how to write essays faster in exams

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
Happiness Hub
This Or That Game
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Education and Communications
Writing Techniques
Improving Your Writing

How to Write Faster

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Bryce Warwick, JD . Bryce Warwick is currently the President of Warwick Strategies, an organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area offering premium, personalized private tutoring for the GMAT, LSAT and GRE. Bryce has a JD from the George Washington University Law School. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,089,540 times.

If you want to improve your writing speed, there are several steps that you can take to improve your efficiency and get assignments done faster. First, you'll want to do all of your research and organize your thoughts in an outline form. From there, you can set realistic goals for yourself and continue to practice until you improve. If you're struggling with the act of writing with a pen and paper, you should make sure that you're comfortable and have the right writing tools. With the right amount of practice and repetition, you can improve your writing speed.

Improving Your Handwriting Speed

Step 1 Use a pen or pencil that doesn’t require you to press down hard.

A mechanical pencil requires less force to write with than a traditional pencil.
You can purchase a pencil or pen grip to make your writing tool thicker.

Tip: A gel pen may be easier to write with than a ballpoint pen.

Step 2 Hold the pen or pencil in a way that’s comfortable for you.

The traditional way to hold a pen or pencil is to support the pen in between your index finger and thumb while the pen rests on your middle finger.
Angling the paper in a different way may also feel more comfortable for you.

Whenever you feel yourself slouching, adjust your posture so you’re sitting correctly.
If your chair is too low or your desk is too high, you may need to purchase new furniture.

Note: Maintaining good posture is also beneficial for your back and hips.

Step 4 Use shorthand if you aren’t writing for an assignment.

Keep in mind that these shorthand methods aren’t known by everyone and can’t be used for assignments or on tests.
It may take several weeks or even months to master these shorthand methods.

If you still aren't improving after trying everything, just talk to a teacher and see if they have any techniques that may help you.

Note: If your hand cramps up or you feel fatigued, take a break and come back to writing later.

Finishing Writing Assignments Quicker

Step 1 Determine the time of day that you’re most productive.

Even if you’re a night owl, you may still be more productive in the morning. Write during different parts of the day to see what works best for you.

Tip: You can write during your productive times and go back and edit your work during your less productive times.

Step 2 Write an outline for your assignment.

For example, the main points of your article could be something like, "Describing circuits" and "Powering Electronics." "Describing circuits" could include points like "Explaining a simple circuit" and "Completing a circuit."
Researching things in the middle of writing wastes valuable time.
Include your sources in your outline to save time, especially if you have to make citations later. If you’re using electronic sources, bookmark them on your computer. Include notes in your outline about how you’re going to use your sources and what information you hope to take from them.

Bryce Warwick, JD

Our Expert Agrees: You will write faster and easier when you know what to put down before you get started instead of making it up as you go along. If you have 30 minutes to write an essay, try giving yourself seven to eight minutes of planning time.

Step 3 Write your first draft quickly and revisit it for edits.

Wasting time on smaller details can drain time and make the entire writing process much longer.
If you find yourself stuck in a section, move past it and revisit it later with a fresh mind.

Step 4 Minimize the distractions around you.

Clearing the clutter off your writing desk may also minimize distractions and improve your efficiency.
If you can, put away your phone, tablet, or other devices you might be tempted to use to check social media or browse the web. You can also use productivity apps or extensions (like StayFocused) that temporarily cut off your access to time-wasting websites.

Step 5 Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself.

Set incrementally higher goals for yourself rather than taking on too much too fast.
If you haven’t written a lot in the past, you won’t be able to write quickly without practice. However, once you practice writing a lot, you will be able to write at a quicker pace.
For instance, you can set a goal that you’ll have a certain number of pages or words completed within a day. If you’re still working on building speed, daily goals can feel more manageable than more short-term ones (such as hourly goals).

Step 6 Use a timer to help meet your goals.

Don’t let the timer stress you out. It’s merely there to remind you of how much time you’re spending on an assignment.

Tip: Take 3-5 minute breaks every 30 minutes to an hour so that you don’t burn yourself out.

Practice Exercises to Increase Writing Speed

Community Q&A

Listening to music while you write can help you focus and write faster. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

Write on smooth paper instead of rough paper. This can help you write faster and more smoothly.
Doing finger exercises to strengthen your muscles can help you write faster.

↑ https://effectiviology.com/how-to-easily-improve-handwriting-speed/
↑ https://omniglot.com/writing/shorthand.htm
↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-faster
↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/8-4-revising-and-editing/
↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/faster-writer/

About This Article

To write faster by hand, use keywords instead of writing things word for word and use symbols like the plus sign, "@" symbol, and ampersand. Try learning a shorthand system and practice the techniques that work for you as much as possible. To write articles or essays more quickly, get all your research done first and create a rough outline. Focus on writing your ideas clearly and don't worry about making it sound perfect. Work somewhere you can concentrate and turn your phone off to minimize distractions. For tips on staying on track and more shorthand techniques, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No