Young Writers Society

The kid I tutor is having some trouble with his essay writing in exams.

*I* am having trouble finding the info I need on how to write faster during exams.

I know you can just practice like crazy, writing essays over and over until your speed picks up - and it does work.
My problem is that he's an impatient sixteen year old. ^^ He doesn't want to be sitting around practicing during his holidays.


So, I was wondering if anyone had some tips on how to increase writing speed any other ways? Preferably quick and fun ideas?


Hehe I know it sounds terrible... But I'm an awful tutor. ^^

Thanks in advance.

*Hearts* Le Penguin.

The fastest way I know is to do a really quick outline. Disect the points you need to cover and put them in order and then just write it. I think that always works for me....I think...lol.

Hrmm, yeah, we've talked about outlines, and I just got a stack of stuff off the net about it for him to look at.


Thanks Via. ^^ It's a workable idea.

Any outlining, actually, is helpful. I like webs better. For instance, I'll write the topic in a big circle in the middle of the page, then draw smaller circles around it for paragraphs, and add facts around those for what I want to cover in those paragraphs. That way, you don't have to spend time while you're actually writing wondering what you're going to say.

Get him a journal and have him write in it for 20 minutes of whatever he wants. That might get him to at least use a pencil faster.

Thank you all for all the suggestions, they're all helpful.


As I got him to actually *talk* in our last session I think this is going to go better than I had previously decided.

Thanks again.

- he liked the outline idea for exams. He's also thinking about the journal - I'm not forcing him.

Tell him to use a fountain pen! Seriously! I know I hate writing in biro. Blue fountain pen. Perker Reflex is my preference.

Also, if he's stuck for ideas, tell him to write the truth. That doesn't require much planning, just a few scribbles. Especially if he has anything insane going on in his life.