Writing Application
Overview
Apply timed writing strategies by completing focused exercises. These quick-write activities build the skills and confidence needed for essay exams.
Practice Problems
Question 1: In 2 minutes, write a thesis statement for: "Should students be allowed to use phones in school?"
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Answer: Example: "Students should have limited phone access during school because phones can be valuable learning tools, but unrestricted use creates distractions and social issues that harm the learning environment."
A nuanced position with 2-3 supporting reasons creates a roadmap for your essay.
Question 2: Write a hook for this topic: "The importance of failure in learning."
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Answer: Example: "Thomas Edison failed over 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb, yet he claimed he never failed once - he simply found 1,000 ways that didn't work."
An anecdote or surprising fact engages readers immediately.
Question 3: Convert this weak point to a strong one: "Video games are bad for kids."
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Answer: Example: "Excessive gaming correlates with decreased physical activity, as a 2023 study found gamers averaged 30% less exercise than non-gamers, contributing to rising childhood obesity."
Be specific: define terms ("excessive"), cite evidence, explain the connection.
Question 4: Write a transition sentence connecting these paragraphs: Body 1 (economic benefits of renewable energy) to Body 2 (environmental benefits).
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Answer: Example: "Beyond these economic advantages, renewable energy delivers even more significant environmental benefits."
Good transitions acknowledge the previous point while introducing the next.
Question 5: In 3 minutes, outline an essay on: "Is competition good for students?"
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Answer: Intro: Position - beneficial in moderation. Body 1: Motivates achievement. Body 2: Teaches real-world skills. Body 3: Counter - unhealthy when excessive, so need balance. Conclusion: Competition valuable but must be healthy.
A quick outline ensures you cover all parts and stay organized.
Question 6: Write a counterargument paragraph for this thesis: "Social media does more harm than good for teenagers."
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Answer: Example: "Advocates for social media point to its ability to connect teens with supportive communities and provide creative outlets. While these benefits are real, they are outweighed by documented harms: increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and addiction patterns that make moderation nearly impossible for developing brains."
Acknowledge the opposing view fairly, then refute it with evidence.
Question 7: Improve this sentence for concision: "In my opinion, I think that homework is something that is beneficial for students."
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Answer: "Homework benefits students."
Cut "In my opinion, I think" (implied), "something that" (filler), "is...beneficial" (simplify). Under time pressure, concise = more content.
Question 8: Write a 2-sentence conclusion for an essay arguing schools should start later.
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Answer: Example: "Later school start times would transform student health, academic performance, and safety - all for the simple cost of adjusting schedules. The question is not whether we can afford this change, but whether we can afford not to make it."
Summarize impact and end with a memorable final thought.
Question 9: You're writing about exercise and realize you need a specific example quickly. Generate one.
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Answer: Options: Personal experience ("When I joined the track team..."), hypothetical ("Consider a student who..."), general knowledge ("Studies show 30 minutes of daily exercise..."), or famous example ("Athletes like Simone Biles demonstrate...").
When you don't have a perfect example, use what you know - even hypotheticals work.
Question 10: You've written a strong essay but have 2 minutes left. What quick improvements should you make?
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Answer: 1) Re-read thesis - still accurate? 2) Check topic sentences match thesis points. 3) Fix any obvious spelling/grammar errors. 4) Ensure conclusion connects back to thesis.
Strategic final checks can boost your score without major rewrites.