Horrible at timed writing? What do I do?

Shaywood
Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:08:23 +0000

Well, I am just a sophomore but in AP World History we have to do the same thing, just less often. I take timed essays in my English classes though (and we have to start writing at least 6 paragraphs!) and the best advice I can give you is to keep practicing. I would take timed writing tests online or something (I think on Collegeboard’s online SAT you can take timed essays). At first I failed two or three essays just because I didn’t finish, but eventually you learn what details are needed and which are unnecessary.

The huge part of it is understanding what your thesis is (simple and to the point) and what examples you are using to back yourself up. When you have an example, use a maximum of 3-4 sentences to describe it. First sentence is background, the next two are details, and the last is a quick summary of how it relates to your thesis. It takes a while to master.

I would also buy a watch. I find I work much better when I know exactly what time it is, because I can decide when I can go full out with my wording and make it more impressive, or when I should just go for a straight-forward, simple essay.