Civil Services Mains 2020 Results: In or Out ? Way ahead, gratitude and Pain
The Civils Mains result has been declared. This thread is for sharing your grief , joy , mixed feelings - absolutely anything and everything.
EiChan,
@DeekshitaP Yikes,never thought I would see someone defend BTS on here, well you know you learn everyday.I am not truly looking for literature in my music, just something which sounds genuine. Anyway fun songs should atleast be fun right. Okay maybe am not allowed to comment on manufacturing of things, but they Army or whatever stream things 24 hours even when sleeping, to give them to views, it's just comical and defeats the whole purpose.Haha, I never expected to reveal on this platform that I’m ARMY either (so we each learn something everyday i suppose). What is genuine about music varies from person to person. Tbh I’m not a huge fan of kpop in general because of how manufactured the whole industry seemed, but I found BTS genuine because their lyrics were meaningful. So I suppose this just goes to illustrate the point further.
as far as streaming goes, it is part and parcel of kpop. Not just ARMY, Blinks, Stays, exols, shawols, you name a fandom they all stream. BTS gets the views because of the sheer numbers that ARMY tends to pull (the whole Grammy livestream fiasco was evidence of it). So to single out ARMY would be unfair. I agree that streaming isn’t the best way to promote a group (and I’m saying this in spite of the fact that i too streamed a little). However, this argument has a flip side as well. Streaming is the only way, kpop and other Asian artists get taken seriously in the western music scene. Viral success is the only way Asian artists get taken seriously, and even then they are seen as a passing phase (case in point, Psy’s Gangnam Style- which is a satirical masterpiece IMO). Streaming, becomes the only way to counter the elite Academy bias. So streaming becomes a necessary evil
Glad, someone defended them. I just wanted to hear other side. Heard black Swan, Spring day etc as recommended by you. Though they are decent but again only after you gave so much info, and after turning on Subtitles. My point was I can't just hear their song and say Wow or I wanna hear again. It is like Ok, and never to visit again.
Probably it is about taste only. I prefer liking particular song instead of artist/s. for BTS thatparticular song is missing for me atleast for now.
Baaki about views and all, I don't care.
Haha, no worries. I agree that all music cannot appeal to everyone. I suppose the language barrier does also play into it. Personally, I feel if I could understand Korean I might be able to appreciate their lyricality even more, as many Korean fans have pointed out the brilliant word-play in many of their songs. Even I’m a fan of songs rather than artists. The only two exceptions to this rule are Queen and BTS (I’m sure veteran music-lovers are cringing at that juxtaposition). Tbh I came to BTS music with a lot of judgement and bias against them, but their lyrics appealed to me a lot. I feel this is the only place where kpop fans can have civil discussions without dragging each other, as with all things Forum. I’m glad I got to hear your opinions on this issue.
I did economy from Mrunal Sir's course. Found it to be quite helpful.
But I didnt pay for Unacademy Plus.. got a one year subscription in 2019 due to my test series. You can find his notes on telegram. Don't know if the lectures are also available.
I have mrunal notes but found them to be more pre-oriented, like the questions which are asked in mains are less relatable( it may happen as i haven't read whole notes and don't read others sources ) does other sources same as mrunal ??
I think completing his notes and then covering the left shortcomings through internet and current affair pdfs should be enough. Do keep in mind the weightage of the economics in gs 3. I mean invest your time accordingly.
THE_MECHANIC,
peterparker,Did you personally like Vikram Grewal’s essay copies ?
Because personally I could never understand them and always wondered why everyone is crazy for his essays ?
I read some of his essays, he (atleast whatever I saw) has plethora of quotes, theories and use nearly a new one in every next para. May be due to vast reading (he is a writer or may be due to optional- I don't know what it is) he can such things. But for general audience they are hard to understand. Sometimes I can't relate things, he has written, to the topic of the essay (possibly due to my ignorance or lack of knowledge).
I personally followed Anudeep's + looked various other copies. Then came out with own style, which is very basic one.
Got 131 in 2019 (though not very good), but sticking to the topic and using simple language helped me.
+ realizing limitations is important, everyone can't write like any particular topper
+ try to figure out what different thing you can provide, for me- it is making a simple story for most of the topics and utilising my optional (Hindi literature)
Which topper to be followed for Essays ?
Anudeep
Saumya
Chandra Mohan Garg
Any other ?
Recent ones ?
Anyone ?
Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.
Cant try this insight one as I am doing PYQ essays. Also structures would vary a lot among essays. Any particular structure you follow for Philosophical essay or any topper followed one or any video on the internet of any topper or any coaching institute. I am directionless wrt Essays. Essays are more subjective as compared to other exams, there would be a whole lot of variations !!
Before following insights I basically had a look through the PYQs to get a feel for the different kind of topics that are usually asked. After that, I basically attempted the essays that I felt aligned to these topics. I tried to do as many broad based topics as possible to cover more ground with lesser topics. But I do admit that I wrote over 15 essays before the mains.
As far as the structure is concerned, i do agree that there are far too many essays to go through. I basically gave half a day to skim through the comments section. If i felt the first page isn’t strong enough I wouldn’t read the rest of it, because as I mentioned there are more misses than hits there. But sometimes I would get an additional point here or there. For my structure, there isn’t a really well-defined structure that i stuck to. I like writing, and that is what I was formally trained to do as part of my Lit curriculum for 5 years.
What I tended to do was follow the keyword structure and then deconstruct my argument. Define the keywords, delineate the relationship between the keywords and then work on building an argument from there on. I think the whole tact to writing philosophical essays is to have clarity of thought and argument. It helps to build a tighter essay and ensure continuity.
True. Everyone background is different. I am not from Literature bg and never wrote any long paras or essay in the last 7 years and obviously i dont like writing much. Currently focussing on Philo based essays. Lets see how it rolls.
If you could review a essay I wrote yesterday, it would be great help. Thanks !!
Jai Shree Ram !
Which topper to be followed for Essays ?
Anudeep
Saumya
Chandra Mohan Garg
Any other ?
Recent ones ?
Anyone ?
Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.
Did you personally like Vikram Grewal’s essay copies ?
Because personally I could never understand them and always wondered why everyone is crazy for his essays ?
I read some of his essays, he (atleast whatever I saw) has plethora of quotes, theories and use nearly a new one in every next para. May be due to vast reading (he is a writer or may be due to optional- I don't know what it is) he can such things. But for general audience they are hard to understand. Sometimes I can't relate things, he has written, to the topic of the essay (possibly due to my ignorance or lack of knowledge).
I personally followed Anudeep's + looked various other copies. Then came out with own style, which is very basic one.
Got 131 in 2019 (though not very good), but sticking to the topic and using simple language helped me.
+ realizing limitations is important, everyone can't write like any topper
+ try to figure out what different thing you can provide, for me- it is making a simple story for most of the topics and utilising my optional (Hindi literature)
The idea of finishing an argument within one para was something I appreciated and tried to apply to incorporate into my essays as well. It really helped to tighten my writing style and reduced the amount of tangential thought that philosophical essays tend to induce.
I read some of his essays, he (atleast whatever I saw) has plethora of quotes, theories and use nearly a new one in every next para. May be due to vast reading (he is a writer or may be due to optional- I don't know what it is) he can such things. But for general audience they are hard to understand. Sometimes I can't relate things, he has written, to the topic of the essay (possibly due to my ignorance or lack of knowledge).
I personally followed Anudeep's + looked various other copies. Then came out with own style, which is very basic one.
Got 131 in 2019 (though not very good), but sticking to the topic and using simple language helped me.
+ realizing limitations is important, everyone can't write like any topper
+ try to figure out what different thing you can provide, for me- it is making a simple story for most of the topics and utilising my optional (Hindi literature)
Can I DM you ?
Jai Shree Ram !
Which topper to be followed for Essays ?
Anudeep
Saumya
Chandra Mohan Garg
Any other ?
Recent ones ?
Anyone ?
Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.
Did you personally like Vikram Grewal’s essay copies ?
Because personally I could never understand them and always wondered why everyone is crazy for his essays ?
I read some of his essays, he (atleast whatever I saw) has plethora of quotes, theories and use nearly a new one in every next para. May be due to vast reading (he is a writer or may be due to optional- I don't know what it is) he can such things. But for general audience they are hard to understand. Sometimes I can't relate things, he has written, to the topic of the essay (possibly due to my ignorance or lack of knowledge).
I personally followed Anudeep's + looked various other copies. Then came out with own style, which is very basic one.
Got 131 in 2019 (though not very good), but sticking to the topic and using simple language helped me.
+ realizing limitations is important, everyone can't write like any topper
+ try to figure out what different thing you can provide, for me- it is making a simple story for most of the topics and utilising my optional (Hindi literature)
Dil ki baat kahi hai aapne : )
Which topper to be followed for Essays ?
Anudeep
Saumya
Chandra Mohan Garg
Any other ?
Recent ones ?
Anyone ?
Vikram grewal’s essay are good. I also googled some topper’s copies by vision (I don’t remember which ones) but they gave me a rough framework to work with. I also used the insights weekly essay initiative quite religiously and would trawl through the comments sections to get some idea of where I stand, but I wouldn’t take it too seriously because some of those essays are pathetic at best, though you might find some hidden gems.
Cant try this insight one as I am doing PYQ essays. Also structures would vary a lot among essays. Any particular structure you follow for Philosophical essay or any topper followed one or any video on the internet of any topper or any coaching institute. I am directionless wrt Essays. Essays are more subjective as compared to other exams, there would be a whole lot of variations !!
Before following insights I basically had a look through the PYQs to get a feel for the different kind of topics that are usually asked. After that, I basically attempted the essays that I felt aligned to these topics. I tried to do as many broad based topics as possible to cover more ground with lesser topics. But I do admit that I wrote over 15 essays before the mains.
As far as the structure is concerned, i do agree that there are far too many essays to go through. I basically gave half a day to skim through the comments section. If i felt the first page isn’t strong enough I wouldn’t read the rest of it, because as I mentioned there are more misses than hits there. But sometimes I would get an additional point here or there. For my structure, there isn’t a really well-defined structure that i stuck to. I like writing, and that is what I was formally trained to do as part of my Lit curriculum for 5 years.
What I tended to do was follow the keyword structure and then deconstruct my argument. Define the keywords, delineate the relationship between the keywords and then work on building an argument from there on. I think the whole tact to writing philosophical essays is to have clarity of thought and argument. It helps to build a tighter essay and ensure continuity.
True. Everyone background is different. I am not from Literature bg and never wrote any long paras or essay in the last 7 years and obviously i dont like writing much. Currently focussing on Philo based essays. Lets see how it rolls.
If you could review a essay I wrote yesterday, it would be great help. Thanks !!
Yeah no worries at all, but bear in mind that marks are not yet announced, so be a little cautious if my advice sounds far-fetched to you
EiChan,THE_MECHANICCan a group be made for weekly essay practice and reviewing?
I know there are lot of issues involved while forming such groups. But, if there is any such group or you people are interested in forming such a group, do add me. Or should I join a test series to improve my essay writing ?
Your reviews on any essay test series that you people joined..?
There was a thread where we exchanged essays and reviewed them: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Essay-for-Mains-2020-tips-thoughts-and-interesting-things-1602501086?page=6#comment_49434
Sharing it just in case it helps even though it contains my own shitty initial essays :p
Jonathan,There was a thread where we exchanged essays and reviewed them: https://forumias.com/post/detail/Essay-for-Mains-2020-tips-thoughts-and-interesting-things-1602501086?page=6#comment_49434
Sharing it just in case it helps even though it contains my own shitty initial essays :p
In that case, I will start with reading your essays on priority basis from page 1 and witness the ‘progress’ : )
whatonly,Can a group be made for weekly essay practice and reviewing?
I know there are lot of issues involved while forming such groups. But, if there is any such group or you people are interested in forming such a group, do add me. Or should I join a test series to improve my essay writing ?
Your reviews on any essay test series that you people joined..?
I joined forum test series last year (the one where they give 4 tests only). It didn’t have any classes but that wasn’t my main concern. I gave one test just to benchmark and evaluate myself. I was quite satisfied with their evaluation and feedback. But I did end up writing the other 6 essays as practice ones.
EiChan,peterparker
Did you personally like Vikram Grewal’s essay copies ?
Because personally I could never understand them and always wondered why everyone is crazy for his essays ?
I read some of his essays, he (atleast whatever I saw) has plethora of quotes, theories and use nearly a new one in every next para. May be due to vast reading (he is a writer or may be due to optional- I don't know what it is) he can such things. But for general audience they are hard to understand. Sometimes I can't relate things, he has written, to the topic of the essay (possibly due to my ignorance or lack of knowledge).
I personally followed Anudeep's + looked various other copies. Then came out with own style, which is very basic one.
Got 131 in 2019 (though not very good), but sticking to the topic and using simple language helped me.
+ realizing limitations is important, everyone can't write like any particular topper
+ try to figure out what different thing you can provide, for me- it is making a simple story for most of the topics and utilising my optional (Hindi literature)
Can you help in Philosphical essays.. We prepare themes for essay but this year section 1 was full of philosophical topics. Anything torefer for such essay?
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