For some students, writing an exam essay can be frustrating because in most cases you have a time limit – Usually a few hours to complete. While most articles are allowed to write at home, exam essays typically do the day of the exam.
For some students, this isn’t a problem. However, that’s because they have natural writing skills. But for the students who don’t have the physical gift of words, we’ve prepared seven quick tips to help improve your exam essay writing skills instantly.
Tip #1 – Preparing with a Mind Dump
The first thing you need to do for any exam essay is to prepare your mind for the activity thoroughly. In all likeliness, your professor or teacher would have assigned you some reading work. It’s important to read it carefully and even to expand your reading on the topic. It is true also if the professor allows you to bring the book with you.
Why?
Because if you read the texts beforehand, you’ll have a general idea where the information locates within the content. It allows you to reach your primary arguments much quicker, providing you with more time for editing later on.
Tip #2 – Consider the Question Carefully
Many students skim over the question with the idea of quickly getting started. However, giving yourself a few minutes to thoroughly digest ‘what is asking of you’ can help you hone in your words to address the issue head-on.
If there are multiple options about topics, read each one carefully and select the one that you feel most comfortable with it.
Tip #3 – Starting off on the right foot
Now that you have considered your topic and knew what you want to write about, it’s time to formulate your first paragraph. Many students over analyze the first paragraph and want to insert as much information within this section. However, the introduction of your essay indeed only relates to providing the basic premise of the topic.
Therefore, it’s best if you write the introduction clearly and concisely. Don’t try to cram as much information in this section seeing that you’ll be expanding on your premise within the body. Merely establish ‘what you aim to prove/disprove’ within the rest of the essay. Keep it short and sweet.
Tip #4 – Create the Plan
With the introduction paragraph, you lay out the “what”, now you need to explain it in detail. Break your main arguments (supporting points) down into sections. Each of your talking points will be its paragraph.
Before you jump into the body, you’ll want to plan out the essay as this will allow you to follow a logical path towards proving or disproving your central premise. Remember, this plan is not the essay. Write bullet points under each subheading to support your main arguments with facts and other relevant information.
It will allow you to stay on track while you flesh out the rest of your essay.
Tip #5 – Concluding
Most people suggest you merely rehash the premise of your introduction and concluding how your arguments are correct. However, for those who are adept at writing professional essays for exams, the primary goal of the conclusion is to make the reader care truly. For instance, if you were asked to write about Shakespeare for example, you can create a relevant link to modern entertainment and how the impact of art changes the behavior of society. Or something along these lines.
You get the point. It’s about taking your premise to the next level. It’s about providing context to your arguments.
Tip #6 – Less is better
Many students believe that more words equal more value, however within the context of an exam, you don’t have the luxury of time. Preferably, a teacher will look at how quickly and coherently you can provide your examples because it’s essential to be able to choose relevant information based on importance to the central theme.
You won’t have enough time to edit large paragraphs and need to use your time as efficiently as possible. It means, getting the information on paper before anything else.
Just write out without overthinking and be sure to mention the relevant arguments you have prepared.
Tip #7 – Proofreading
Now that you have finished the essay, it’s time to go over it again. Take a minute to gather yourself, and then start the editing process. Look for anything that isn’t making sense. You want your message to be understood by a twelve-year-old. Apparently, you’ll be using relevant terminology, however, try not to complicate it too much.
First read the essay once over, and then start taking it section by section. Make any changes you feel necessary. Then, once you have completed the editing part, rewrite the essay on a fresh piece of paper so that you can use the original article as your first draft.
And there you have it, seven simple steps to improve your exam essay writing.
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