FINISH EXAMS FASTER: How Do I Write Faster? Tips for Writing Quickly

You feel as though you’re whizzing through your exam, polishing off your introduction to that essay in record speed… yet why does it feel like all your classmates have already flipped a page, onto the next one? Writing slowly can be a disadvantage when it comes to timed exams, so here’s how to optimise your writing speed in any written test, no matter the subject.

Find your favourite writing pen.

Do you prefer ballpoint or gel? 0.38 width or thicker? This may not seem important, but finding the perfect writing pen for you is actually very beneficial when preparing for exams. Trial different brands and pens to find what works for you. Also, try to find ones that are affordable or refillable - you will definitely be using up a LOT of pens. Finding and remembering what pens work for you make purchasing and using them a faster process, and you don’t have to worry about it failing you during a crucial exam!

Cursive writing

Practice your running writing so the pen doesn’t leave the page, as it generally is faster than writing letters separately. 

When you write practice essays, do them by hand and time yourself.

By recreating similar conditions at home, it’ll make your process of writing in the exam hall a lot smoother. Try not to give yourself unlimited time and set that timer. If you don’t know how to do something in a practice run, don't stop and restart, but continue! What if this happened in your actual exam? By pushing yourself in practice, you’ll adequately prepare yourself for the real deal.

Seated posture is important!

Avoid sitting in awkward positions or you’ll end up with a backache!

Make use of planning time

If you are given planning time for an exam, use it wisely! Flesh out your points (without writing the entire arguments) so you are prepared for the whole exam, and you won’t have to stop and think in the middle of an essay.