Tackling Timed Writing

Writing a timed essay in class can be intimidating. However, understanding how to prepare for the experience and how to answer the questions should help you perform better on timed exams. It is important to be prepared, to read the question carefully, and to budget your time.

Purpose of Timed Writing

The point of a timed written exam (and most exams) is to show you have mastered the course material. Instead of repeating what you know, think about ideas at the center of the course. Overall, the key is to show what you can do with the course material. If you are nervous about the idea of a timed essay exam, perhaps you should think of it as a mini-version of a regular paper; you will use many of the prewriting techniques from your writing courses.

Preparation

Create Mock Questions

Like research papers, preparation is crucial for timed writing assignments. The more work done beforehand, the easier the task will be. If your instructor does not give you a set of questions or a study guide, you can still prepare. For instance, try to think what kind of questions you would ask if you were the instructor. Read over class notes and use your textbook to develop questions you can answer for practice. By preparing ahead of time, you will have a better idea what to expect and how to respond.

Outline Your Answers

Once you have some sample questions, take a couple of minutes to think about your answers. Then sketch an outline in the margins of your paper. This way you not only formulate a coherent answer, but you will also be less likely to forget to answer a part of the question.

Tips for Timed Writing

Writing a timed essay is similar to writing one outside of class, with the exception of the time limit. If you prepare to write in class just as you would outside class, you will do better.

Do

Prepare. Outline key course topics, and write mock exams at home (most textbooks include practice writing prompts).
Read the question carefully several times; make sure you understand it.
Write a well-focused answer. Answer in the correct context.
Write a well-organized answer. Outline key points on your blue book cover or on scratch paper.
Write a well-supported answer. Use facts, examples, and information to justify and prove your answer.
Answer all parts of all questions.
Budget your time: Leave time to answer all questions completely and to proofread.

Avoid

Cramming (studying at the last minute).
Skimming the question(s) and immediately beginning to write.
Fluff: Do not pad your answer and hope it will address the question.
Stream of consciousness writing.
Stating conclusions without evidence.
Simply summarizing course material.

Writing

Budget your time. Even though you are dealing with a time limit, you want to leave time for outlining and proofreading your essay. Allowing yourself time to outline will help you answer questions clearly and concisely.

For example, if your class is fifty minutes, your writing schedule might look like this: ten minutes for outlining, thirty minutes for writing, and ten minutes for editing and proofreading. You will not have time to add superfluous information; stick to your outline. Stay on task, and you should be able to complete the assignment in the allotted time.

Timed-Writing Questions: Terms

Understanding the question is essential to doing well on the exam. You should read the question(s) carefully several times to make sure you understand. If anything is unclear, ask your instructor about it as soon as possible.

Questions can be broken into two categories: information only and application. Information only terms mean the instructor is simply looking for a list of facts from course material and not any explanation. Application terms imply the instructor wants students to apply the facts learned in the course to make larger connections. Most timed writing will use application terms.

It is imperative you understand which type of question you are being asked, or you will not be able to answer correctly. Sometimes a question may begin by asking only for information, but in another part it will ask the student to apply that knowledge. Read carefully.

Common Terms That Often Confuse Writers

Application Terms

Analyze: take apart and question, argue with.
Argue: persuade using evidence and logic.
Compare and contrast: similarities and differences and significance of them.
Discuss: talk about the significance.
Effects: discuss the causes and consequences.
Evaluate: critique, assess.
Explain: give details and their relevance.
Respond: usually your opinion or interpretation.

Information Only Terms

Define: give the definition.
Inform: give relevant data and facts.
List: list related information.
Summarize: in your own words, shorter than the original, complete objective.

Some Other Tips for Timed Writing

Arrive five minutes early to the class. This will give you time to relax before you start.
Wear a watch. This will help you budget your time if there is no clock in your classroom.
Remain calm. If you get nervous or feel stuck, remember that you can do this. Take a deep breath and start again.
Have a conclusion even if you are running out of time.
Do not erase. Just cross out mistakes.

The keys to successful timed writing: prepare, understand the question, organize your ideas, and budget your time.