Essay Writing for Bschool selection

Rahul ReddyT.I.M.E. Kolkata Jan 2012

Introduction

• Key part of Bschool Selection– 11 out of 13 IIMs – Other Top Bschools

• Duration– 10-20 min

• Critical for success as a Manager– In a Bschool– In your Management career

Evaluation parameters

• Quality of content– Facts– Interpretation or Analysis– Conclusion/Opinion/Solution

• Quality of Logical arguments– Support your Conclusion

• Coherence• Clarity of Language• Basic Spelling and Grammar

Process

• Think before you write– 10 to 20% of the allotted time– Plan for 3-4 key ideas

• Start with an end in mind– Decide your conclusion first– Plan how you will support the conclusion

• Are there two sides to a topic– Cover both sides but conclude on one side

Essay Structure

• Introduce the Topic– Give background, context– Gives readers a clear idea of what essay is about– Summary of the Essay/Conclusion

• Main Body– Key arguments in support of your conclusion– Explain each point with facts and examples– May use different paragraphs

Essay Structure

• Conclusion– Based on facts and arguments– Use qualifiers to moderate conclusion– End with a optimistic practical solution (if

applicable)– Is the most important component

Some suggestions

• Quote/Proverb• Keep it relevant– Ignore peripheral ideas, understand the scope

• Use simple Sentences • Get spellings and grammar write• Don’t rush, finish in time

Sample Topics

• Social skills are more important for success than academic knowledge

• Freedom of Expression has limits• I do not want to do an MBA because• Technology in education makes teachers

irrelevant• Man is not old enough until regret has taken

the place of dreams

Example

Topic: India should spend more on Infrastructure and Less on Subsidies

Key pointsInfrastructure enables business and trade

growthInfrastructure creates income generating assets

while subsidies are recurring expenditureSubsidies are required to ensure access to basic

necessities for the poor and disadvantagedInfrastructure creates jobs and and income

Example

Conclusion: Infrastructure is critical to Nation’s growth and hence must be funded while ensuring that only essentials are subsidized for the genuinely needy citizens.