How to Write Essays Under Pressure?

[ajoe]

For one of my finals, I have to write 4 essays in 2 hours. My professor will give the topics beforehand, but we're not allowed to use any notes whatsoever.

Now, even though I'm an avid reader and love writing in general, I despise and suck at writing essays. Is there any tips to do a little well for this final? I have a tendency to freak out when I think I'm running out of time, and undoubtedly 2 hours for 4 essays will not be enough for me. Also, I usually can't think of any good BS for the conclusions.

Thanks in advance!

[Shea]

I had a prof for three classes that tested like that. Ideally, because I'm good at memorizing, I would write the essay then memorize it for the test. If I didn't have time, I'd write the outline, and just review as much as I could.

The best advice I could give you for actually writing them is, use pencil, skip lines (so that you can correct any mistakes), and avoid the & symbol (I always got marked off for that one). Good luck!

[Isagel]

Have you ever done mind-maps? I used to when I was writing essays. Still do it when I have to hold lectures. It´s easier for me to remember that way.

I used to write the subject on the middle of a paper and then write ideas related to the subject around it- adorned with small symbols or drawings. Then I tried to see which ones of the ideas that where connected to each other - usually by drawing lines between them , and which ideas that where out of place. This way I had a map of my essay in my head. I knew where it would start and where it would end, and I could see the things that would just mess it up and make it incoherent. Sometimes I would find conclusions while working with this, and seeing the "whole picture" ( no pun intended) . I don´t know if this helps you, but I remember pictures better than just words so this has helped me alot.

Good luck!

[Jester]

i say outlines, always helped me... i took some tests where i was given fifteen minutes an essay so I was trained to write two page essays in about fifteen twenty minutes... perhaps that cna help is too actually write essays before hand so you can quicken your pace then you dont get panicky at the end and have more time to think... I've known people who could never finish and essay...
Antoher thing is stop writing hte first one a half hour through (depends on wha tyour teacher takes more points off for, unfinished or none at all)... wait till your done wiht all four before you edit, get them all done then worry about mistakes... most of my teachers tell me i can't use pencil so just keep in mind about not making to big of a mess when writing, outlines, mind maps whatever works to organize thoughts for you helps you organize your paper so you dont make as many mistakes.

[mono]

Yikes! I send my sincerest sympathy to you, ajoe; I have stood in your place, and felt just the same, but I often feel oddly motivated by pressure.
Regardless, I think what many others recommend for advice all leads to preparing before the assignment through either an outline, writing the essay before-hand and remembering the main parts, or "spider-web" outlining. I agree in this seeming the best advice, and I wish you the best of luck!

[Stanislaw]

When I was in high school I got the best advice I ever could. My social studies (history) teacher told me to create a 'tool box' a similar idea to an outline or a map. It consists of lists catagorized into names, dates, places, case studies etc. each list has its own heading. then from that a rough sequance can be drawn out, I actually draw a little picture of paper and make small paragraph divisions, and then proceed to make a frame of initial ideas starting with a thesis statement to direct my thoughts.

For me personally throwing in the tool box analogy really worked, because a toolbox only carries tools that the craftsmen needs for the specific task all of the tools are stored in the shop/brain, and only tools neede for the specific task are put in the tool box for the next job.

And if you create the tool box at home, and are nervouse before the test, take a couple minutes and draw out the tool box again, it will help you focus and allow your ideas to easily fall in place.

[Bongitybongbong]

If you get a chance before the essay to prepare get everything that contains info on the topic then try to write it and memorize it. That saved me a couple times.

[Jay]

As I've never done this before I could tell you what I think I'd do. I'd study the topics and as most people already said, try to memorize as much info as possible. But then it depends on the topics, if it's something I could find interesting and not boring it'd go more smoothly... so I'd suggest finding something you'd be interested in in each topic and focus on that. Hope we're able to help you in any way, good luck with your essays :), I'm sure you'll do fine :nod: