in the harbour, but they are not meant for the
same.
The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep.
All happy families are alike, but unhappy ones are not.
Man is not old enough until regret has taken the place of his dreams.
Since I have not seen any scientific proof and hence I do not
believe in existence of religious theories, life after death and
the concept of God.
Food security policy act should guarantee food not only to those
who are below the poverty line, but also to those who are above
it.
Wikileaks has brought more transparency in international
diplomacy.
Corruption is inevitable
CSR is a sham.
A good policy is one where it does not hit a man when he is down
and out.
-- India should develop fighter jets on its own and not buy them
from abroad.
-- Allowing Foreign Universities in India is bad for the country.
-- Education and medicine are no longer noble professions, they
have become commercial
-- More than one billion Indians: A gigantic problem or a sea of
opportunities.
-- India has the largest pool of talented manpower, but very few
innovations and patented products.
-- Food Inflation is the result of Indian Government's
mismanagement and apathy.
-- What should government do to attract the youth to armed
forces?
-- Government should not negotiate with terrorists for hostages
-- IIMs should make one year of social service compulsory for all
students
-- Failure of population control measures is a blessing in disguise
for India
-- Media has become a tool of propaganda for the rich and the
powerful
-- Discuss the steps that can be taken to improve food security in
India
-- To ensure better quality of urban life, India should restrict
the migration of people from rural to urban.
-- India versus Bharat: a divided nation
-- How should women empower themselves?
-- Child artists are an exploited lot today
-- Diversity is not an indicator of inclusiveness
-- Are Gandhian values irrelevant for society today?
-- Should Nehru's temples of learning remain elitist?
-- We should conserve and protect our rich monuments
-- Yoga ‐ A forgotten ancient notion or eastern repackaging?
Politics
International
Abstract
-- Ships are safer in the harbour, but they are not meant for
the same
-- Asked at the age of 83, as to which of his project would he
choose as his masterpiece, Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect
answered, “The next one”
-- Great men think alike but group thinking results in poor
decisions
Sports
-- IPL is good for business but bad for cricket
-- Hosting Commonwealth Games and World Cup Hockey is waste
of money
-- Even with a billion population, India is lagging behind in sports
Environment
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