Academic Writing: Categories
Effective Impromptu Essay Writing
Essay writing contests involve writing on the spot and helps demonstrate one's ability to think and write quickly. Unlike general essay writing, essay writing contests typically involve a new environment that may be a distraction. The time pressure can feel enormous since there is a limited amount of time to generate ideas and developing a draft followed by revision, editing, and proofreading.
There is less control over the topic since the topics are usually supplied in some form or the other. Test anxiety may further complicate things. This makes it difficult to write effectively for anyone in an essay writing contest. The following suggestions can help in writing effectively even in case of a pressured event like essay writing contest.
- Topic choice
In case the essay writing contest provides options for topics, choose the one that you are most familiar with.
- Thesis form
Write the topic in the thesis form. Making the thesis explicit and taking a position in the thesis statement helps ensure that you have started off in the right manner.
- Outline
Create an outline based on ideas and examples or sketch how you would want to present them in an essay. This would help quickly plan the essay – an effective strategy that helps most people to present their views coherently in an essay writing contest.
- Multitask
While writing or even while planning, think of specific examples, anecdotes, data, etc. relevant to the topic. Due to time constraint, such multitasking may be required.
- Edit and proofread
Ensure that there is enough time left for editing and proofreading before the time of the essay writing contest gets over.
- Conclusion
Do not forget to add a conclusion that sums up the essay. The time pressure of an essay writing contest is no excuse to neglect it.
Essay writing contests can be fun and by using the right strategies, one can make it an even more enjoyable experience.