I struggle to write english essays in class.

I don't know why but when it comes to writing english essays during lessons I really struggle to overcome the mental hurdle. I've talked to my teachers about it and they said it's probably because I'm a bit of a perfectionist regarding my essays - however, it doesn't exactly help me overcome it.
In a formal test with time pressure I'm more or less okay, getting good marks in them, but i always feel my writing to be "stuffy" and "unclear" in the moment. I heard making a plan helps, but even though I have the ideas, whilst writing them that mental hurdle comes up, and I can't find exactly how to say what I want.

Could anybody help me please?

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 1

121254Gnrdocarmo

10

Don't worry, it happens to me too sometimes. I'm an international student, and to overcome that, I started writing for fun, either in my native language, English, French, German and Spanish. I really enjoyed immersing myself in creative writing, I find it really useful. Honestly, I prefer writing to speaking, as I'm a bit shy and struggle to speak up in presentations. Try to practice before the exams, stay calm and confident. I know it's hard, but it really makes a difference.

Good luck :smile:

Reply 2

MidnightPearl

OP

8

Original post by 121254Gnrdocarmo

Don't worry, it happens to me too sometimes. I'm an international student, and to overcome that, I started writing for fun, either in my native language, English, French, German and Spanish. I really enjoyed immersing myself in creative writing, I find it really useful. Honestly, I prefer writing to speaking, as I'm a bit shy and struggle to speak up in presentations. Try to practice before the exams, stay calm and confident. I know it's hard, but it really makes a difference.

Good luck :smile:

Thank you so much for your reply - I really appreciate it :smile:

I used to do some creative writing too but I stopped recently, I'll try and get back to it.
I find it really impressive you can write in all those languages, once again, big thanks for the advice and encouragement ^^

Hi!
Don't worry, the mental hurdle can be tricky to overcome with essays, but you got this! Here's my advice:
1) Replicate the conditions as much as possible. If you do a past paper under timed conditions, then another, then another, you'll get your brain used to it. If you can arrange with your teacher to do it in an empty classroom too then even better!
2) Go into it with all the positive energy! Tell yourself that you can, it is do-able. Having a positive mantra can help massively with feeling confident about exams.
3) Learn a structure so that you go in knowing how you're going to start. I know you already mentioned it, so find one that works for you! Here's an example of one that worked for me!

'In Act , Scene , of 'Play title', the playwright uses and to show .' Here's it in action so you can see what it looks like when you have an extract. 'In Act One, Scene 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses Shelia as a mouthpiece for Socialism when she questions Mr Birling. She says, 'But they aren't cheap labour, they're people!', bringing attention to Eva Smith's death being caused by societal structures under Capitalism that didn't value her life.'

I struggle to write english essays in class.

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