Tips for Taking a Timed Essay Test

First 5 – 10 Minutes

·         Read the prompt carefully and thoroughly.

·         Decide how you will answer the prompt.

·         Brainstorm the major arguments that you will make.

Next 20 – 25 Minutes

·         Write the essay.

·         Make sure to include support and examples for each paragraph.

·         Refer to your outline frequently to make sure that you are staying on track.

Last 5 – 10 Minutes

·         Leave yourself time to proofread.

·         Does your thesis clearly state a position?

·         Does each body paragraph just develop one main point?

·         Do you have support and examples?

·         Check spelling and grammatical errors.