Timed Writing Review
Terms to know
1. Thesis: an opinion statement that directly answers the prompt. Combine the topic and an assertion (statement)
to be proven in the paper.
a. In timed writing, it is acceptable to be more direct, blunt, and vague in addressing the prompt. This will
help you get into writing the essay more quickly and leave you “wiggle room” when writing. You do not
want to limit yourself by using a very specific thesis. This could cause you to get off topic later in the
essay.
b. Avoid a three-part thesis for the SAT and the EAP. It is acceptable, however, to write a three-part thesis
for the HSEE and the DWA.
2. Prewriting: brainstorming and organizing ideas before writing the essay.
a. Students are encouraged to use whatever prewriting method works for them.
i. Bubble clusters
ii. Lists/ columns
iii. Thinking maps
b. It is suggested that students only brainstorm their evidence (CDs) only, and then add the analysis (CM)
while writing the essay.
3. Topic sentences (TS): the first sentence of a body paragraph. Topic sentences are a more specific form of the
thesis, providing a reason/ opinion that will be proven/ discussed in each body paragraph.
a. TS is all opinion with no facts!
b. No questions!
4. Specific details (aka concrete details/ CD): Evidence that supports the opinion stated in the TS and ultimately
the thesis statement. Typically in timed writings evidence will include personal anecdotes, well-known historical
facts, common sense examples. Unlike a process paper, much of your evidence will not require citation, except
when in-text attribution is necessary to strengthen an argument.
a. Example: Julius Caesar once said, “Veni. Vidi. Vici.”
b. Example: Mars is the home of Olympus Mons, the largest known volcano in our solar system.
5. Analysis: Commentary that interprets how the details/ evidence prove the opinions (thesis/ topic sentences).
This is your opinion about the evidence. Analysis (CM) usually answers the questions “Why is the evidence
important?” and “How does the evidence prove my opinion in the TS?”
6. Transitions: Words and phrases used to combine ideas. Transitions make it easy for the reader to follow your
argument and to connect the ideas you present in the essay. Examples of transitional words and phrases
include:
a. Openers to use to start your evidence/CD: For example, for instance, most noticeably, in the
story/poem/book/chapter, as seen in the story, in fact, in addition, another example/instance, to
begin with, as presented by the author
b. Support transitions: Here are some transitional openers for your analysis/ CM: in other words,
clearly, furthermore, however, nonetheless, in regards to, one can see, this shows that (use this
sparingly), consequently, thus, hence
c. Concluding sentence openers: Here are some ways to open your concluding sentences (CS): thus,
hence, so, finally, overall, lastly, in the end, clearly
Tips for timed writings
1. Know your start and end time!!!
2. Break down the prompt!
a. Circle or underline key words and phrases. This will help you know what type of essay you need to write
and help you stay on topic.
b. Be sure your opinion statement (thesis) directly answers the writing directions.
c. Know what type of evidence is required!
3. Spend one fourth to one third of your time for planning (prewriting and organizing). FYI: SAT is 25 minutes!!!!!
4. Keep in mind that you only have time to write a first draft composition. No one expects perfection. Readers
want to know if you can…
a. Answer the prompt
b. Stay on topic
c. Support an opinion with evidence and analysis
d. Develop a voice
e. Get to a conclusion
5. Try to vary your sentence structure while writing to help develop voice and style!!!! You can use…
a. Begin sentences with phrases:
i. From the safety of her room, she blurted an insult to her brother then slammed the door shut.
ii. Guessing that his test score was disappointing, he decided to walk past the posted grades and
head home.
b. Begin sentences with modifiers:
i. Tired and drifting into sleep, he gave into the temptation of not finishing his homework.
ii. Laughing, the student admitted to the prank.
c. Use more compound sentences:
i. Semi colon: I love living in the city; there are so many things to do.
ii. Coordinating conjunction: He couldn’t watch the show, so he decided to tape it.
iii. Transition: I love living in Orange County; however, the traffic is horrendous.
6. Proofread at the end!!! Even if you only have one minute, use it! The mind is quicker than the eye, and you will
probably miss something that you can insert easily when you look it over again.
7. If you get stuck, the physical act of writing typically cures writer’s block and leads to ideas. Try these two tricks:
a. Copy the question/ prompt down until you come up with an idea
b. Read the prompt again, and then fill in the blank:
What I have to do in this essay is __________________________.