Whether it is an essay you put off until the last minute, a job application you discovered the day before it is due, or a timely article for the school paper, writing on a short deadline is unavoidable.
Headspace
The most important thing to remember is that you have probably done most of the work already. We often discount the foundational work that we do before pen hits paper. Your brain is constantly analyzing and contextualizing everything you learn,, which is the content of your essay. It is behind the scenes and just needs to be unveiled. Take a deep breath! The most arduous part of an essay is done, you just need to put it on paper.
Make a plan
Your first instinct might be to run, that is, to open a blank document and type like a madman. Anything is better than nothing after all. While freewriting can be a useful tool for breaking a writer’s block, when you have limited time you need even more structure and discipline.
Find the question
Before you do anything, carefully read the prompt. If it’s an essay, isolate the core question. If it’s a job application, list out the requirements, if it’s a personal statement establish your connection to the opportunity.
Answer it
Write the answer! Don’t think of this as your thesis statement, just genuinely answer it in whatever words feel true to you. Try keeping it colloquial, avoiding academic jargon might help isolate what you are trying to say.
Outline
Start with writing an outline, because you need to know if you’re heading down the wrong path as early as possible. It is much harder to hide from weak arguments or missing logical steps when it is laid out in bullet point form. Taking the time to make sure you are fully addressing the prompt and that you are following your roadmap will help save you from painting yourself into a corner.
At this stage, if you can, run through your work with someone else. Getting early feedback can save you time down the road. You can also try talking it through to yourself or handwriting it. Research shows that transposing your writing to a different medium can help expose inconsistencies.
Take a break
It may seem counterintuitive but you need to schedule a break. You need time away from a piece to effectively proofread it, reflect on its arguments, and make corrections. Ideally break overnight, but even 20 minutes can make a difference. The first time your writing is read should be done by you, not the grader.
Try taking a short walk or listening to a couple songs you like. Before returning to your work, go back to the assignment prompt and read it through again carefully. If it’s an expository essay, take a moment to confirm things such as citation or bibliographic format.
Proofreading
If you have access to other people, enlist a friend to proofread and hold you accountable. Schedule a time in advance for them to read whatever you’re working on and try to meet that deadline. If you’re alone, print out your work if possible and read it back. If that’s not feasible, try sending it to yourself as an email, it can be another way to trick your brain into catching mistakes you might have missed.
When you have limited time for editing, it’s important to have a checklist for reviewing.If you only have time for one pass, focus on what’s achievable. Read it through with an eye for grammar and readability. Try to break up long sentences and remove superlative words.
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