tips for writing timed essays

9 Tips to Ace That Timed Essay

Exams are almost upon us, and a familiar sense of foreboding has settled over the campus. One exam element that can be particularly intimidating for some students is the timed essay: an exam question which demands a full essay on a topic that is typically revealed for the first time during the test. While these kinds of questions may seem scary, there are plenty of ways to make them easy for yourself. Read on for tips about how to prepare in advance of the exam and how to approach timed essays before, during, and after the writing process.

While Preparing for the Exam: Become familiar with the course content. If the professor hasn’t told you in advance what a timed essay prompt will be, it can be intimidating to think that you will have to write about a subject you’ve never seen before. However, this thinking process does not reflect the reality of the situation. In fact, even if your teacher hasn’t given you any hints about the essay question, you do know what it will be about: the concepts and ideas you’ve discussed in the course. Therefore, if you take the time to review your notes and ensure you understand everything that was discussed, it should be difficult for the essay question to catch you off guard. As soon as you read the question, relevant course concepts will start popping into your head, and you’ll just have to organize them into a coherent essay. Start planning if you can. Although the situation described above sometimes occurs, it’s also very common for professors to give their students a fairly detailed idea of what an essay question will involve in advance of the test day. (After all, professors want to mark high-quality essays written by well-prepared students!) This heads-up gives you a great chance to prepare for the exam. If you have the time, consider mapping out a possible essay in point form before the day of the exam arrives. Consider practicing writing under time pressure. You’ve probably written dozens of essays before--the only thing that sets a timed essay apart is that it’s timed. Students often struggle to complete the full essay within the time constraints, particularly if they have to write longhand when they’re accustomed to working on the computer. For this reason, it can be helpful to simulate the conditions of a timed exam before the actual day: pick a practice question, find some lined paper, set a stopwatch, and see how you do! Before You Start Writing: Read the question carefully. The most critical part of the essay-writing process actually happens before you write your first word. When you flip to the essay question, make sure you read it as carefully as you can, noting the difference between words such as ‘contrast’ and ‘analyze’ and highlighting any details which the professor specifically instructs you to include. It’s not uncommon for excellent essays to receive low marks because the student answered a question other than the one that was asked. Make a clear and specific plan. Some students react to the time pressure of essay exams by scribbling down their introduction as soon as they’ve read the question and figuring out their points as they go. While it might seem counter-intuitive, taking five or ten minutes before you start writing in order to draw up a plan will be an enormous time saver. Decide on your thesis, the topic of each paragraph, and the arguments which you intend to cover, then jot down some quick point-form notes. This process won’t take long, and, once you complete it, all that’s left will be to expand those notes into a well-organized essay. Without a clear plan, you run the risk of realizing partway through that you’ve drifted off topic or written yourself into a corner, and fixing these mistakes will consume a ton of extra time. Schedule a set time for each paragraph. On the topic of planning, it’s important to sketch out an idea of how long you want to spend on each section of your essay. (If you know the number of paragraphs you’ll need to write ahead of time, you can do this before the exam even starts!) Take note of the amount of time allotted for the exam and split it into reasonably-sized segments, leaving some time at the end for revision if possible. Without a schedule to follow, it’s easy to become too focused on a single paragraph and run out of time to finish the essay. While You’re Writing: Write clearly and double-space. This tip may seem basic, but it’s easy to forget and it can make a big difference. Both these measures won’t just make it easier for the marker to read your paper; they'll also help you write it. If you have time left at the end of the exam for review, having the ability to skim quickly through your work and write revisions in blank spaces will be incredibly helpful.

Keep yourself on schedule.  Remember the paragraph-based schedule we discussed above? It’ll be useless if you don’t do regular check-ins during the exam. Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you’re always on track. If you realize that you’re falling dangerously behind schedule, it might be necessary to cut some arguments or examples you planned to include. Although making these omissions can be painful, it’s better to leave out a few points from one section than to leave out an entire paragraph because you ran out of time. Don’t worry too much about editing and revision before you finish. When composing essays, many students stop and read over each paragraph once they finish it, making sure that it’s well-written and free of errors before advancing to the next one. This approach is entirely logical when there’s no time pressure involved, but it can actually work against you during an exam. Perfecting paragraphs is a time-consuming process, and, if you spend too much time editing before the essay is finished, you might have to rush through the last few sections or leave them out entirely. For this reason, it’s best to focus on producing a complete first draft before you worry about edits and revisions.

After You’ve Finished Writing: Re-read the question and ensure you’ve addressed all parts. The most important part of writing an essay exam is ensuring that you’re answering the question was posed. Even if you made sure you were interpreting everything correctly before you began, you may have forgotten to address a subquestion or integrate an example as you were writing. Before you submit, read the prompt again and make sure your completed essay matches up! Edit if you have time. If you have enough time left over, read your essay again and make corrections. When you’re working under time pressure, it’s easy to make grammar mistakes or produce hard-to-follow sentences; the final few minutes are your chance to clean up those errors. Unless if you finished way ahead of schedule, don’t worry about major revisions like reorganizing the structure of the essay--it’s better to hand in an essay with an imperfect structure than a paper that’s impossible to follow because you had to stop halfway through the revision process.

Remember to have the right perspective. Once you hand your exam to the professor, relax! It’s easy to work yourself up after an essay exam when you didn’t get the chance to read your work over or you feel like your arguments were weak. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your professor understands the circumstances under which the essay was written. They’re fully aware of the time pressure you were dealing with, and they will judge your work far differently than they would judge a typical essay with a deadline set weeks after the assignment date. If you did your best to write a complete, clear, and insightful essay within the time allotted, you should have nothing to worry about. Best of luck during the upcoming exam season!

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How to Write a Timed Essay

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

This article was co-authored by Arash Fayz . Arash Fayz is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of LA Tutors 123, an academic consulting and private tutoring company based in Los Angeles, California. Arash has over 10 years of educational consulting experience, managing the tutoring of students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to score higher on standardized tests and gain admission to their target schools. He has a BA in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 21,683 times.

Whether it be in a class or for a standardized test, students are often required to write a timed essay. Writing a timed essay is as much about organization and time management as it is about the quality of writing. Visit Step 1 to get started.

Divide Up Your Time

• Make sure the prompts wants you to write an essay and not just a simple short answer that could consist of a few sentences to one full paragraph.
• Pick a position/argument to organize your essay. Think in terms of the pros and cons of the arguments and what supporting details lead you to the facts you'd like to present in the essay.
• Jot down an outline on some scrap paper
• Write the essay based on the outline! Don't ever write without some notes and knowledge of the subject at hand.
• Proofread your essay. No reader ever wants grammatical and spelling errors to be present.
• Submit on time.

• Read and understand the prompt = 1.5 minutes
• Pick a position = 1.5 minutes
• Jot down an outline = 2 minutes
• Write = 21 minutes
• Revise = 3 minutes
• Submit = 1 minute

• Introduction: 3 minutes
• Paragraph 1: 6 minutes
• Paragraph 2: 5 minutes
• Paragraph 3: 5 minutes
• Conclusion: 2 minutes

During the Essay

Proofreading the Essay

Submitting the Essay

Expert Q&A

• Wear a wristwatch during your timed essay. Not every testing room will have a clock on the wall or a proctor who announces the time remaining at regular intervals. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't panic if you go over time on a particular section. You can make it up by going a little faster on the next section. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Pay special attention to the outlining at the beginning. If you have a solid structure and direction, the argument will seem focused and organized even if it has been written faster than you would do without a time limit. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ Arash Fayz. Test Prep Tutor. Expert Interview. 1 November 2019.

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Time is always a limited resource. Sometimes you will write with a time limit because you only have an hour to take a test and there is a short essay section. But the most common timed writing occurs because you can only plan a limited amount of time to work on a paper because of your other commitments. Learning how to manage your time in these assignments will help you to keep a balance between your homework assignments and your personal life. 

When you are working with a limited amount of time, it is extra important to organize your time so that you can create a complete response. You do not have time to waste. Sometimes a time limit creates stress (especially in a test environment), so here are some tips to reduce your stress and focus the time you have in a productive way.

One of the challenges of timed writing is making quick decisions about content and organization. The brainstorming stage is limited and requires you to move swiftly into creating your paragraphs. Unlike most writing situations, you don't have weeks of preparation time to research ideas, revise, and get feedback on your essay. 

First, you need to be clear on what the prompt is asking you. This is true in any assignment, but it is especially important when you have limited time to make corrections. You need to recognize the type of writing (compare, describe, argue, explain) and create a thesis statement and supporting points that make a clear road map for what you will say. Additionally, you need to check the prompt to make sure that you are addressing all of the points. 

Once you have analyzed the prompt, you should be able to start creating your outline so you have all of the necessary pieces. 

Make a short list of the parts of the prompt if there are multiple questions. That is a good first step for creating a thesis and topic sentences that cover all of the necessary information. 

Understanding and including all of the parts of the prompt is important for two reasons.

The first reason is that the question is specifically designed to get you to write about the topic for a specific reason. A multi-part question signals to you the degree of complexity that the audience expects to find in your response. If you miss information from your response, your reader might assume that this means you don't know the information. 

Second, your audience may attribute missing information to a lack of language ability. This is especially true in a standardized test like the TOEFL or the GRE where the reader knows nothing about your ability other than what you show on the test. The reader might think that you chose not to write about pat of the question because you do not have the grammar or vocabulary to explain your ideas. This unfortunately might be your college professor's assuption as well, especially if a professor in a large class does not get many opportunities to speak with you one on one. 

Therefore, it's in your best interest to carefully read through the prompt and dissect it. Once you know what the reader expects, you can write a stronger response with more purposeful organization.

Outline Ideas

First of all, an outline will  always benefit you. You may think that the best idea is to immediately start writing because the time is limited, but that could lead to a very disorganized presentation of an answer. Read the prompt carefully and make a brief outline of ideas so that you know all parts of the prompt will be addressed and all of your most important details will be included. 

Your outline should include the important basics you will practice throughout this semester:

Timed Outlining

• Read the prompt carefully. 
• Brainstorm your ideas for each part of the prompt.
• Organize your ideas into a logical outline.
• Decide on what is the  most important to include.
• Write a thesis statement that directly answers the main part of the prompt.
• Write topic sentences for your main points.
• Write a restated thesis statement.

Exercise 1: Analyze Timed Writing Prompt

Read the prompts below. Identify the linguistic task. Break the prompt down into the individual parts. 

• Parks are created to protect natural spaces for future generations and for citizens to enjoy the outdoors. Why do you think society values separating these places and controlling them? Do you think that there is equal value in parks in rural areas like Yellowstone and parks in large cities like Central Park in New York? Why or why not?
• Compare your home city to Provo. What are the similarities and differences? Be careful not to include your opinion about which one is better.
• What piece of technology do you think has the biggest impact on your everday life? Why is that technology so important? What features does it have that support your daily activities? Do you think this technology is equally important to others your age? Why or why not?

Exercise 2: Timed Writing Practice

You have 30 minutes to respond to this prompt. Your answer should be around 300 words long. Before you begin, think about how you will use your timer to complete the task

Prompt: Describe an important holiday or tradition that you celebrate. This may be something specific to your family or something celebrated more widely in your country. Be sure to include details about  when ,  why , and  how  you celebrate.

This content is provided to you freely by BYU Open Learning Network.

Access it online or download it at https://open.byu.edu/academic_a_writing/timed_writing_2 .

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WHAT IS TIMED WRITING?

Also called timed essays, essay exams, or in-class essays, these essays require you to demonstrate disciplinary knowledge by producing a writing sample within a limited time period. Timed writing measures your raw writing ability and your skill at thinking under pressure. It also reflects your ability to quickly recall, synthesize, and analyze detailed material. One of the major skills that is being tested in a timed writing exam is your ability to write to a prompt. A prompt is simply the exam question or writing task. In a timed exam, your thesis will generally be your answer to the prompt.

WHY STRENGHTEN THIS SKILL?

Being skilled at timed writing is important because…

• oftentimes when you transfer to another college, you will be required to take a timed essay placement exam or graduate exit exam, so placing higher will save you time and money spent on taking additional classes and later enable you to get your degree.
• some large survey courses base the majority of the student grade on in-class timed exams.
• it improves your own mental agility—being able to think quickly and logically is an invaluable skill.
• in college and in life, you will be required to compose arguments (written and verbal) on the spot, so the better you are at it, the more convincing and successful you will be.
• American culture highly values polished written skills, so the more adept you are at crafting well written responses and proposals quickly, you’ll be the one who gets better grades, gets hired, gets the promotion, and will get more respect due to your effective communication skills.

HOW DO I DO IT?

Timed writing is challenging, so break down the task into manageable stages:

• Review the elements of an essay (so you are sure to craft a good one).
• Know how to successfully break down a prompt.
• Create a rough outline.
• Have a time management plan.

Reviewing the elements of an essay

Writing in a timed situation can be stressful so go in having a clear and confident sense of your goal: to produce a focused, organized, developed, proofread essay. Even in a timed situation, you will be expected to write an essay with the standard essay elements so here is a review of what to include:

Breaking down a prompt

In timed writing, you will be given a prompt. Be sure to use techniques to effectively break down and fully understand that prompt before you begin the writing task. This will ensure you do not write off topic or miss important elements of the assignment. It is essential to understand and identify key words within any writing prompt. Here are some commonly used command verbs used in prompts. It is not guaranteed these words will be used, but if they are, be sure you understand what each command is asking you to do: Key Words Commonly Used in Writing Assignments/Prompts: Describe: Write about the subject so the reader can easily visualize it; tell how it looks or happened. Use adjectives, adverbs and descriptive language to paint a mental image for you reader. Compare: Analyze the similarities and the differences between two or more items. Contrast: Look only at the differences between two or more items. Explain: Give the meaning of something often answering the question “why”? Discuss: Provide a broader range of possibilities that critically explore your topic. Argue: Present a point of view or take a position and prove it. Don’t be concerned about taking the “right” or “wrong” position; just support a position soundly and consistently. Analyze: Break the subject down into parts, and explain and critically examine the various parts. Criticize/Critique: Point out both the positive and negative aspects of the topic. Evaluate: Give your opinion of the value of the subject; discuss its strengths and weaknesses. Illustrate: Make the point or idea by giving examples. Trace: Tell about an event or process in chronological (time) order. Prove: Show that something is true by giving facts or logical reasons. State: Give the main points in a brief, clear form.

Steps to break down a prompt

Since you have a limited amount of time, do not waste any of it writing off topic. Follow exactly what was asked in the prompt. Try this approach:

• Read the prompt carefully and several times: do not “rush in” and start writing as this puts you in danger of writing off topic or missing important parts of the prompt. Take a moment and read the prompt through several times.(2) Sum up the topic in a few words: What is the focus of the prompt? Narrow down the focus of the prompt in a word or two to help you mentally focus as well.
• Circle and/or underline the key words: Circle or underline the command verbs or question words that are telling you do something or asking you about something.
• Identify and count the required steps in the writing task: this is a crucial step in timed writing. You don’t want to overlook any parts of the question and get little to no credit for your work as a result. Number the parts of the prompt you need to address in your essay and oftentimes you can even use this as an informal outline for the essay.

Practice: Use the method of breaking down a prompt

STEPS TO BREAK DOWN A PROMPT:

• Read the prompt carefully and several times
• Sum up the topic in a few words
• Circle and/or underline the key words
• Identify and count the required steps in the writing task

In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass contends “there can be no freedom without education.” Citing specific examples from the text, discuss this concept and examine how Douglass is a testament to this idea. Then explain how this concept can be applied today and what we can learn by applying Douglass’ words to a modern day example. (1) Read the prompt carefully and several times (2) Sum up the topic in a few words: _________________________________________________ (3) Circle and/or underline the key words (4) Identify and count the required steps in the writing task

(2) Sum up the topic in a few words: TOPIC = FREEDOM THROUGH EDUCATION In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass contends “there can be no freedom without education.” Citing specific examples from the text , (1) discuss this concept and (2) examine how Douglass is a testament to this idea. Then (3) explain how this concept can be applied today and (4) what we can learn by applying Douglass’ words to a modern day example.

Creating a rough outline

Outlining is the road map for the essay. And we all know that when you are rushing to get somewhere quickly, it is easier to get lost. Outlines make sure that you end up where you intended. For timed writing, you’ll make the most informal kind of outline in which you jot down your main points and possible supporting evidence. This kind of outline is for you only, and you don’t need to worry about making it more comprehensive if it does the job for you.

Practice: Rough Outline

Use the Douglass prompt you just broke down and create a rough outline for it.

Possible answers for MAKING A ROUGH OUTLINE:

Managing your time

Since taking a timed exam puts you in the situation of having a limited amount of time to create a focused, organized, well supported essay, you better have a clear plan of how you will use your allotted time before beginning the exam. Suggested breakdown of time:

10-15% of time: Prewriting: (1) Read the prompt carefully, circling key words, counting parts

(2) Make a rough outline to determine your thesis, main supporting points and strongest evidence.

70-80% of time: Write the essay: (3) Write your essay following the outline.

(4) Skip lines in case you want to make some changes when you’re proofreading after you complete the essay.

10-15% of time: Proofreading: (5) Proofread your essay carefully adding missed evidence, catching misspellings, putting in left out words, revising confusing sentences, joining sentences, etc. Wait until the end to proofread. Focusing on sentence-level concerns as you compose the essay will slow you down too much and potentially sacrifice essay content.

We all know we are better at something when we practice. Were you a good driver the first time you got behind the wheel? If you’ve played a sport or an instrument over the years, how were your skills when you first started? The same is true for timed writing. The more you practice, the better, more confident, and more accomplished you become. Also, when you have a timed written exam coming up, you can ask your teacher for a practice prompt or you can create one yourself. The best preparation you can do is to take a practice timed exam on the topic you are being tested on. Also, if you take a practice exam ahead of time, you can even make an appointment with your instructor to go over the practice exam and get valuable advice and feedback you can then directly apply on the graded exam. Here are some practice prompts: Prompt—English 100 in-class essay (30 minutes) In his book, Jim Rogers explores the issue of music file sharing on the internet and he looks at how the record companies have tried to sue individuals, web sites, and internet service providers for copyright infringement. Do you feel any of these groups should be held financially responsible for sharing music? Why or why not? Do you feel anyone is harmed by music file sharing? Prompt—English 846 midterm (90 minutes) Analyzing their book YouTube , describe three moral or ethical concerns that Jean Burgess and Joshua Green address about YouTube. What are the authors’ views about these concerns? Respond to and analyze each of these concerns giving your opinion on each. Finally, looking at these concerns together, explain how you feel this does or should shape the management and future of YouTube. Prompt—English 110 midterm (75 minutes) J.T. Rogers’ play The Overwhelming is set during the 1994 Rwandan genocide of the Tutsis by the Hutus. Examine why you think the playwright decided to tell this tragic story of an African country through this family of Americans. Also, why construct the characters that he did: the middle-aged college professor trying to publish, his 17-year-old son who just lost his mother, and his second wife, a writer and an African-American woman? Examine how the use of these American characters affect and shape the larger story being told. Prompt—History 100 practice midterm (75 minutes) “History repeats itself. Has to. Nobody listens.” --Steve Turner A famous maxim says that those who fail to remember and learn from the events of history—economic failures, wars, injustices, strife—are doomed to repeat them. By learning from historical events, by listening to the message of history, a nation or people can avoid repeating the errors of the past. Identify one such significant past event that has been covered in the reading, discuss its effects and explain why we should remember it. Prompt—English 846 Final exam (2.5 hours) Select three (3) of the authors and texts we have read this semester and examine how each author argues that greed and materialism function in our lives in the U.S. Explain who is mainly guilty of greed and who is most affected and how. Finally, explain what you feel, and analyze the larger impact of your views. Prompt— English 100 Final exam (2.5 hours) Compare the different ways that four of the authors that we have read this semester used activism to change their current system and to bring about social change, and explain what we can learn about effective approaches through this comparison. Finally, argue which of the four you feel was the most successful as a revolutionary and as you make your case, be sure to define "revolutionary" and "success" according to you, and explain the implications and importance of your findings. Prompt— English 110 Final exam (2.5 hours) Select three (3) of the authors and texts we have read this semester (one poem, one short story, and one play), and compare the characters the authors have created in order to examine the pressures women in particular face. Describe the gender-based expectations placed on these women and examine the impact. Finally, examine the connecting patterns that transcend location and time era in regards to the attitudes toward and treatment of women.

STEPS TO BREAK DOWN A PROMPT :

Prompt—English 100 in-class essay (30 minutes) TOPIC = music file sharing In his book, Jim Rogers explores the issue of music file sharing on the internet and he looks at how the record companies have tried to sue individuals, web sites, and internet service providers for copyright infringement. (1) Do you feel any of these groups should be held financially responsible for sharing music? Why or why not? (2) Do you feel anyone is harmed by music file sharing? Prompt—English 846 midterm (90 minutes) TOPIC = 3 moral/ethical YouTube concerns Analyzing their book YouTube , (1) describe three moral or ethical concerns that Jean Burgess and Joshua Green address about YouTube. (2) What are the authors’ views about these concerns? (3) Respond to and analyze each of these concerns giving your opinion on each . Finally, looking at these concerns together , (4) explain how you feel this does or should shape the management and future of YouTube . Prompt—English 110 midterm (75 minutes) TOPIC = use of American characters J.T. Rogers’ play The Overwhelming is set during the 1994 Rwandan genocide of the Tutsis by the Hutus. (1) Examine why you think the playwright decided to tell this tragic story of an African country through this family of Americans . Also, (2) why construct the characters that he did : the middle-aged college professor trying to publish, his 17 year old son who just lost his mother, and his second wife, a writer and an African-American woman? (3) Examine how the use of these American characters affect and shape the larger story being told. Prompt—History 100 practice midterm (75 minutes) TOPIC = ONE significant past event “History repeats itself. Has to. Nobody listens.”

--Steve Turner

A famous maxim says that those who fail to remember and learn from the events of history—economic failures, wars, injustices, strife—are doomed to repeat them. By learning from historical events, by listening to the message of history, a nation or people can avoid repeating the errors of the past. (1) Identify one such significant past event that has been covered in the reading , (2) discuss its effects and (3) explain why we should remember it. Prompt—English 846 Final exam (2.5 hours) TOPIC = greed and materialism in 3 texts Select three (3) of the authors and texts we have read this semester and (1) examine how each author argues that greed and materialism function in our lives in the U.S . (2) Explain who is mainly guilty of greed (3) and who is most affected and how . Finally, (4) explain what you feel , and ( 5) analyze the larger impact of your views. Prompt— English 100 Final exam (2.5 hours) TOPIC = activism of 4 authors (1) Compare the different ways that four of the authors that we have read this semester used activism to change their current system and to bring about social change, and (2) explain what we can learn about effective approaches through this comparison. Finally, (3) argue which of the four you feel was the most successful as a revolutionary and as you make your case, be sure to define "revolutionary" and "success" according to you, and (4) explain the implications and importance of your findings. Prompt— English 110 Final exam (2.5 hours) TOPIC = pressures women face in 3 texts (1) Select three (3) of the authors and texts we have read this semester ( one poem, one short story, and one play ), and (2) compare the characters the authors have created in order to examine the pressures women in particular face . (3) Describe the gender-based expectations placed on these women and (4) examine the impact. Finally, (5) examine the connecting patterns that transcend location and time era in regards to the attitudes toward and treatment of women .

Additional tips

• Relax : You know what an essay is. You know that it has an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You have done essays before, and you know what you're doing now. The more you can take the exam in a calm and confident state, the better you will do.
• Bring a watch or timepiece: You want to be in control of your time and not the other way around, so be aware of the remaining time throughout the exam. Follow your time management plan but make adjustments as you see fit. For instance, if you budgeted 15 minutes for proofreading and in your last 15 minutes you don’t yet have a conclusion, donate 5 minutes of your proofreading time to your conclusion. Be in control of your time so you can be sure that you complete all your tasks in the time allotted.
• Check out the testing room in advance, if possible : This way, you’ll be better able to judge the amount of time you need to get there, and you’ll be more familiar with the test setting.
• Get plenty of sleep the previous night : no one does well when sleep deprived. Stay in the night before an exam, study but you shouldn’t be causing yourself stress by cramming last minute. Go to bed at a decent hour and be sure to have a healthy meal before the exam. Being physically prepared will improve your mental preparedness.
• If you are prone to distraction : sit apart from other test takers.
• Listen to music : some can focus better when listening to music. Check with your professor or the exam proctor ahead of time to see if it’s ok to listen to music using headphones during the exam.

Timed writing checklist

Here is a checklist with an overview of the timed writing advice you can review before taking a timed exam:

• Think about focus-thesis: form an arguable thesis that responds directly to the prompt and stay focused on proving it throughout the essay. Put your thesis in the introductory paragraph. Anything in the essay that doesn’t prove the thesis and wasn’t asked about in the prompt is off topic.
• Think about organization: choose an appropriate number of main supporting points you can adequately develop, present them in a logical order, and put each one into a separate paragraph.
• Think about development: create well-developed paragraphs including the elements of PIE: (P)oint: strong topic sentences, (I)nformation: convincing evidence, (E)xplanation: your own reasoning and analysis.
• Think about sentence crafting: save time at the end to proofread to correct any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors and to improve sentence logic and flow.
• Break down the prompt: read it carefully, sum up the topic is a word or two, underline/circle key words (command and question words), and number the different parts or tasks. Address all parts in the response.
• Create a rough outline before you start writing, so you can stay focused on what was asked and be sure to address all parts of the prompt.
• Make a time management plan dividing your allotted time for three tasks: 10-15% for prewriting, 70-80% for writing, 10-15% for proofreading.
• Practice writing timed essays to strengthen skills before taking timed exams for a grade.

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How to Prepare for Timed Writing Exercises

One of the latest trends in the admissions world is requiring timed writing exercises. This new piece of the application puzzle has been popping up in the admissions process for competitive high schools and specialized BS and postgraduate programs.

The thought of crafting a succinct and meaningful response to a mystery prompt in one sitting is enough to send shivers down even the greatest of writers’ spines. luckily for you, there are still ways you can prepare for this unique assignment. , what’s the point.

The timed writing assignment serves to test your ability to write concisely, think critically on your feet, and articulate your thoughts in a clear and organized manner. With practice, you can train yourself to do this on command, and fairly well at that! 

What will the prompt be like?

Of course, it’s impossible to know the prompt before sitting down to complete the assignment. (That’s kind of the point!) That being said, here are a few examples of timed writing prompts circulating in the admissions world:

What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, music, podcasts, movies, etc.    Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and how.   Describe something you have accomplished over a significant amount of time.    Resilience is defined as the ability to adapt and learn from a difficulty. Reflect on a time when you have exhibited resilience. What growth did you see in yourself after this experience?   Describe a situation in which you came into contact with someone whose beliefs were different from your own. What did you learn from this experience and were your beliefs altered in any way? 

The common thread connecting all of these prompts is you! Admissions will likely provide a prompt that is fairly personal because they want to learn more about the person behind the application.

How does one prepare?

Set a timer for the amount of time you think you’ll have to complete the assignment. If you’re not sure how much time you’ll be given, start with ten minutes. Then attack it like this:

Choose a sample question for practice. Spend the first whole minute reading the prompt. Sit with it. Reflect on it. Make sure you fully understand what is being asked of you and then begin generating an initial concept of what you might like to say in response.

Next, jot down a quick thesis statement, the main point that you’d like to communicate through your writing. From there, think about:

• An introduction
• Two to three supporting points
• A conclusion

This outline is going to be very helpful for organization’s sake. Of course, since time is precious, there is a balance to be struck regarding how much time you take to construct beautiful verbose sentences. Try not to linger on every word, especially at the beginning of the writing process; an unexciting written word is always better than the perfect unique one that is stuck on the tip of your tongue! You’ll remember what it is you were thinking of about three hours after you’ve finished and submitted the exercise. (We don’t know why it works like this, it just does!) So, get out what you can and don’t stress over perfection.

Try, if you can, to leave yourself the last few minutes to read your response over and eliminate any obvious mistakes . Fill in any holes in your argument, double check your use of punctuation, and make sure you answered all parts of the question.

When you’re done, stand up, walk away from your computer, grab a snack, stretch, then come back. Reread everything you wrote. Consider what could be stronger and assess what someone reading this short essay might like to know that you hadn’t addressed. If you’d like, ask a trusted friend or relative to read your response and ask them for their honest assessment. 

Finally, there’s only one thing left to do, rinse and repeat. The more practice you have under your belt, the more likely you’ll be able to execute well on the day of the timed writing exercise. Try doing this exercise a few times a week, no fewer than five or six times before you have to sit down to do the real thing. 

We bet you’ll find that with each attempt, you’ll be able to work more quickly and better envision your draft using the outline format we mentioned above.

What are the pitfalls? 

Part of the challenge and beauty of the timed writing exercise is that you have to build up the confidence to commit to whatever topic you choose. It’s highly unlikely that you will have time to start over if you decide your idea isn’t giving as much as you had hoped, so whatever you decide to write about, stick with it and follow it through until the end. 

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: no one is submitting a perfect essay in a timed writing exercise. And admissions isn’t looking for perfection but is, rather, evaluating your ability to communicate within a set amount of time. Take a deep breath before you begin and trust yourself.

Any final tips?

If you’re applying to a specific specialized program, see if you can find examples online of past questions to get a better sense of what you can expect. The question will likely ask about your interest, motivation, and/or goals. It might be a good idea to draft a short list of reasons why you’re pursuing this career path, qualities that make you a great candidate for this line of work, and stories or anecdotes that demonstrate these reasons or qualities.

Thinking about this in advance might also help if you find yourself stumped by a question. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, we encourage you to think about the things you want admissions to know about you, then see if you can work backward and finesse your response to include some of those highlights. Happy writing! 🙂

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Strategies for Timed Essays

Timed essay tests can bring about a great deal of stress for students. The ticking clock is certainly a catalyst when it comes to test anxiety; however, the unknown components of an timed essay test are also daunting. The fact of the matter is, timed writing tasks will be a standard aspect of every student’s education at some point. Another fact, thankfully, is that there are strategies that students can employ to conquer these seemingly insurmountable timed essays.

Reread the prompt and put it into your own words

When students sit down to take an essay assessment, the clock begins counting down and nerves often take over. In a time-crunch, many students follow the impulse to put pencil to paper as quickly as possible and write until their wrists can take no more. The issue, however, arises when the completed essay fails to actually address the prompt or essay question. To avoid this, students should first carefully reread the prompt in an effort to put it into their own words. By rephrasing the question, students ensure that they fully comprehend what the prompt is asking and are able to more specifically begin to address it in their writing.

Spend 3-5 minutes drafting a simple outline

The few minutes that students spend sketching a plan for their essay will be returned twofold in the sense that, with this quick roadmap, they will have to spend less time figuring out the general direction of each paragraph since the essay is already loosely mapped out. The outline should include only bulleted information, not complete sentences. Page numbers for direct quotes or other references are also helpful on the outline. While each essay and outline will obviously vary, the same components are usually suggested for informational, argumentative, or expository responses.

• A general statement, in which the topic, subject, theme, or concept is very generally introduced.
• A specific statement, in which the general statement is given some specificity, elaboration, clarification, etc.
• A thesis statement, in which the argument, claim, or goal of the response is introduced.
• Transition words to organize the points, evidence, support, etc., in order of importance.
• Introduction to the text evidence by title and/or author.
• Direct quotes to support the original thesis statement or claim made in the introduction.
• Interpretation of the quotes and explicit statement of how the quotes support the claim or argument.
• A restatement of the thesis; advanced writers in middle and high school grades should work to rephrase the thesis statement. The overall claim or argument is the same; however, the wording is varied to avoid redundancy.
• A final confirmation of the texts that were referenced and how they specifically relate to the topic or prompt.
• A final statement to again generalize the purpose of the essay. **Students should get in the habit of using words directly from the prompt in their introduction and conclusion paragraphs to ensure that their responses are thoroughly and clearly connected to the prompt.

Reread each paragraph individually

It helps to read a response with fresh eyes to determine that writing is consistent and relative to the purpose of the prompt. If students have time at the end of a timed writing assessment, it is beneficial to reread each paragraph individually, referring back to the prompt in between paragraphs to ensure that each component (paragraph) serves its purpose and clearly answers the prompt.

Don’t get hung up on spelling

Unless otherwise specified by the teacher, students should avoid spending too much time contemplating spelling errors. Most often, timed essays are scored on content, including word choice, sentence structure or variation, and other content-driven writing skills. Therefore, perseverating over spelling is generally unnecessary. Instead, students should spend their time crafting and honing their argument.

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Writing Under Time Pressure: Crafting Quality Content

When it comes to the art of writing under time pressure, there's an intriguing aspect of human communication that's worth noting: the average person speaks at a rate of about 125 to 150 words per minute. This seemingly mundane statistic takes on great significance when we consider that, in the realm of timed essays, every minute counts. Whether you're facing a standardized test, an entrance examination, or even a workplace challenge, you'll find yourself racing against the clock to articulate your thoughts effectively. In this race, time may not be your greatest ally, but fear not! We are here to provide you with the finest tips on how to write an essay under the constraints of time.

Writing Under Time Pressure: Short Description

In this comprehensive article, our professional essay writers will delve into a multitude of proven strategies and techniques that will empower you to compose compelling essays under pressure. We'll provide you with a rich toolkit of tips for timed essay practice, an outline, and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section, all aimed at empowering you to master how to write a timed essay when seconds are slipping away. From time management to structuring your essay effectively and conquering writer's block, our goal is to ensure your words shine brightly even within the confines of strict time constraints.

Understanding What Is a Timed Essay

A timed essay is the written equivalent of a sprint in the world of academic and professional writing. It's a structured challenge where you're tasked with crafting a thoughtful and coherent essay within a limited timeframe, often under exam conditions or tight deadlines. The catch? Time is your most precious resource, and the clock ticks relentlessly as you brainstorm, outline, write, and revise your composition.

This unique form of writing evaluates not just your knowledge of the subject matter but also your ability to think on your feet, organize your thoughts swiftly, and communicate effectively under pressure. It's an art form that demands practice, strategy, and the ability to keep your cool when the seconds are slipping away.

How Long Should a Timed Essay Be?

The ideal length of a limited-time essay can vary depending on the specific instructions you receive, but a general rule of thumb is to aim for a concise yet comprehensive composition. In many cases, you may be given a suggested word count or a specific number of paragraphs to include. However, when no such guidelines are provided, it's wise to aim for an essay that is around 300 to 500 words, typically consisting of an introduction, three to four main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This length allows you to present a well-structured argument or discussion without delving too deeply into unnecessary details. 

Furthermore, while crafting your essay, it's crucial to pay close attention to how to avoid and fix plagiarism in your essay . Plagiarism involves using someone else's ideas, words, or work without proper attribution, which can have serious academic consequences. To steer clear of plagiarism, always cite your sources properly, whether you're quoting directly or paraphrasing. Additionally, familiarize yourself with your institution's guidelines on academic integrity and plagiarism prevention.

Remember, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to timed essays. It's essential to focus on clarity, coherence, and relevance within the constraints of your allotted time.

How to Prepare for a Timed Essay: 9 Key Tips

Preparing for a timed essay is not just about mastering the content; it's about honing your time-management, organizational, and writing skills to perform at your best under pressure. Here are some essential tips on how to prepare for a timed essay effectively from our expert custom essay service :

Timed Essay Format Outline

When time is of the essence, having a clear and efficient essay format outline can be a lifesaver. Here's a straightforward timed essay outline from our assignment writing services that you can adapt to various essay topics:

I. Introduction

• Hook or Attention-Grabber
• Thesis Statement (Your main argument or position)
• Preview of Main Points

II. Body Paragraph 1

• Topic Sentence (First main point)
• Supporting Evidence or Example
• Explanation or Analysis
• Transition to the Next Paragraph

III. Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence (Second main point)

IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Optional)

• Topic Sentence (Third main point)

V. Counterargument (Optional)

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints
• Refute counterarguments

VI. Conclusion

• Restate Thesis Statement
• Summarize Main Points
• Concluding Statement or Call to Action

Tips on Timed Essay

Our skilled writers who you can easily order essay online from, have some timed essay tips that will help you enhance your performance in these papers. When unsure how to focus when doing a timed essay, remember that practice is key to success! So, make it a habit to practice writing under time constraints to build your confidence and proficiency.

How Do You Write a Timed Essay?

When you're racing against the clock to compose an essay, effective time management and focus are essential. Here are tips on how to write a timed essay and tackle each section of your outline under pressure:

1. Use Abbreviations:

• Employ common abbreviations (e.g., 'govt' for government) to save time when typing or writing.
• Ensure your abbreviations are clear and widely recognized to prevent confusion.

2. Skip Tricky Parts Temporarily:

• If you encounter a particularly challenging section, don't get stuck. Move on and return to it later.
• Prioritize completing the parts you're confident in first to maximize your word count.

3. Write in Bullet Points (if allowed):

• When time is tight, bullet points can be more efficient than full sentences. Check timed essay samples to see how it works.
• Use bullet points to outline your ideas or evidence quickly, then flesh them out when you have more time.

4. Keep Sentences Short and to the Point:

• Avoid lengthy, convoluted sentences. Aim for clear and concise communication.
• Shorter sentences are often easier to construct and comprehend under pressure.

5. Embrace Imperfections:

• Accept that you might make minor errors or overlook refinements in a timed essay.
• Prioritize getting your ideas down over perfection.

Can You Write an Essay in 40 Minutes?

Yes, you can write an essay in 40 minutes, but efficiency and focus are key. A well-planned outline, concise writing, and a clear thesis statement will be your allies. Practice is essential to hone your skills and improve your time management. Remember, while quality is important, meeting the basic requirements of the essay prompt should be your primary goal when time is limited.

Which Step Should You Skip When Writing an Essay During a Timed Exam?

When writing an essay during a timed exam, it's often necessary to skip the step of extensive revision and rewriting. In this high-pressure situation, you should prioritize the completion of your essay within the allotted time. Instead of going back to revise and rewrite extensively, which can consume precious minutes, focus on proofreading for glaring errors. This means checking for spelling and punctuation errors and ensuring that your sentences are clear and comprehensible. While revision is crucial for refining a paper's quality, during a timed essay exam, it's more important to ensure you address the core components of the prompt and manage your time effectively.

Is the SAT Essay Timed?

Certainly, the SAT Essay is a timed section of the SAT exam. Test takers are given a total of 50 minutes to complete this optional essay component. During this time, you'll need to read a provided passage, analyze the author's argument, and construct your own well-organized essay response. Effective time management is one of the crucial study tips to ace your exams and to have enough time to plan, write, and revise your essay within the 50-minute window.

Closing Remarks

In the realm of timed essays, preparation is your ally. Armed with a clear plan on how to write a strong timed essay, efficient strategies, and practiced skills, you can confidently face the ticking clock and emerge with well-crafted essays that shine under pressure. If this still feels overwhelming, you can always submit a ‘ write my essay online ’  request, and we'll handle any assignment for you. Regardless of your approach, embrace the challenge, dedicate yourself to practice, and master the art of writing within constraints!

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How to Write a Good Essay in a Short Amount of Time

Last Updated: March 7, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 16 testimonials and 80% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 900,332 times.

Sometimes, you need to be able to write a good essay in a short amount of time for a timed exam, such as the Advanced Placement exams in high school. At other times, you might find yourself in the uncomfortable situation of having to write an essay fast because you procrastinated or let it sneak up on you. Although an essay written at the last minute will almost never be as good as an essay you spent more time on, putting together a decent essay quickly is still feasible. With a little planning and a lot of hard work, you can write an essay that’s good (or good enough!) in just a short time.

Doing the Prep Work for Your Essay

• Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses when devising your plan. [1] X Research source For example, if you are a good researcher but not great at editing, spend less time on the research section in favor of spending more time on the revising section.
• Make sure to schedule breaks for yourself to refresh your brain and recharge yourself.
• An example of a plan for a one-day essay writing project might look like this:
• 8:00 – 9:30 – Consider an essay question and argument for the topic.
• 9:30 – 9:45 – Take a short break.
• 10:00 – 12:00 – Conduct research.
• 12:00 – 13:00 – Outline the essay.
• 13:00 – 14:00 – Take a lunch break.
• 14:00 – 19:00 – Write your essay.
• 19:00 – 20:00 – Take a dinner break.
• 20:00 – 22:30 – Revise and copy edit your essay.
• 22:30 – 23:00 – Print and prepare your essay submission. [2] X Research source

• Make sure you understand what the question is asking for! If you provide a summary when the essay prompt asked you to “analyze,” you’re unlikely to do very well.
• If you don’t have an essay topic, choose a subject that interests you and consider the essay question afterward. You are more likely to write a good essay on a topic that you’re interested in.

• If you don’t have much experience with your topic, it might be difficult to develop an argument. You can still consider your argument and then use your research to support or refute the claims you want to make.
• A good exercise to help you quickly figure out your essay question and argument is to write “I am studying (choose a topic) because I want to know (what do you want to know) in order to show (this is where your argument goes).”
• For example, “I am studying the medieval witch trials because I want to know how lawyers employed evidence in their cases in order to show that the trial process influenced modern medical techniques and legal practices.”
• Consider counter-arguments in order to strengthen your essay.

• Since you don’t have a lot of time to write, focus on one or two places where you can do research. For example, the library and internet offer many different options for sources. [5] X Research source
• Just make sure that you use reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, government and university websites, and newspapers and magazines written by professionals. Don’t use personal blogs, obviously biased sources, or sources that don’t have professional credentials.
• You can draw upon information you know to speed up the research process. Simply find a (reliable!) source to support it and include it in your sources. [6] X Research source
• Doing preliminary research online can point you to sources in a library such as books and journal articles. It can also point you in the direction of web sources including newspaper article archives or other research on your topic.
• If you're reading books, "gut" the book to get through it quickly and move on to other sources. To "gut" a book, skim the introduction and conclusion to find the main arguments, and then pick a few details from the body of the book to use as evidence. [7] X Research source
• Take notes on your research sources. These will show that you’ve legitimately researched the topic while giving credit to the person who forwarded the idea. [8] X Research source This is especially important if you plan to use direct quotes and will also help you add footnotes and bibliographic information to your essay without having to look them up in the sources.

• Structure your outline as you will your essay, with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
• The more detail you put into your outline, the easier and more quickly you can write the essay. For example, instead of just writing a basic paragraph about the body, flesh it out into bullet points or sentences that presents argument and supporting evidence. [10] X Research source

Writing an Untimed Essay

• Nothing will keep you from finishing an essay on time like goofing off online or ending up watching eight straight hours of Cartoon Network. Turn the TV off, switch your phone to silent, and exit out of Facebook and other social media/chat sites.
• Make sure you have all your material nearby when you start to write. Getting up to fetch a book or a piece of paper or a snack will eat into your precious time.

• The most important part of your introduction is your argument or thesis statement. This tells the reader the point your trying to make in the essay. [13] X Research source
• Write a “hook” that will grab the reader’s attention to start, then introduce the argument with a few relevant facts woven into the narrative. End by stating how you will demonstrate your points. [14] X Research source
• An example of a hook could be, “People say Napoleon had a complex because of his size, but he was actually an average height for the time in which he lived.”
• It's sometimes helpful to write the introduction after you have written the body so you know how to introduce the topic and your arguments best. [15] X Research source
• A good rule of thumb is to not have the introduction be more the 10% of your essay. Thus, for a five page essay, you shouldn’t write more than one paragraph. [16] X Research source

• Pick two to three main points to help make your argument or thesis statement. Any fewer and you won’t have enough evidence for your argument and any more may make you not explore each point thoroughly enough. [18] X Research source
• Keep your evidence to support the main points concise. Going off on explanatory tangents will cost you precious time.
• Support your main points with the evidence compiled during your research. Make sure to explain how the evidence supports your claims! [19] X Research source
• If haven’t reached your word limit, pick a main point and conduct more research on it to expand on your point. [20] X Research source

• Avoid "fat" language when you write. Text that includes long prepositional phrases, passive verbs, and paragraphs that don't further your argument waste time that you could spend writing or revising your essay.

• Free-writing can also help you overcome writer’s block that results from not knowing how to say something. If you’re struggling with getting the wording of an idea just right, write it as well as you can and come back to it later.

• The essay conclusion should also be relatively short. Aim for the conclusion to be 5-10% of your essay’s total length.
• Aim to do more in your conclusion than just restate your thesis and the evidence you used. You could acknowledge the limitations of your argument, suggest a direction for future research, or expand the relevance of your topic to a wider field.
• Just as you drew in reader with good introduction, end your conclusion with a sentence that make a lasting impression on your reader. [24] X Research source

• Re-read the entire essay. Make sure that you are still arguing the same thing at the end of the essay that you are at the beginning. If not, go back and adjust your thesis.
• Make sure that your paragraphs build on one another and don’t feel haphazard. You can use transitions and strong topic sentences to help you draw connections between your paragraphs.
• Spelling and grammar are the easiest mistakes to revise, but they cost you a lot of reader goodwill if you don’t fix them. [25] X Research source

Writing a Timed Essay

• Read the prompt carefully! If the question asks you to take a position, take one. If it asks you to evaluate the events that led to the downfall of Rome, don’t just give a summary of Roman history. [26] X Research source
• Jot down an idea map. You probably won’t have time to make a formal outline. However, having an idea of the main points that you want to touch on and how they relate will help you structure the essay. If you can’t figure out how to connect your main points, that’s a sign you need to think a little bit more before you start writing.
• Figure out your argument. Once you’ve noted down some main points, figure out what you want to say about them. Even timed essays need a unified argument or thesis.

• For example, you wouldn’t want to spend the same amount of time and effort on a 3-paragraph essay question worth 20% as you would a 2-page essay question worth 60%.
• If you see a question that you feel will be more difficult for you, it could be a good idea to tackle it first. This will get the hard stuff out of the way while you’re still fresh.

• If you notice that your introductory paragraph starts with something broad or hugely general, such as “Throughout the history of time, humans have been fascinated by science,” cut it.
• Don’t put anything in a timed essay that doesn’t support your point. If you are talking about the importance of religious belief in modern society, don’t dilute your point by also referencing socialism, Hollywood, and banana farming.

• Claim. This is the main argument of the paragraph. It is probably located in your topic sentence.
• Evidence. This is the supporting detail that proves your claim.
• Explanation. This connects the evidence back to your claim and explains why the evidence proves what you say it does.
• If anything in your paragraph doesn’t fit one of these three elements, it’s a good sign you don’t need it in the paragraph.

• Does the essay actually demonstrate and support what your thesis says is the main argument? It’s not uncommon for ideas to evolve as you write. If this has happened, tweak your thesis accordingly.
• Do the paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the next? Timed essays don’t have the same standards that regular essays do, but your reader should still be able to follow your argument in a logical progression without feeling yanked around or lost.
• Do you offer a conclusion that sums up your argument? Don’t leave the essay hanging without a conclusion. Even if it’s very brief, a conclusion will help your essay feel complete.

Community Q&A

• Transition words such as "furthermore", "indeed", and "in fact" can make your flow better. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't fluff up your essay too much. A reader will want you to get to the point as quickly as possible. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When starting a new paragraph, don't forget to indent. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.savethestudent.org/extra-guides/how-to-write-a-3000-word-essay-in-a-day.html
• ↑ https://www.writingsimplified.com/2011/06/how-to-write-essay-fast.html
• ↑ https://www.slate.com/articles/technology/the_browser/2011/08/slowpoke.2.html
• ↑ https://amst522.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/how-to-gut-a-book-or-the-best-advise-my-grad-school-advisor-ever-gave-me/
• ↑ https://classroom.synonym.com/write-effective-essay-fast-4252.html
• ↑ https://www.slate.com/articles/technology/the_browser/2011/08/slowpoke.html
• ↑ https://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/timed-essays-top-5-tips-for-writing-academic-essays-under-pressure/

About This Article

If you need to write a good essay in a short amount of time, try to plan your argument and avoid distractions while you're writing. Before you start your essay, decide your thesis statement or the main argument you want to make. This will help you narrow down your research and write the essay quicker. Find a quiet place to work, turn your phone off, and avoid any other distractions. Make sure you schedule short breaks to avoid burn out. If you get stuck, write whatever you can, even if you think it’s really bad or doesn’t make sense. It will be much easier to edit once you’ve gotten the words on the page. Make sure you leave a few hours to revise and spellcheck your essay. For more tips from our Teaching co-author, including how to write a timed essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Mastering Timed Essays: Simple Tips for Success

Published on: May 11, 2023

Last updated on: May 13, 2023

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Timed essays are a reality for many students, especially during exams. However, writing a timed essay is a lot more challenging, especially if you are not accustomed to writing under strict time-limits.

To succeed in these situations, it's important to have a solid strategy in place. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some helpful tips and tricks for writing a timed essay.

So, let's dive in and learn some essential strategies for writing a timed essay!

Preparing For the Essay Before the Exams

The best way for succeeding in a timed essay is to prepare for it beforehand. This is where your study skills come in handy.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam:

Study the Course Content

To prepare for a timed essay exam, it is important to have a solid understanding of the course content. You should study the materials that you have covered throughout the course, including lectures, readings, and assignments.

Take Effective Notes

Take notes on the key concepts and ideas that you have learned and review them to ensure that you have a strong grasp of the material. This will help you remember the most important points easily.

Practice Writing

Set aside some time to practice essay writing .

Provide yourself an easy essay topic related to the course and see how much you can write within a limited time. This will help you get a feel for the time constraints and develop strategies for managing your time effectively.

Watch this video to learn some more tips about preparing for your essay exam:

The Prewriting Stage

Now you are sitting in an exam, and a prompt has been handed out to you. Should you immediately start writing? No, that won’t help.

Before you start writing, you should follow the tips below. These will help you complete your timed essay more effectively.

Understand the Prompt

The prompt is the question or topic that you're being asked to write about, and it's essential that you comprehend it fully before you begin writing.

By fully understanding the prompt, you can avoid wasting time on irrelevant information or ideas that don't directly relate to the question. This will help you manage your time more effectively during the exam.

Here are two steps you should take to ensure that you’ve understood it completely and correctly:

Read the Prompt Carefully: Take the time to read the prompt several times, making note of any key words or phrases that stand out. Pay attention to the instructions or guidelines provided, as these will be essential in shaping your argument.

Break Down the Prompt: Try breaking the prompt down into smaller, more manageable parts. Identify the main topic or question being asked, as well as any subtopics or specific instructions provided.

Stuck On Finding An Essay Topic? Let Our Topic Generator Do The Work For You.

Let Commands Tool Generate It For You!

Plan Out Your Essay

Before you begin writing your timed essay, it's important to take a few minutes to plan out your approach.

Read this blog on importance of outlining to start writing with confidence!

Planning and outlining can help you organize your thoughts and develop a clear and focused argument. Which ultimately saves you time in the long run.

Start with the Main Points: Begin by identifying the main points that you want to address in your essay. These should be the most important arguments or ideas that support your thesis statement .

Think About Supporting Details: Once you've identified your main points, add supporting details and evidence to back up your argument. This could include quotes, statistics, or examples from the course materials.

Organize your Outline: Organize your outline in a logical and coherent manner to complete the essay structure . That is, you should group similar ideas together or organize your points chronologically or thematically.

Struggling To Start Your Essay? Let Our Outliner Tool Create A Clear Roadmap.

Writing Your Essay

Now that you've prepared and planned your essay, it's time to start writing. Here are some tips to help you write a timed essay in a well-structured and cohesive way:

Start with a Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main point or argument of your essay. This will help you stay focused and ensure that all of your supporting points are aligned with your overall argument. Try to review some thesis statement examples before writing your own so that you know how to nail it!

Use Topic Sentences: Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that relates back to your thesis statement. This will help keep your essay organized and easy to follow.

Use Transitions: Transitions are important for connecting ideas between paragraphs and helping your essay flow smoothly. Use transitional phrases or words such as "furthermore," "however," or "in addition" to help your essay read cohesively.

Keep paragraphs focused: Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point. Avoid including too many ideas or examples in one paragraph, as this can make your essay feel unfocused.

Don’t Fret Over Time: While writing, don’t worry about your time running out. Stress is the enemy of clear writing. If you are anxious about the time, you won’t be able to think and write clearly.

Edit and Revise the Essay

If you have time left once you have finished writing, go through your essay again to make improvements. Reading your essay and revising it can help you catch errors, clarify your arguments, and ensure that your essay is well-organized and cohesive.

Here are some tips on how to effectively edit and revise your essay within the time constraints:

Ensure that your Essay Addresses the Prompt: As you edit and revise your essay, make sure that it effectively addresses the prompt and answers the question that was asked.

Check your Organization and Structure: Ensure that your essay is well-organized and structured, with clear topic sentences and transitions between paragraphs.

Correct Mistakes As You Read Through: While reading your essay after finishing, you may find grammatical or spelling mistakes. Correct these mistakes as soon as you find them and move on.

Learn the dos and don'ts of academic writing to make sure your essay is written to perfection!

Writing a timed essay is difficult for a reason. It tests your skills by forcing you to think and write under pressure. The best way to face this challenge is to prepare and practice for the essay beforehand.

And when the time comes for writing the essay, you just need to follow the tips provided above to write a good essay. Understand the prompt, outline your essay, and start writing clearly and concisely, moving from intro to body paragraphs and conclusion . Finally, read through your finished essay and improve any words, sentences, and structure that are unclear.

By using these strategies, you can approach timed essays with confidence and produce a high-quality essay that earns you the best possible grade.

Finally, you can practice your writing skills with help from our essay writer . You can use this AI tool to generate sample essays and improve your own writing by comparison and imitation. Try it today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Persuasive Essays

How long should a persuasive essay be.

Generally speaking, persuasive essays should be between 500-750 words. However, the length of your essay will depend on the instructions given by your teacher or professor.

What Techniques Are Used In Persuasive Essays?

Persuasive techniques include facts and statistics, emotion and logic, personal stories, analogies and metaphors, pathos, ethos, and logos.

How Do I Make My Persuasive Essay More Convincing?

To make your essay more convincing, cite reliable sources, use persuasive language, and provide strong evidence and arguments.

How Is Persuasive Writing Different From Argumentative Writing?

The main difference between persuasive and argumentative writing is that persuasive writing seeks to convince or persuade the reader. On the other hand, argumentative writing seeks to debate an issue.

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Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

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Time Management Tips For Writing an Essay

How to start, which place are you now, where do you want to go, tips for time management, 1. create a schedule, 2. use a timer, 3. to-do lists help organize your tasks, 4. start writing early or write late in the evening, 5. don't be afraid to wait until you are in the mood to write, 6. widen the definitions of what you mean by writing, 7. start by taking on the tough stuff first, 8. don't be fooled by the myth of multitasking, 9. outsource the fewer essentials, 10. you should spend more time planning and less time editing, 11. make sure you write your words down before you start, 12. utilize your daytime work hours to relax, 13. batch similar activities, 15. delegate tasks, 16. accept your limitations, 17. limit distractions, 18. modify the notification settings on your smartphone, 19. check your email less, the benefits of time management, 1. stress relief, 2. more time, 3. more opportunities, 4. capability to accomplish the goals.

• Joe Eckel Author Having spent more than 25 years guiding students through their theses and dissertations with great attention, Joe Eckel is now sharing his valuable experience with StudyCrumb. As a passionate researcher and instructor, he makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

Timed Essays -- Top 5 Tips

• Plan your time wisely .
• Answer the right question .
• Collect your thoughts .
• Leave time to revise .
• Revise your thesis statement before you turn in your paper, so it looks like the conclusion you stumbled across was the one you planned from the start. (This small step can often make a huge difference.)

1 . Plan your time wisely.

If you are, at this moment, frantically cramming for tomorrow morning's exam, that first tip may not sound all that useful. But procrastination is probably the biggest reason why bright students sometimes get poor grades. Start early.

But you can also plan your time during the test itself. Your professor knows which paragraphs are harder to write, and will evaluate them accordingly. Does the question ask you to "evaluate"? If so, don't fill your page with a summary. Likewise, if the question asks for "evidence," don't spend all your time giving your own personal opinions.

• Start with the larger essay questions, so that you answer them before you burn out or run out of time. 
• If one essay question is worth 50% of the test score, spend 50% of your time on it.
• If you finish early, you can always go back and add more detail.   (As long as your additions and changes are legible, your instructor will probably be happy to see signs of revision.)

2) Answer the right question.

Before you begin your answer, you should be sure what the question is asking. I often grade a university composition competency test, and sometimes have to fail well-written papers that fail to address the topic the student has been given.

3) Collect your thoughts.

Resist the urge to start churning out words immediately. If you are going to get anywhere in an essay, you need to know where you are going.

To avoid time-consuming false starts , jot down an outline, or draw an idea map .  An idea map is like a family tree for your thesis.  Start with the "trunk" (a circle in the center of your paper).  Draw lines that connect that central idea to main branches (circles that represent subtopics), and keep fanning out in that manner.   If one particular branch is fruitful, cut it off and make it a separate entity.  

If a branch doesn't bear fruit, prune it off.   You should identify and avoid the deadwood in advance -- before you find yourself out on a limb.  (Sorry... I'll try to leaf the puns alone... but I wood knot want you to be board.)

Get right to the point .  Don't bury your best points under an avalanche of fluff.

4. Leave time to revise.

Too often, the only revision students do is crossing out their false starts, or explaining their way out of a corner by adding to the end of their essay.

Note: simply tacking on additional paragraphs or inserting words is not revision (see: " Revision vs. Editing ").

Sometimes, in the middle of a difficult paragraph, students will glance back at the question, and get a new idea. They will then hastily back out of their current paragraph, and provide a rough transition like: "But an even more important aspect is...".  They continue in this manner, like a builder who keeps breaking down walls to add new wings onto a house. 

• To avoid this problem before it starts, see the previous tip, or this nifty handout on " Blueprinting ."
• To handle this problem when it occurs, don't automatically add to the end of an essay -- write in the margins, or draw a line to indicate where you want to insert a new paragraph.
• Leave space to revise too -- write on every other line and leave the backs of pages blank, so you will have room to make legible insertions if you need to.
• Obviously, if you are writing your test on a computer, you should just insert and rearrange text as you would normally.

5) Revise your thesis statement

If inspiration strikes while you are in the middle of an essay, and your conclusion turns out to be nothing like you thought it would be, change your thesis statement to match your conclusion. (Assuming, of course, that your unexpected conclusion still addresses the assigned topic.)

When a writer realizes that an essay is veering off in a new direction, and handles it by tacking more paragraphs onto the end, the result can be extremely awkward.

• Joe Student writes a thesis statement that examines the relationship between "independence" and public morals.
• Midway through his essay, Joe hits upon a different idea that relates to "prosperity."
• To mask the transition, he writes a sentence that refers to "independence and prosperity", as if the two concepts are interchangeable. 
• After writing a few more paragraphs on "prosperity", Joe realizes he needs to unify the two ideas in his conclusion. He writes a new paragraph that examines the connections between independence and prosperity.
• He then writes a conclusion that "proves" that independence and prosperity are inseparable.

Unfortunately, Joe started out by making a claim about independence and public morals . If Joe tacks yet another paragraph onto the end of the paper, he will further dilute his conclusion. If he ignores the problem, his essay will appear disorganized.  Such hasty additions will rapidly obscure the original structure .

Joe will have to wrap up his essay with something ghastly like "Therefore, this essay has discussed such important issues as A, B, C and D, all of which shed an important light on [rephrase essay question here]."

To avoid linear additions , you should ideally avoid going off on tangents.  But even a very short paper is a result of a process. If you stumble onto a good idea in the middle of your paper, go back and change your thesis statement to account for your new ideas . Then, revise the subpoints and transitions so that your whole essay points towards that conclusion. Your professor will be pleased to see that you were able to make the connection, and your whole essay will be much stronger.

Dennis G. Jerz 04 May 2000 -- first posted 26 May 2000 -- typos corrected; puns added 26 Jul 2000 -- minor edits 04 Dec 2002 -- revision

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Teaching timed writing: Beyond the SAT

by Kim Kautzer | Aug 1, 2016 | College Prep , Essays & Research Papers , High school

In 2005, the College Board added an essay portion to the SAT, causing panic among parents and students alike. Writing, an admitted weakness among many homeschooling families , had become a required element of this benchmark college entrance exam.

The SAT essay has come under fire in recent years. It seems scorers were more concerned with how students developed their points than whether those arguments were developed logically—or even truthfully. So as of 2016, the SAT essay is not only revised, it is now optional.

Does this mean you can breathe a sigh of relief and set timed writing aside? Absolutely not. For even though timed essays seem synonymous with college entrance exams, there is actually a more valid reason for teaching timed writing during your teens’ high school years: college itself .

College-bound students have the most to gain from learning to write timed essays. Most courses will require timed writing of various lengths for tests, midterms, and finals. Exams can be scary! But if you’ve prepared your students well and given them lots of experience practicing against the clock, the process will become more intuitive and they’ll be able to tackle timed essays with courage.

Begin with Basic Essay Skills

High schoolers need to know how to plan, organize, and write a solid essay . Before you dip your toes in the waters of timed writing, spend plenty of time teaching general essay skills. Start with a widely accepted model: introduction, body (developing three main points), and conclusion . Once students feel comfortable developing a simple essay and supporting each point with details, they’ll have more confidence to write timed essays.

Teach these essay-writing basics, which apply to both timed and untimed writing:

• Understand what the prompt is asking. Read it carefully and highlight key words .
• Choose your position .
• Write an outline .
• Write a thesis statement that makes your claim.
• Stay on topic. Back up claims with evidence and examples.
• Write concisely . Avoid repeating yourself.
• Use good grammar and punctuation.
• Review and revise .

Essay Prompts and Key Words

Students should feel comfortable arguing, explaining, or analyzing a point. So along with teaching basic essay structure, introduce different kinds of essays. This prepares them to respond to a variety of prompts.

Essay questions include “key words” that give clues about the kind of writing that’s expected. Here are three common essay types and sample key words to watch for:

• Argumentative essays defend a position on a topic. Key words include justify, prove, agree or disagree, argue for or against, should you or should you not, why or why not.
• Expository essays inform or explain. Key words include define, describe, demonstrate, tell how, illustrate, explain, outline the steps needed, compare or contrast, distinguish between, show cause and effect.
• Analytical essays examine information or literature. ( The new SAT essays are analytical .) Key words include interpret, examine, evaluate, give reasons, propose a solution, discuss strengths and weaknesses.

Timed writing can make students feel rushed. If in their haste they misread key words, they may not answer the prompt correctly—which will seriously impact their grade .

While the new SAT essay provides students with informational passages to read, an in-class timed essay will require them to know the material in advance . If using a textbook for history, literature, or science, look for essay questions at the end of each chapter. You can also come up with your own. Any subject you’re studying can offer an excellent launching place for an interesting essay—timed or untimed.

When developing your own questions, incorporate some of the key words mentioned earlier to stimulate critical thinking . For example:

• Argumentative: Do you agree or disagree that the New Deal was successful in solving the major problems of the Great Depression?
• Expository: Explain how photosynthesis happens. Or, what steps can be taken to restore citizens’ confidence in the political process? Who should legislate these steps?
• Analytical: What were the positive and negative outcomes of British colonialism in India?

Sometimes professors will include several essay questions to choose from. You can try this too! Giving choices frees your teen to write about the topic he feels most prepared for, making the practice session less stressful. Here are two possible prompts that could follow an ocean study:

• Argumentative : Should the United States support the protection of coral reefs by developing artificial reefs to replace those that are in decline? Why or why not?
• Expository : Discuss the causes and effects of marine pollution.

Prepare for Timed Writing

Once students can identify key words and develop and polish essays in a pressure-free setting, they are ready to begin writing against the clock . During this training period, your goal is to build confidence, familiarity, and ease through regular practice. Give plenty of grace!

Topic-specific timed essays require advance preparation . Share these tips with students:

• Don’t procrastinate. Take time to study, review notes, and skim key passages.
• Memorize important names, dates, and facts. The more details you tuck away, the easier it will be to solidly support your arguments.
• If an exam is “open book,” you still need to study so you don’t lose time on test day. Make note cards with page numbers and quotes. Bookmark pages. Use a highlighter or sticky notes to mark key passages .

To give hands-on experience, assign subject-related timed writing at least twice a month. Use these early timed essays to walk your teen through an essay and teach him to pace himself. Demonstrate how to break the process down, allowing a certain number of minutes for planning, writing, and proofreading.

25-minute essay

• 3-5 minutes to brainstorm, outline, write the thesis
• 15-17 minutes to write the essay
• 5 minutes to proofread

50-minute essay

• 10 minutes to brainstorm, outline, write the thesis
• 30-35 minutes to write the essay
• 5-10 minutes to proofread

Remember when your child learned to ride a bike? He started with training wheels. Then you supported and ran behind the bike until he could pedal down the street unaided.

Teaching timed writing is a lot like this. In the beginning, expect to give lots of help through prompting (“You have 10 minutes to plan. Go!”); a note card that breaks down the time for each step; and a clock. After a number of practice essays, remove supports one by one till your teen can pace himself by the clock alone.

Don’t put off teaching this important skill. Train your high schoolers in time management , planning, writing , and reviewing. Before you know it, they’ll be ready to face whatever essay tests come their way.

Copyright, 2016. Used with permission. All rights reserved by author. Originally appeared in The Old Schoolhouse ® Magazine , the family education magazine, 2016 Print Annual. Read the magazine free at www.TOSMagazine.com or read it on the go and download the free apps at www.TOSApps.com to read the magazine on your mobile devices.

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A (Very) Simple Way to Improve Your Writing

• Mark Rennella

It’s called the “one-idea rule” — and any level of writer can use it.

The “one idea” rule is a simple concept that can help you sharpen your writing, persuade others by presenting your argument in a clear, concise, and engaging way. What exactly does the rule say?

• Every component of a successful piece of writing should express only one idea.
• In persuasive writing, your “one idea” is often the argument or belief you are presenting to the reader. Once you identify what that argument is, the “one-idea rule” can help you develop, revise, and connect the various components of your writing.
• For instance, let’s say you’re writing an essay. There are three components you will be working with throughout your piece: the title, the paragraphs, and the sentences.
• Each of these parts should be dedicated to just one idea. The ideas are not identical, of course, but they’re all related. If done correctly, the smaller ideas (in sentences) all build (in paragraphs) to support the main point (suggested in the title).

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Most advice about writing looks like a long laundry list of “do’s and don’ts.” These lists can be helpful from time to time, but they’re hard to remember … and, therefore, hard to depend on when you’re having trouble putting your thoughts to paper. During my time in academia, teaching composition at the undergraduate and graduate levels, I saw many people struggle with this.

• MR Mark Rennella is Associate Editor at HBP and has published two books, Entrepreneurs, Managers, and Leaders and The Boston Cosmopolitans .  

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• June 15, 2023

Tips for Writing In-Class Essay Exams: Ace Timed Essay Tests

In-class essay exams are significant in the college grading methodology. These exams test your knowledge, understanding of study material, and ability to explain your knowledge in a specific duration. Doing well in these exams will improve your grades and overall academics. Students learn how to manage time and be precise in these time-bound tasks. These learnings will play a role in your future projects.

In-class essay exams are time-bound tasks, and you must finish them quickly and with quality to score good grades.

This article will present practical tips for writing in-class essay exams quickly and accurately. You will find actionable tips on how to prepare before the exam, practice answering, and manage your time to express the main point with specific evidence. Keep reading.

Writing a college essay involves several key steps. Start by understanding the essay prompt and brainstorming ideas. Create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure the essay logically. Craft a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention, followed by body paragraphs that support your main points with evidence and examples. Ensure each paragraph flows coherently and relates back to the thesis statement. Conclude by summarizing your main arguments and reinforcing the essay’s significance. Finally, revise and edit for clarity, coherence, and grammar before submitting.

Before the Exam

Exam preparation is essential for success. By taking the time to prepare before the exam, you can increase your chances of doing well.

Here are three key tips for preparation before an in-class essay test:

1. Thoroughly Review Course Materials

Before the exam, make sure to carefully go through your course materials. This step is essential to become well-acquainted with the critical concepts and ideas that the exam might cover. Take the time to revisit your class notes, textbooks, and any relevant readings. This foundational knowledge will serve as the backbone for your essay responses.

2. Practice Essay Writing on Various Topics

To enhance your essay-writing skills, engage in practicing essays on a range of topics. This practice not only hones your ability to express ideas clearly but also helps you understand how to structure an essay effectively. Consider addressing diverse essay prompts and experimenting with different writing styles. This practice will make you more versatile in approaching essay questions during the exam.

3. Time Management Practice

Efficient time management is of utmost importance during an in-class essay exam. To excel in this area, it’s crucial to time yourself while practicing essay writing.

Establish realistic time limits for each phase of the essay-writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and proofreading. By mastering the art of allocating your time effectively, you ensure that you can successfully complete your essays within the confines of the exam’s time constraints.

Maintain a timer during your practice sessions to instill a sense of time-bound tasks. This will familiarize you with the entire process, making in-class essay writing second nature. Additionally, through consistent practice, you’ll stay composed and collected during the actual exam.

By following these three essential preparation tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle in-class essay exams with confidence and skill.

During the Exam

Once you have arrived for the exam, it is important to stay calm and focused. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you are prepared.

Here are some tips for what to do during the exam:

1. Understand the question and plan before writing

Read the question carefully and understand the main topic and what it is asking you. Identify key words like “discuss,” “explain,” “compare,” or “prove” to know the intent of the question. Plan your answer once you understand the question. Create an outline for the answer and choose the main points that you will present and discuss. Arrange the points to ensure the logical flow of the answer so that your teacher can easily follow it.

2. Brainstorm a list of ideas and develop an outline for your essay.

To excel in in-class essay exams, it’s vital to master the art of brainstorming and crafting a structured outline. Begin by reading the prompt carefully to understand what’s required. Then, brainstorm a list of ideas related to the prompt. Group them to find common themes, and select the most relevant ones that align with the prompt.

Your outline acts as a blueprint, showing how your ideas will be organized and support your thesis. Remember, keep the essay prompt’s key words in mind for relevance. Familiarize yourself with various essay types, and practice with different prompts to refine your skills.

To brainstorm a list of ideas and develop an outline for your in-class essay exams, follow these steps:

• Analyze the prompt carefully, identifying key concepts and important ideas.
• Pick a topic you understand and find interesting for a smooth answering process.
• Brainstorm ideas related to the prompt without worrying about completeness.
• Group ideas with common themes or connections.
• Select the most relevant ideas, guided by the essay prompt.
• Use prompt keywords for focus and relevance.
• Be aware of different essay types for effective brainstorming and outlining.
• Practice with various prompts to refine your skills and gain comfort with the process.

Once you have a list of ideas and have organized them into groups, you can begin to develop an outline for your essay. Your outline should show how your ideas will be organized and how they will support your thesis statement.

Here is a simple outline template that you can use:

This is just a basic outline template, of course. You may need to adjust it to fit the specific essay question that you are being asked. But by following these tips, you can brainstorm and outline a clear, concise, and well-organized in-class essay.

3. Organize your essay in a logical way

In crafting a well-structured essay, several strategies can be employed for a logical flow. Here are some valuable tips:

• Choose an Organizational Pattern : Selecting an organizational pattern is crucial. Common options include:
• Chronological Order: This arranges your essay in the order of events. Use words like “first,” “second,” “next,” “then,” and “finally” to maintain the chronological flow.
• Spatial Order: Structure your essay based on location, utilizing terms like “above,” “below,” “beyond,” “behind,” “beside,” “between,” “in front of,” and “on top of.”
• Cause and Effect Order: Organize your essay by explaining causes or effects. Employ phrases like “because,” “as a result,” “therefore,” “consequently,” and “thus.”
• Problem-Solution Order: Identify a problem and propose a solution. Use words such as “first,” “second,” “next,” “then,” and “finally” for this structure.
• Compare and Contrast Order: Analyze and contrast two or more things. Include terms like “similarly,” “differently,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” and “however.”

Once you’ve made your choice, stick with it throughout your essay. Consistency in organization ensures a smooth, reader-friendly flow.

• Craft a Clear Thesis Statement : Your thesis statement is the central argument of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and open to debate. Place it in the introduction and support it with evidence in the body paragraph of your essay.
• Utilize Topic Sentences : Every paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, which encapsulates the main idea. These sentences should be reinforced with evidence within the paragraphs.
• Employ Concluding Sentences : A concluding sentence should sum up the primary idea of a paragraph and smoothly transition to the next one.

4. Stick to your central theme

Stick to your main points of the answer. Do not deviate from them and start giving different and irrelevant arguments. Support your ideas and argument with explanations, examples, and any case study. Your in-class essay must be focused on the central theme and present supporting ideas and concepts around that theme. Irrelevant ideas and concepts may dilute the context and logic of the answer and make it harder to follow.

5. Provide evidence

Provide evidence for your claims, thesis, and ideas. Supporting your ideas with evidence gains the trust of the teacher and increases the chances of better grades. Claims without concrete evidence look bluff and irrelevant to the question. Your arguments, thesis, and ideas will look hollow, vague, and unestablished without supporting evidence.

6. Write in a clear and concise style

To craft an essay with precision and brevity, consider these invaluable pointers:

• Trim Excess Phrases : Begin by removing superfluous wording. Employ plain language to express your thoughts. Favor the active voice and reduce wordiness. Avoid commencing sentences with “there is,” “there are,” or “it is,” and cut down on redundant nouns and filler words like “that,” “of,” or “up.”
• Keep It Simple : Opt for straightforward language and shun complexity. Leave out jargon and intricate sentences in favor of clarity and directness.
• Detail Is Key : Provide specific and vivid descriptions. Avoid vague or general language and enhance your writing with rich details.
• Conciseness Is King : Get to the point without delay and minimize excess words and phrases. Clarity often emerges from brevity.
• Activate Your Voice : Employ the active voice, which is concise and direct compared to the passive voice.
• Diversify Sentence Structure : Don’t rely on repetitive sentence structures. Vary your construction to keep your readers engaged.

Here are some specific examples to illustrate these principles:

• Instead of, “The aforementioned individual was in possession of a canine specimen,” say, “The man had a dog.”
• Rather than stating, “The car was fast,” express, “The car could reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.”
• For conciseness, transform, “The reason why I am writing this letter is to inform you that I am resigning from my position” into “I am resigning from my position.”

Additionally, here are some extra tips to elevate your writing:

• Read your work aloud to spot awkward or unclear sentences.
• Consider using a recognized style guide like the Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press Stylebook, or MLA Style Manual for detailed writing guidelines.

7. Proofread and Review your essay carefully before submitting it

Review your answer for any grammatical errors, irrelevant arguments, ideas, or thesis, and evidence-less claims. Check if the logical flow of the answer is clear. Revise any point or idea that is ambiguous and unclear. Add further clarifications to the ideas and thesis if needed. Remove texts that are irrelevant and vague to provide more clarity.

Proofreading writing assignments involves carefully reviewing your work for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax. It also includes checking for clarity, coherence, and consistency in ideas and arguments. Take time away from the document before proofreading to approach it with fresh eyes. Read the text aloud or use proofreading tools to catch mistakes. Focus on one type of error at a time to ensure thoroughness. Lastly, consider seeking feedback from peers or professors for an additional perspective on your work.

Bonus tips for writing in class essay test questions

• Incorporate the essay prompt’s keywords into your essay to demonstrate your comprehension of the question and direct address.
• Ensure you respond comprehensively to all facets of the exam questions. If it requires multiple actions like analysis, comparison, and contrast, tackle each in your essay.
• Don’t hesitate to assert your perspective. In in-class essay exams, seize the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and critical thinking.
• If you encounter a roadblock, take a deep breath and move forward to the next segment of your essay. You can always return to the challenging part later.
• Be prudent with your time. Avoid excessive focus on any single section of the essay. If time is running short, prioritize completing your conclusion.

A college writing center is a valuable resource that provides students with guidance and support for their writing assignments. It typically offers services such as one-on-one consultations with writing tutors who help students at various stages of the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to polishing final drafts. Writing centers also assist with improving writing skills, refining grammar and style, structuring essays, and citing sources correctly. They are designed to support students in enhancing their writing abilities and producing high-quality academic work.

Final Thoughts

Mastering and practicing the tips for writing in-class essay exams is crucial for every student aiming for better grades and academics. By following tips like understanding the question, outlining the answer, and providing evidence to your claims, a student can improve the quality of the answer.

Practicing writing in-class essays regularly can improve writing speed. Lastly, by reviewing the answer, you can ensure the quality of the answer.

Emily Watson

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Tips for Guiding Students to Use Writing Time Effectively

Thinking like a coach can help new teachers alleviate some of the common struggles students have with writing assignments.

For many new elementary and middle school language arts teachers, writing time is one of the most difficult parts of the day. Students have trouble getting started, teachers are unsure of their instructional focus, and there’s not much progress. This hurts my writing teacher heart because I know that writing time can be a wonderful time for students and teachers, filled with excitement and productivity.

When working with teachers on their writing instruction, I often hear many of the same struggles:

• The variety of needs is too high.
• Some students can’t keep up with the class.
• I’m not sure how to help them.

All of these issues can be brought back to, and helped by, getting to know your students as writers.

Imagine a coach starting the first practice with a new soccer team. The coach has never seen this team in action, but they have a child this age who has played soccer before, so they believe they have an idea of what the children will need to work on and get started with a drill. A few minutes go by, and the coach notices that one player is standing still with his hand in the air, one is speeding through the drill over and over again, a few others are trying their best, and a few more are doing it completely incorrectly.

As much as this coach’s heart was in the right place, they missed one important step: assessing the ability of the players. Wouldn’t that drill have gone more smoothly, or perhaps not have been started at all, if the coach had watched the players kick the ball around for a bit or play a short scrimmage? Seeing the players in action might have allowed the coach to choose a practice strategy more appropriate for the level of the team as whole.

Just as a coach needs to know their players, a teacher must know their writers. You must be aware of students’ understanding of the writing process, their ability to work independently and self-start, and their skill level with writing, as well as what’s important in each student’s life.

Here are three ways to get to know your students that will allow you to better support them as writers and help alleviate the common struggles of writing time.

Identity Work

You want to know your students not only as writers but as people. Learning about their families, activities, favorites, and places where they choose to spend time will help you interact with them as writers, and it will help them choose topics and story events. As students share about themselves with the class, they’ll also get to know each other, which helps create a safe space for students to be writers.

Here are some examples of activities for students to share about themselves.

For grades K–3: 

• Heart Map: Using a template in the shape of a heart, students draw or write about people, places, or things that they love.
• Poster: This can be an All About Me pre-made form or a blank poster paper on which students can do the same as above.

For grades 3–8:

• Word Splash: Using a paper template or a digital source, students can list words that have to do with their identity—their likes, culture, family, hobbies, etc.
• Questionnaire: Ask students about themselves to get to know them better.

After completing these activities, have students share with the class what they feel comfortable sharing. Students can do this as a whole class, in small groups, or with partners, taking turns on different days. Partners/groups can also switch throughout writing time. In the upper grades, students can share digitally and then discuss.

Pre-assessment

A pretest at the beginning of a math unit provides a starting point for progress monitoring, as well as a data source for student skill level. A pre-assessment in writing will do the same. Have students write something for you that’s appropriate to their grade level, with only a little guidance (the same guidance for each student) and zero support. This will serve as your baseline for the unit.

For first grade, for example, use the narrative: “Tell me a story about a time in your life. It can be about a time you felt sad, happy, scared, or excited. Be sure to include a beginning, middle, and end, just like the authors do in stories that we read.”

For fifth grade, assign an opinion piece: “Write a persuasive essay on something about which you feel strongly. Once you have chosen your topic, choose your audience and make a plan for your writing. Then, draft your essay, including everything you have previously learned about writing a persuasive essay.”

Writing pre-assessments is most effective when you administer them with a class that has built community, where students feel safe. It’s also important to calm students’ anxiety by letting them know that this writing is not being graded; it’s just to help you, their teacher, get to know them as writers.

Analyzing your students’ writing pieces will give you an understanding of the skills they’ve mastered and those they still need to develop. This will allow you to tailor your teaching to the class and their needs as writers. There are some examples of pre-assessments and assessment rubrics in Writing Pathways , by Lucy Calkins.

Observation

As you watch your writers during independent writing time, you’ll gain valuable information that will inform your work with individual students as well as the class as a whole. This observation occurs throughout the year.

As they work, observe the following for each student:

• Time management
• Independence
• Volume of writing
• Skill level—generating ideas, planning, sentence structure, structure of writing piece, elaboration, craft, mechanics

When you allow your students to show you what they can do as writers, you’ll no longer have the struggles you once had. You won’t be wondering how you can help them, because you’ll be aware of their strengths and needs. Knowing your students will help you to choose teaching points that will be most effective for all of them.

So, if you’re struggling with writing time in your ELA block, try the above helpful strategies and see how knowing your students as writers helps alleviate the problems and bring forward new practices in writing instruction. Before you know it, you’ll see a class of busy, excited writers.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Format, Sample, Tips

The IELTS Writing Task 2: The second portion of the writing test, known as IELTS Writing Task 2, asks you to produce an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. Your essay should be written in a formal tone, be at least 250 words long, and take no more than 40 minutes to finish.

Table of Content

IELTS Writing Task 2- Format

1. task question, 2. word limit, 4. response structure, 5. evaluation criteria, difference between ielts writing task 2- academic vs general, understanding the evaluation criteria, common ielts writing task 2 topics, band descriptors ielts writing task 2, ielts essay types for writing task 2, ielts writing task 2 preparation tips, ielts writing task 2 sample, ielts writing task 2- faqs, what are indigenous cultures and languages, why is it important to protect indigenous cultures and languages, what are some challenges in protecting indigenous cultures and languages, what role can governments play in protecting indigenous cultures and languages, are there any potential drawbacks to prioritizing the protection of indigenous cultures and languages.

• You will be presented with a topic or statement related to a contemporary issue or problem.
• The task question may ask you to discuss a particular problem, present a solution, evaluate a situation, or provide your opinion on a given topic.
• You are expected to write at least 250 words for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
• It is advisable to write within the range of 250300 words, as responses shorter than 250 words are penalized, and longer responses do not necessarily receive higher scores.
• 3. Time Allotment:
• You have 40 minutes to complete the IELTS Writing Task 2.
• Your response should be structured as an essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and outline the main points you will discuss.
• The body paragraphs should develop your ideas and arguments, with one main idea per paragraph supported by relevant examples or evidence.
• The conclusion should summarize your main points and provide a final perspective on the topic.
• Your response will be evaluated based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource (vocabulary), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
• You should aim to address all parts of the task question, present a clear and coherent argument, use a wide range of vocabulary accurately, and demonstrate a good command of grammar and sentence structures.

Must Read: IELTS Academic vs General Tests – What’s the Difference?

The IELTS Writing Task 2 covers a wide range of topics related to contemporary issues and problems. Here are some common topics that frequently appear in the IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Education:

• The role of technology in education
• The importance of extracurricular activities
• The advantages and disadvantages of single gender schools

2. Environment:

• Climate change and its impacts
• Sustainable development and environmental conservation
• The use of renewable energy sources
• The impact of lifestyle choices on health
• The role of government in promoting public health
• The advantages and disadvantages of alternative medicine

4. Society and Culture:

• The effects of globalization on local cultures
• The impact of social media on human interactions
• The role of religion in modern society

5. Technology:

• The advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence
• The impact of technology on employment and job markets
• The role of technology in communication and information sharing

6. Urbanization and Transportation:

• The challenges of urban growth and city planning
• The benefits and drawbacks of public transportation
• The impact of transportation on the environment

7. Crime and Justice:

• The causes and prevention of crime
• The effectiveness of different types of punishment
• The role of the criminal justice system in society

8. Economics and Business:

• The impact of globalization on international trade
• The role of advertising in influencing consumer behavior
• The advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing

9. Government and Politics:

• The importance of freedom of speech and press
• The role of government in regulating the economy
• The impact of immigration on societies

10. Arts and Culture:

• The importance of preserving cultural heritage
• The role of art in society
• The impact of censorship on artistic expression

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are required to write an essay in response to a prompt or question. There are several common types of essays that may appear in Task 2:

1. Argumentative/Opinion Essays: These essays require candidates to express their opinion on a given topic and support it with reasons and examples. They often involve discussing both sides of an issue and presenting a clear argument in favor of one viewpoint.

2. Discussion/Two-sided Essays: Similar to argumentative essays, discussion essays require candidates to discuss both sides of an issue before expressing their opinion or preference. They need to provide balanced arguments and consider opposing viewpoints.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays : In these essays, candidates need to discuss the pros and cons of a particular issue, situation, or trend. They should provide examples to illustrate each point and offer a balanced analysis.

4. Problem-Solution Essays: These essays involve identifying a problem or issue, discussing its causes and effects, and proposing possible solutions or measures to address it. Candidates need to present logical arguments and support their solutions with evidence.

5. Cause and Effect Essays: Cause and effect essays focus on analyzing the reasons behind a specific phenomenon or event and its subsequent effects. Candidates should clearly outline the causal relationships and provide relevant examples.

6. Comparison/Contrast Essays: These essays require candidates to compare and contrast two or more ideas, concepts, or approaches. They should highlight similarities and differences and draw conclusions based on their analysis.

7. Process Essays: Process essays explain a sequence of steps or actions involved in a particular process, such as how to do something or how something works. Candidates need to provide clear explanations and use appropriate transition words to guide the reader through each step.

8. Agree/Disagree Essays: In these essays, candidates are given a statement or opinion, and they need to express whether they agree or disagree with it. They should support their stance with reasons and examples.

IELTS Writing Task 2 preparation tips to help you improve your performance:

1. Understand the Task Question

• Read the task question carefully and identify the key components, such as the topic, the instructions (e.g., discuss, evaluate, give your opinion), and any specific aspects to be addressed.
• Underline or highlight the essential elements to ensure you address all parts of the question.

2. Plan Your Essay

• Spend a few minutes planning your essay before you start writing.
• Brainstorm ideas and organize them into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Develop a clear thesis statement and main points to guide your essay.

3. Manage Your Time

• Allocate your time wisely, allowing enough time for planning, writing, and reviewing.
• Aim to spend around 510 minutes planning, 2530 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing and making corrections.

4. Use Appropriate Structure and Paragraphing

• Follow a standard essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea and include supporting details, examples, or evidence.
• Use clear topic sentences and logical transitions between paragraphs.

5. Develop Your Ideas

• Provide relevant and welldeveloped ideas to support your main points.
• Use examples, personal experiences, facts, or hypothetical situations to illustrate your arguments.
• Show critical thinking by analyzing different perspectives and addressing counterarguments.

6. Use Appropriate Language and Vocabulary

• Use a range of appropriate vocabulary related to the topic.
• Vary your sentence structures and avoid repetition.
• Demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic expressions and collocations accurately.

7. Pay Attention to Grammar and Accuracy

• Review and proofread your essay for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues.
• Ensure subjectverb agreement, correct tense usage, and appropriate word forms.
• Avoid overly complex sentences that may increase the risk of errors.

8. Practice with Sample Questions

• Familiarize yourself with different types of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by practicing with sample prompts.
• Set a timer and practice writing complete essays under timed conditions.
• Seek feedback from experienced IELTS teachers or online resources to identify areas for improvement.

9. Learn from Model Answers

• Study highscoring model answers to understand the expected level of writing and the organization of ideas.
• Analyze the structure, language use, and development of arguments in these model answers.
• Incorporate effective strategies and techniques into your own writing practice.

10. Stay UptoDate with Current Affairs

• Stay informed about current events, global issues, and debates related to various topics.
• Read reputable news sources, magazines, or online articles to broaden your knowledge and enhance your ability to discuss contemporary topics.

Here is a practice IELTS Writing Task 2 topic for you: Topic: Some people believe that governments should make more efforts to protect indigenous cultures and languages from disappearing. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words discussing both viewpoints and giving your opinion.

• Make a plan before you start writing. Outline your introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.
• The introduction should paraphrase the topic and outline what will be discussed.
• Discuss both sides of the argument in the body paragraphs. One paragraph arguing for protecting indigenous cultures/languages, one paragraph arguing against or giving the opposite view.
• Use examples, data or personal experiences to support your arguments.
• The conclusion should summarize your main points and give a clear opinion.
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Avoid repetition.
• Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.

In conclusion, while protecting indigenous cultures and languages is undoubtedly important for preserving human diversity and heritage, it should be balanced with practical considerations and the interests of the wider community. A nuanced approach that promotes understanding and appreciation while accommodating evolving societal needs is ideal.

Also Read: IELTS Full Form: Check Its Significance IELTS Average Score: Across Worldwide and India IELTS Minimum Score for Top Universities in 2024 IELTS Exam Pattern 2024: Section-wise IELTS Exam Paper Pattern, Question Types

Indigenous cultures and languages refer to the traditional practices, belief systems, and modes of expression of ethnic groups native to a particular region or country.

Protecting indigenous cultures and languages helps preserve unique identities, traditional knowledge, and cultural diversity, which are valuable aspects of human heritage and can contribute to our understanding of history, societies, and the environment.

Challenges include globalization, urbanization, lack of resources, and a shift towards more dominant cultures and languages, which can lead to the erosion of indigenous practices and languages over time.

Governments can implement policies to support the use and teaching of indigenous languages, provide funding for cultural preservation efforts, and promote awareness and appreciation of indigenous cultures through education and media.

Potential drawbacks include the allocation of limited resources towards this effort at the expense of other priorities, the potential for cultural stagnation or resistance to cultural evolution, and the risk of creating divisions or conflicts within diverse societies.

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