If you’re looking to write an essay in under 24 hours, it may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never written an essay before. While the exact time it takes to write an essay varies from person to person, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your essay gets written in no time. The following 8 essentials of writing an essay in under 24 hours will help you ensure that your work gets done on time without sacrificing the quality of your work.
1) Keep an Open Mind
Keep a positive attitude and open mind while writing your essay. Remember, you don’t have to cover everything—and that is definitely good news. As an essay writer, it’s better to spend extra time focused on one or two points than half-assing several ideas at once. If you aren’t sure how to do something or where to start, ask for help. Someone who has been there will understand where you are coming from and can suggest specific ways for you to improve your writing. Your teacher may even have resources that they can share with you online.
2) Pick A Topic That Excites You
Without passion for your topic, it will be difficult to stay motivated and write quickly. And if you’re not excited about what you’re writing, it’s likely that your reader won’t be either. Instead of picking a broad topic and then breaking it down into subtopics later on, choose a more specific idea that really excites you—one that you can talk about at length without getting bored or distracted. This kind of excitement is what comes through in good writing, so don’t underestimate its importance. Choose wisely; once you decide on a topic, stick with it! If something new comes up along the way (which it almost certainly will), save it for another day.
3) Set a Timer for 20 Minutes
Set a timer for 20 minutes and commit to writing without stopping. Shut off your phone, close all browser tabs but one, and start writing. Whatever you do, don’t stop writing until 20 minutes have passed—no matter what happens. You can go back later and edit it if needed.
4) Create An Outline Beforehand
To write an essay, it’s always a good idea to create a detailed outline beforehand. An outline forces you to think through what points need to be addressed and gives you a plan of action. That way, when you begin writing, it should be easier for you to stay focused and develop your ideas. If you haven’t written an essay before, here are some tips on how to get started with outlining:• Read your prompt several times and jot down notes as you go along; these notes can help spark ideas for your outline.• Create a note-taking template so that each point is its own separate paragraph.
5) Avoid Common Pitfalls
The biggest mistake students make when working on a last-minute essay is not allowing themselves enough time to do it well. It’s tempting to try and rush through, especially if you have other work to get done or studying for exams to study for, but rushing will lead to mistakes. The same goes for writing an essay while extremely stressed out. Not only will you be unable to focus properly, your writing quality will take a dive as well. If you want your essay to get good grades, then make sure you give yourself plenty of time and space from other schoolwork and stressors. This way you’ll be able to focus on your paper with confidence and produce high-quality work that impresses teachers!
6) Put All Necessary Information Into One Document Section
When you’re trying to finish a paper under a deadline, it’s tempting to break it up into smaller chunks. Do not do that! Putting all necessary information into one document section means less time searching for missing parts and more time actually writing. This could be as simple as having all quotes or anecdotes included in their appropriate paragraphs. Anything that isn’t necessary can wait until later drafts.
7) Don’t Forget the Title
The most important step in essay writing is, ironically, often left until last. A well-crafted title tells your reader exactly what they’re going to get when they read your work. Think of it as a guide; if you got lost and wandered into a strange house would you rather find yourself alone or with someone who knows where everything is? It’s no different with writing; your title should provide readers with guidance. As such, a good way to start off is by identifying your theme and crafting a title around that.
8) Proofread it Twice
When you’re in a rush, it’s easy to let a few spelling or grammar mistakes slip through. However, taking an extra minute or two to ensure your essay is free from errors makes you look more professional and shows that you care about your work. Before submitting it (as always) use proofreading marks to go over each page one last time. Look for misspellings, incorrect homophones and tense changes as well as other small issues like word choice. Your readers are sure to appreciate it!
