Writing essays has never been easy. One has even fewer chances to accomplish the mission if the time is up. Some students are great procrastinators and binge-watch Netflix for weeks. Meanwhile, others have a long to-do list filled with job responsibilities. Regardless of circumstances, a student with no time is a student with a problem to solve.
What to do if the clock is ticking and you're sinking deeper into procrastination? Check tips from our experts in the article below.
Tip #1: Plan Your Writing Process Ahead
So, this is it. You've got a day to write a research project or compose a 2000-word essay. Sounds pretty challenging. Especially with tons of other lines from your to-do list. Before you think, 'who will be write my paper if I am out of time', call for your rationality first.
Think of your essay as a project. Any project includes stages and steps to follow. And each stage has its own timeline. Do you have a 2000-word essay to write?
Stage 1 - Research. Commonly, this stage might take you even longer than writing the essay itself. Assign as much time as you can to your research. Finding secondary sources is never enough - you should also read and analyze them;
Stage 2 - Making a Draft. So, you noted all ideas which came into your head during Stage 1. Start writing without thinking of coherence or grammar. Just write everything you think can prove the thesis statement. This stage might take up to 2 hours;
Stage 3 - Rereading and Writing. Reread your draft and refine its ideas by polishing the sentences and adding more thoughts. This is the main writing stage that might take up to 4-5 hours;
Stage 4 - Editing and Citing. Don't forget your sources! This stage might take up to 2 hours, depending on the number of sources.
This is a possible time structure for a 2000-essay on a complex topic. 'But what if writing my papers takes more time?' Great question. Depending on your writing speed and info processing, the whole process might take up to 12 hours. Make sure you have a few hours in reserve.
Tip #2: When a Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
No, we don't suggest you delegate your whole writing to your besties. In fact, they'd hardly love it. However, asking for a little assistance is no big deal. Especially in times when your grade depends on the number of hours you can devote to your essay.
Delegate tasks from the to-do list. Ask your friend to take your dog out or do groceries. This will spare you two-three hours, especially if getting to the nearest supermarket equals a one-hour drive;
Ask for academic assistance. Give your topic keywords and ask your friend to search for the relevant articles in databases. This tip is the most convenient since googling can be a remote activity. Unlike taking your dog out or making the grocery list;
Add some accountability. Make a deal with your friend that you'd call them in two hours after writing the first project chapter. This promise will serve as a drive behind your motivation to write that chapter in time;
More ideas. You can ask your friend to read your paper when it's ready and help you with citing the sources. Or you may ask your friend to make you a cup of coffee and give you that warming emotional support.
Tip #3: Get the Best from Technology
This is where browsing your Google Play when studying is legal. 'Can I make writing my papers faster?' Sure, you can: just use your tech wisdom.
Mind-focusing apps. Install a mobile or desktop app which blocks all messages, calls, and social media alerts. By doing so, you ensure no distractions intervene with your writing process;
Editing and citation-citing tools. A grammar- and a plagiarism-checker saves time and polishes your writing;
Time-management tools. Yeap, you might think there's no time to manage your hours. Nonetheless, a time-managing app will ensure you end the milestones before the deadline rings the bell.
Tip #4: Smell, Taste, Listen
Let anxiety and panic vanish by making your surroundings peaceful. Endless worrying and bottles of energizing drinks did no good to anyone. Keep calm.
Smells. Light up a candle which smells good and let the odor calm your nerves down. You can use any other smell for this purpose. Like the smell of a freshly cut rose or a cup of coffee;
... Speaking of coffee. Better substitute it with tea. A cup of tea has more caffeine than an average cup of coffee. Additionally., tea makes you feel less agitated and nervous;
Pump up your music playlist. Lo-fi or instrumental indie make a perfect choice to catch that zen and focus.
Tip #5: When Writing is a Too Dreadful Experience to Bear
'What if writing my papers feels like a toil?' Obviously, some papers are more tedious and exhausting than you expect them to be. Some have thesis statements impossible to prove, while others have bad structures. Anyway, sometimes studying gets boring, right?
Cling to the best of life experiences. Put that concert ticket in front of you or a picture of your favorite cafe. Each time you get bored, look at the things which make you happy. Once you finish the essay, you can run to your favorite cafe and grab a coffee!
Skip your part-time job. Ask your colleague to substitute you for the shift. This will give you more time to process your thoughts and get focused on the task to be done;
Reach a writing agency. Yes, you might need professional help. Don't be ashamed of it - we all need third-party assistance sometimes.
Final Thoughts
Is procrastination your second nature? Then you surely know that dreadful feeling of an approaching deadline. Keeping on track might be tricky sometimes. In this case, improve your organizational skills, ask for help, and use the best of technology. Or skip your part-time shift for a day.
We hope the article was helpful to you. Good luck!
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