What separates a good essay from an average one
When you submit a practice essay, we evaluate it on five criteria. This page lists them, shows what moves an essay from average to good on each, and gives the same paragraph written both ways.
The instruction on the Essay paper
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.
| UPSC says | Our criterion |
|---|---|
| Keep closely to the subject | Thesis and argumentation |
| Arrange their ideas in orderly fashion | Structure and coherence |
| Write concisely | Language and expression |
| Effective and exact expression | Language and expression, and content breadth and depth |
The fifth criterion, critical analysis, is our addition. UPSC does not publish a marking scheme.
The five criteria
Each criterion carries a fifth of the evaluation, in five bands.
| Criterion | What it asks |
|---|---|
| Thesis and argumentation | Is there one position, and does every paragraph move it forward? |
| Content breadth and depth | How many sides of the topic are covered, and is each one developed? |
| Critical analysis and originality | Is the assumption inside the topic examined? |
| Structure and coherence | Does the order of the paragraphs follow the argument? |
| Language and expression | Is the writing clear, short and exact? |
Average and good, criterion by criterion
| Criterion | An average essay | A good essay |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis and argumentation | Has a clear thesis. Most paragraphs connect to it. Some drift | States a position that goes past the obvious. Each paragraph builds on the last. Answers the strongest objection |
| Content breadth and depth | Covers three or four sides with some examples | Covers four or five sides. Names policies, reports, judgments, figures and places, and explains each one |
| Critical analysis and originality | Says the topic has two sides | Questions the assumption in the topic. Says where the claim holds and where it fails |
| Structure and coherence | Introduction, body and conclusion. Transitions such as "Moreover" and "Furthermore" | The first sentences of the paragraphs, read in order, make the argument |
| Language and expression | Clear and correct | Short sentences, exact words, quotations that the argument uses |
The same paragraph, twice
Topic: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power. (UPSC Mains 2024, Essay, Section B)
Content: average
Power is an important test of character. Many great leaders in history, such as Ashoka, Lincoln and Gandhi, showed good character when they had power. At the same time, adversity also tests people. Both have their own importance in shaping character.
It names three leaders and explains none of them. The last sentence gives the question back to the examiner.
Content: good
Ashoka is remembered for what he did after the Kalinga war, when he had already won. Nothing forced him to give up conquest. His own edicts record his remorse at the deaths. In defeat, survival limits a ruler's choices. In victory, the choices are his own, so they show what he values.
It uses one example and explains it. The paragraph ends on a point that supports the position.
Analysis: average
There are arguments on both sides. Power can corrupt people, but adversity can also break them. A balanced approach is therefore needed.
Analysis: good
The topic treats adversity and power as separate tests. Often power comes through adversity. A leader who survived a hard rise may feel the reward is owed to him. So passing the first test can weaken a person for the second.
The good version questions the assumption in the topic. Use the same method on any topic. Before you plan, write down what the topic assumes. Then ask whether it is true.
What the evaluation cannot tell you
| It cannot tell you | Why |
|---|---|
| Your UPSC mark | We are not UPSC. Treat the result as feedback on your writing |
| Whether every fact is current | It checks how you use evidence. Check recent figures yourself |
What to do with the feedback
- Find the criterion that came out weakest.
- Read the one change the feedback suggests.
- Write your next essay with that change in mind. Leave the rest as it is.
- Compare the two evaluations on that criterion.