How to write a coherent essay in timed conditions?

Firstly, write an introduction and include a clear outline. In essence, your introduction should be an answer to the question, once you’ve identified the type. If there isn’t a specific question (e.g write a critical appreciation) then turn that into a specific themed/character based question to answer in the first line of your introduction. For example, “how is a desire to change as a theme displayed by authors with specific reference to the novels 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale respectively?” Once you’ve done this, it’s vitally important to have a short and quick summary of all your points so that when answering you aren’t confused or drifting away from your initial points. In turn, this keeps your answer concise as you have a guide to follow which can be referenced throughout under timed conditions. The most important part of this is to stick to this plan, it could be a list of the points you want to make, setting out the argument for your essay, or including quotes and points of comparison between texts.Secondly, keep your supporting points linked to the introduction. When writing under timed conditions it can be very easy to sway from your point or try to write everything you know about a specific theme without answering the question. In order to avoid this, sticking to the points you made in your introduction, by opening each new paragraph (each new point) with a line that directly relates to your introduction, will maintain the flow of your essay. Each new supporting point is to further your argument and should be targeting a new strand of your answer to the question you made for yourself in the outline.Thirdly, every piece of knowledge must relate to the question. If you’ve already made your supporting points link to the question, it also ensures that you don’t switch sides when you are arguing. It’s important to note the difference between referencing other points of view towards the question (interpretations) and actually arguing that way, this leads to an unfocused essay which would end up confusing any following points you may want to lead into wishing timed conditions. When all of your subject knowledge links to the question it makes it easier to continue your consistent argument and be awarded marks for quotations, context and comparisons by the examiner.