Essay in XAT

Essay writing has been an integral part of XAT for the last few years. This essay writing part is in addition to the 2 hour objective test. Once the objective test is over, the students are given a break of a few minutes and after that they are provided with the question-cum-answer sheet for the essay, a blank sheet of paper on the top of which the topic is printed. There is no word limit given, but the student is supposed to write an essay of about 200-250 words in 20 minutes. The essay is not a deciding factor when it comes to the short-listing of students for the interview; it is considered during the short-listed students interviews.

 Topics

The essay topics can be broadly categorized into knowledge-based and non-knowledge based/abstract topics. Knowledge based topics, as can be understood from the name, require a lot of knowledge on part of the students. These topics include social, economic, business related, current affairs etc. For example, the topic in 2002 was Indian economy in the post-WTO regime. This topic required the students to have a clear understanding of the changes that happened to our economy in the post-WTO era. There was no way one could fill the sheets with general information and go since the topic was specific and required thorough understanding. Non knowledge based topics try to analyze one’s ability to do lateral thinking, and how intelligently creative one can be. For example, in 2003, the topic was ‘To give real service, one needs to add something that cannot be bought or measured, like sincerity and integrity.’ This topic per se does not test the student’s knowledge, but something beyond. One’s attitude, values and understanding of human behaviour are tested through this.

 How to write an essay

After getting the topic of the essay, do not start writing immediately. Do understand that you have only limited space to put down your ideas and that you need to put across your ideas in the best possible manner, in terms of content, clarity and accuracy. So take a couple of minutes and read the topic carefully. Decide a framework, jot down a few most important points on the topic. If the topic is on an argument where there are clear ‘for’ points and ‘against’ points or if it is controversial, it is generally good to take a balanced approach. After deciding on the main points, go back to the basics for execution – you have to write an Introduction, a couple of paragraphs as body, and a fitting conclusion.

The introduction should throw light on your understanding of the topic and put forward your thesis statement. The body of the essay should contain the main points of your thesis. The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.

 Do remember a few things while writing your essay.

The evaluator wants to know how much you know about the topic in hand. He/she is not interested in knowing how much you know in general. For example, in an essay on ‘ Indian economy in the post-WTO regime’, avoid writing half a page on the WTO and how it helps/hinders trade across the world. This will not get you brownie points. It is necessary that what you write is relevant to the topic at hand. So it also becomes imperative that you develop a habit of reading the moment you think of choosing Management as your career. Equip yourself with knowledge about the current economic, social, socio-economic and political scenarios in India and in the world, in general. This will not only help you gather knowledge but also develop a broader perspective. When it comes to writing essays, you will have various points of view and examples that will make your essay score.

 Dont's:

 Do not put data which you are not sure of. It is better not to write something that you are not sure of    rather than writing something incorrect.

Do not put quotations if you do not know/ are not sure of whose quote it is.

Do not use bombastic language. Use simple English to get your points across.

Do not use incorrect English. Pay attention to your spellings, grammar and punctuation.

Do not forget what you have written in your essay since you may be asked questions on the same. Giving    an opinion contrary to what you have said in your essay will not be favorable.

 ESSAY TOPICS OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS

 1999 - "Television really is another eye so you can feel and care about things you never felt and cared    about before, another ear to hear strange music… The first and only international language."

 2000- Ships are safer in the harbour. But they are not meant for the same. Comment on the statement in    the context of Indian industry.

 2001- Economic Growth without distributive justice can only lead to violence.

 2002- Indian Economy in the Post WTO Era.

 2003- To give real service, one needs to add something that cannot be bought or measured, like sincerity    and integrity.

 2004- Asked at the age of 83, as to which of his project would he choose as his master piece, Frank Lloyd    Wright, the architect, answered, "The next one".

 2005- More than one billion Indians. A gigantic problem or a sea of opportunities?

 2006- I ndia has one of the largest pool of talented manpower but few innovations and patented    products.

 2007-  Economic growth without environmental damage- a mirage or a reality?