Aspirants can leverage social issues for essay writing in UPSC exams by drawing connections between contemporary challenges and historical contexts. By analyzing issues like inequality, gender discrimination, and environmental degradation, candidates can showcase their critical thinking and reflection on societal impacts. Structuring essays with organized arguments and supporting data can enhance their arguments, proving their awareness of current affairs and public sentiment. Utilizing real-world examples can strengthen their essays, making them relevant and impactful, crucial for achieving higher scores in the examination.