How do you write a strong essay under timed conditions?

Preparation is key! Try to handwrite answers to as many practice questions as you can under timed conditions before the exam as possible, just to get used to writing quickly, and used to the time pressure. Nothing is so intimidating if you've done it once before! Take five minutes at the beginning to plan by following these steps. Read the question very carefully, twice. Underline the key words and phrases, and take note of any quotes used in the question. Re-write the question if necessary: knowing what the question is asking of you is the most important part, because keeping your essay focussed is essential. Next, write down three bullet points that answer the question generally. These will make up the basis of each of your paragraphs. Once you have begun to write, keep your introduction short and question-focussed, making general references to the text in question, its author, and the context in which it was written. This shows that you have a strong understanding of the text and of the question you are being asked. When writing the body of the essay, try to make a point, provide some evidence of the point, and then explain why this is, and how it affects a reader or audience. Try to mention the author or playwright's name in each paragraph, and to employ knowledge of literary devices, such as hyperbolic language, or iambic pentameter. When concluding, try to give a more general summary, referencing the question and the author once more. Once you have finished writing, take another few minutes to re-read the question, and then your answer in order to check your focus in the answer and to correct any spelling or grammar errors. Make sure you breath, and try to stay calm throughout!!