ESSAY WRITING

 The essay writing section requires you to write two essays. You are given 15 minutes to write each essay. Since it will be an on-the-spot essay writing within a very limited time, the only tool which can help you is preparedness. Here are some things you have to remember when preparing for an essay exam.

 Be aware of current issues and other significant events in history. Read or listen to news. It will help if you know some facts about recent issues and other major turning points in history. (This will give you confidence once you are about to take the exam.)

 Practice expressing an opinion on issues. When you encounter controversies or issues, try to take one side and justify why you chose to be on that side. Don’t be neutral. This will not be applicable particularly if you are asked to write an opinionated essay.

 Don’t think about being “safe” when it comes to writing your essay. Choose one side and defend it. Evaluators will be looking for coherence and conviction aside from impeccable grammar.


 Brainstorm. Since the exam will require you to write each essay in 15 minutes, practice thinking as fast as you can.

You can follow these steps on how to write effectively.

• Read and understand the question carefully.

• Conceptualize an outline of what you are about to write. However, you must remember that outlining your thoughts should not consume so much time. Take note of the time limit; then budget your time.

• Answer the question directly.

• Do not make long introductions. Since your essay is limited due to time pressure, you also have to budget the length of each essay part (i.e., introduction, body, conclusion).

• If you are asked to write an opinionated essay, state your position at once. Then state your reason for choosing the position.

• Support your arguments with facts or examples. You can even prepare these ahead of time. Think of two or three references that you can use given any topic. For example, the movie Schindler’s List or the historical figure Mother Teresa may be cited in a variety of topics. Try to think of your own examples.

• Use simple words. Do not include terms which you do not really understand just to make your essay profound-sounding. Be sure that words are in their correct usage.

• Be sure that your essay is organized and focused. Do not include arguments, examples, or facts which you cannot discuss.

• Be sure that your essay is coherent.

• Finish what you started. Don’t leave your reader confused and hanging. Be sure that you have discussed every point that you introduced.

• Check your essay for errors in grammar and usage. Grammar and usage are very important components of your essay. These are what they initially check for in your essay exam.