Planning your time

Before you start writing you should know exactly how much time you have to complete the task or tasks. Make sure you have a watch or can see a clock in the exam. You may not be allowed to have your mobile phone on the table, so you should wear a watch if possible. 

So, how much time should you spend on each part of a writing task? There is no right or wrong answer for this but here’s an example. If you have forty minutes to complete the exam you could divide the time in this way: 

Writing task – 40 minutes:

  • Planning – 10 minutes
  • Writing – 25 minutes
  • Reviewing – 5 minutes

That may seem like a lot of time to plan, but a good plan is the key to success and it gives you the chance to really make sure you know what you are going to write before you begin. 

Discussion

Do you plan your time in writing exams? Have you got any tips to share? 

Topics
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Comments

Submitted by hermione123 on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 14:04

I never plan my exam actually. But, mostly i finish the exam and have review it on time. Well, an exception for math. It's pretty hard to finish and review math exam on time. Some time before i did my national primary school exams, i think my teacher helped me to plan my exam time.
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Submitted by Andrii on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 20:44

I've never planned my time in writing exams, but I think it's a good idea, so I'll try it.
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Submitted by empty on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 12:56

I think these tips are wonderful .

Submitted by JasonFu on Mon, 01/29/2018 - 12:53

I always plan time,my mom let me do this.But I can not plan times well,that's my problem.I read your passage,feel well.You help me,don't you? PS:My writing is awful either,cause I'm Chinese.English is not my own langguage.But I will do it best,like your plan.
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Submitted by Jonathan - Coo… on Tue, 01/30/2018 - 03:42

I'm glad that you will try the time management strategy. Good luck with your writing :)
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)

In reply to by JasonFu

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