This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- A level Maths or Sociology for non fluent English student?
- Why do some essay A Levels have questions that score more marks (max) than others?
- A levels
- Is it normal for exams to not be in a history course?
- how to do A Level remotely while working full time?
- Least painful A-Level Choice for me?
- Any advice/tips for media studies?
- Aqa sociology A level
- history or english lit a level
- exam season in uni?
- Geography or Environmental science A levels?
- A-level Philosophy Study Group 2023-2024
- A-level Film Studies Study Group 2023-2024
- chemistry or economics a level
- Anyone do any of these a levels lmk
- currently in starting year 11
- Who else thinks that putting media studies and English on the same day is acc FOUL
- A level Aqa Psych or OCR Law
- are my S5 higher choices good?
- Higher history, rmps and modern studies (help please)
Essay subject exams.
In essay subjects, for example English, how much would you expect yourself to write in 1 and a half hours in terms of A4 sides? I know someone who told me they could write 16 sides in that amount of time, and I was: 
...!
Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
...!Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
pianist
In essay subjects, for example English, how much would you expect yourself to write in 1 and a half hours in terms of A4 sides? I know someone who told me they could write 16 sides in that amount of time, and I was: ...!
Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
...!Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
its QUALITY not QUANTITY.
i wrote 3 sides for one question in english as , and i got an A 81/90 . I had spent alot of time planning.
try to keep it neat - if you write alot, very fast and scruffy, they might not read it as it is illegible. also if theres a point you want to come back to, leave a few lines/half a page then start the next point. come back to it at the end. its better than the asterisks and margins
i always include my plan so they can see the synopsis of my essay at the start. in theory i could write 18+ pages as im a fast writer BUT chances are the more you write, the less structure and relavancy there is
Cant talk about english but for history...
+ in an hour an a quarter i write about 8/9 sides (hopefully for an A).
+ i feel i'm middle/fast writer, i think that whilst quality is important the more points you can get down the more marks
, however there is definitely a useful limit. 16 pages will def contain some waffle!
+ don't write in the margins, the examiner can refuse to mark that.
+ my hist teacher says that you should star things and write them at the end if you miss them out but try not to do it too much - a boy year did it loads and though it was good stuff the marker complained it looked messy and showed little planning.
+ for hist your supposed to plan things in an exam - we have 15 mins planning time and an hours writing. we just plan in the space above the answer, but it depends on your answer book - for hist the examiners like to see a plan - if you run out of time they can see were your essay was going and credit you for it.
+ in an hour an a quarter i write about 8/9 sides (hopefully for an A).
+ i feel i'm middle/fast writer, i think that whilst quality is important the more points you can get down the more marks
, however there is definitely a useful limit. 16 pages will def contain some waffle!+ don't write in the margins, the examiner can refuse to mark that.
+ my hist teacher says that you should star things and write them at the end if you miss them out but try not to do it too much - a boy year did it loads and though it was good stuff the marker complained it looked messy and showed little planning.
+ for hist your supposed to plan things in an exam - we have 15 mins planning time and an hours writing. we just plan in the space above the answer, but it depends on your answer book - for hist the examiners like to see a plan - if you run out of time they can see were your essay was going and credit you for it.
For me it varies how much I can write, depends how hard I have to think about it. If i miss something out I generally put an asterisk there because it's usually reasonably long what I want to add in - OK, it might not be the best presentation wise, but at least I'm getting as much as possible down. I always plan my answers, but don't always stick to them (if something better comes to me while I'm writing, I'll put it in) And I always finish my answers, even if it means missing stuff out, because I feel so much better if I actually finish them. (similarly, I never miss a question on an exam, even if I have no idea of the answer, I guess)
pianist
In essay subjects, for example English, how much would you expect yourself to write in 1 and a half hours in terms of A4 sides? I know someone who told me they could write 16 sides in that amount of time, and I was: ...!
Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
...!Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
I wouldn't worry too much. If you answer the question properly then that's main thing. Of course you should make sure the grammar and spelling are correct but other than that the marks are in whether you answer the question. I never did write so much as other people and I got all A's at A Level.. plus in the exam you'll often find you can write a little more than usual anyway.
As to writing in margins, I'm not sure exactly what they think but I used to always think of stuff later on in the essay and use an asterix then write it at the end and that must have been pretty annoying, but I feel it's more important to have a complete essay without bits missing, than to have one that is perfectly presented on the page. I've had 100% marks on exams where I did that; it doesn't seem to be too big an issue.
I believe you have to give in the plan bc I don't think they like you taking stuff out of the exam, but don't worry, they can't penalise you for having a messy plan!
Edit: Just noticed someone said they can refuse to mark stuff in the margin, so obviously that's a bad idea, but you can always find a space for it elsewhere if you miss something out.
I hardly ever plan.. it just comes to me as i'm writing.
pianist
In essay subjects, for example English, how much would you expect yourself to write in 1 and a half hours in terms of A4 sides? I know someone who told me they could write 16 sides in that amount of time, and I was: ...!
Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
...!Anyway, anyone feel like they're a fast/ slow writer, and that this is very beneficial/ disadvantageous to their grade, especially in essay subjects?
I know it's quality rather than quantity that matters, but I can't help feeling that the more I write, the more likely I'll get an A, but I don't want to waffle about things either.
Also, what do you think about writing in margins, do you think that might put the examiner off or give a bad impression etc.? How do you fit in things that you've missed out in a paragraph and there is no where else to write? Do you put an asterisk in the place where you want to add something, and then write more after you've finished the exam?
Do you ever plan your essays in the exams? Do you end up having enough time to actually finish writing your essay? Oh, and do you have to give in your essay plan at the end of the exam, or can you just throw that away if it's really messy etc.?
Lol, I can write 16 sides in that amount of time too; that's what I did for GCSE English Literature and came out with an A*.
In exams because of all the pressure, nerves and tension, I'm a fast writer. For me this doesn't affect my spellings or quality. One of the reasons that it doesn't affect my quality is that all my thought processes are speeded up and even as I write fast to be with this, I know what I'll be writing in the next few sentences ahead. I know what you mean about waffling but honestly you are so pushed for time and wanting to do well that there's absolutely no room or time for waffling at all. Practising in exam conditions before the real exams come round will brush up on your technique thus you will know from experience that there's no space/time whatsoever for waffling so you should be fine. You just have to push yourself in the practise similar to what you would do in the real exam for this to be more effective.I wouldn't write in the margins as anything in them is likely to be chopped off as most papers are electronically scanned into a computer then sent off. Yes, stars, numbers and symbols are all good then referring and writing what extra bits you need inserting on spare pieces/booklets of paper that are handed out in the exam. One thing I do too is fit 2 or 3 lines of writing into one of the line spaces.
I do some plans but they don't take that long to do. I also end up finishing my essays though if I'm pushed for time some things will be more concise and rushed than I had originally hoped. You don't have to give your essay plan in if you don't want to or you feel that it's rubbish, but you can get marks for it especially if you didn't finish your essay from what's in your plan. Though obviously you wont get as may marks as if you had actually written it in your essay.I hope that helped.
Hope all your exams go well, Elements xXx
I plan everything before I start writing, and generally end up thinking of more things as I go along. I do 1 side every 15 mins, can keep it up for 2 hours. I did less than that in my English mocks and got 92% in Language, lost all the marks on just 1 question which (proportionally) I wrote most on.
I don't really know how much I can write in an hour and a half, but probably no more than about 4 sides of A4. I've certainly never written anything like 16 sides, although my best friend did for GCSE RS! I'd say I was a pretty fast writer, especially in exams when I don't worry about making it super neat, but I suppose it's because, according to my teachers, I have a very succinct writing style, ie I don't waffle. It's definitely quality over quantity. In all my essay style exams last year, I probably got about halfway through the 8 page answer booklet and the only one I did badly on was history where I got a D, and that's my worst subject anyway. I got As in sociology and Bs in English lit. Obviously the more points you make, the more marks you're likely to pick up, but don't worry about making your answer really long or chances are you'll a) be waffling and b) run out of time.
Don't write in the margins! It's written all over the exam paper that you shouldn't because, as someone else said, some papers are now electronically scanned and the margins are cut off. Personally I put an asterisk next to where I want to make the point and write it at the end.
Unless I'm really confident that I know what I'm going to write about, I make a brief 5 minute plan outlining the points I want to include, just so I know where I'm going with the essay. I've never run out of time in an A-level exam. You can't rip pages out of the answer booklet and any extra paper you use has to be handed in, but that could actually be a good thing because if you don't have time to finish, the examiner will look at your plan and might give you credit for the extra points you would have made if you'd had time.
I'd say I was a pretty fast writer, especially in exams when I don't worry about making it super neat, but I suppose it's because, according to my teachers, I have a very succinct writing style, ie I don't waffle. It's definitely quality over quantity. In all my essay style exams last year, I probably got about halfway through the 8 page answer booklet and the only one I did badly on was history where I got a D, and that's my worst subject anyway. I got As in sociology and Bs in English lit. Obviously the more points you make, the more marks you're likely to pick up, but don't worry about making your answer really long or chances are you'll a) be waffling and b) run out of time.Don't write in the margins! It's written all over the exam paper that you shouldn't because, as someone else said, some papers are now electronically scanned and the margins are cut off. Personally I put an asterisk next to where I want to make the point and write it at the end.
Unless I'm really confident that I know what I'm going to write about, I make a brief 5 minute plan outlining the points I want to include, just so I know where I'm going with the essay. I've never run out of time in an A-level exam. You can't rip pages out of the answer booklet and any extra paper you use has to be handed in, but that could actually be a good thing because if you don't have time to finish, the examiner will look at your plan and might give you credit for the extra points you would have made if you'd had time.
I am definatly a very very slow writer. I actually was taught to hold my pen differently from everyone else, hence if i write too fast my hand strains so much.
However i have tiny, overly neat printed handwriting so can write about 4sides (max) in 1h15 however in our history gcse last year, i finished the 8page booklet in about that time, but that was with rushed panicky larger writing.
Definatly quality over quantity. I have a friend who proudly shows me her reams of pages shes done for a history essay and then gets pissed off when i get better marks than her in 2 sides. People really shouldnt be so proud and showy offy about writing LOADS, 9 times out of 10, there chatting *****.
However i have tiny, overly neat printed handwriting so can write about 4sides (max) in 1h15 however in our history gcse last year, i finished the 8page booklet in about that time, but that was with rushed panicky larger writing.
Definatly quality over quantity. I have a friend who proudly shows me her reams of pages shes done for a history essay and then gets pissed off when i get better marks than her in 2 sides. People really shouldnt be so proud and showy offy about writing LOADS, 9 times out of 10, there chatting *****.
I'm a really slow writer and unfortunately I take essay based subjects, which isn't fun. I always finish, or at least manage to round of my answer in time but I don't write much in comparison to other people. That said, I don't think it has ever gone against me though, I've always gained the highest grade possible in English, so I must be doing something right! I don't think I'd actually write anything more than about 3 pages in 90 minutes as I spend far too long waving my pen around to think. I can't spell either so I have no idea how I manage to be good at English!
Don't compare yourself to other people, what they write has no relevance to your grade so focus on yourself. If you think you've done ok then you probably have, and the person who said they wrote 16 pages probably has writing the size of houses anyway...
Don't compare yourself to other people, what they write has no relevance to your grade so focus on yourself. If you think you've done ok then you probably have, and the person who said they wrote 16 pages probably has writing the size of houses anyway...
i write ridiculous amounts in essays - my brain just works too fast. For AS English lit, i managed about 8 sides for the hour long exam on the modern novel, and got full marks... then i managed about 12 sides for the 2 hour paper in summer. Again, full marks.
I know people say quality not quantity, but i think i had both,
I know people say quality not quantity, but i think i had both,
I'm rubbish at essay exams: mainly because of technique, but also probably due to my inconsistency in how much I write. Sometimes I might reel off 4 pages in an hour, sometimes 8 but never more than that, and most of what I do write is probably waffle anyway. Out of all my modules (excluding General Studies) I only achieved full UMS on one paper and most of my marks were quite shoddy for someone who's supposedly Oxbridge material (I'm still not convinced I am really).
I can't tell. I'm not sure if I believe the person who says they can write 16 pages in an hour... 12 maybe.
I can't tell. I'm not sure if I believe the person who says they can write 16 pages in an hour... 12 maybe.
Suzi
i write ridiculous amounts in essays - my brain just works too fast. For AS English lit, i managed about 8 sides for the hour long exam on the modern novel, and got full marks... then i managed about 12 sides for the 2 hour paper in summer. Again, full marks.
I know people say quality not quantity, but i think i had both,
I know people say quality not quantity, but i think i had both,
Lovely to see your modesty.
Related discussions
- A level Maths or Sociology for non fluent English student?
- Why do some essay A Levels have questions that score more marks (max) than others?
- A levels
- Is it normal for exams to not be in a history course?
- how to do A Level remotely while working full time?
- Least painful A-Level Choice for me?
- Any advice/tips for media studies?
- Aqa sociology A level
- history or english lit a level
- exam season in uni?
- Geography or Environmental science A levels?
- A-level Philosophy Study Group 2023-2024
- A-level Film Studies Study Group 2023-2024
- chemistry or economics a level
- Anyone do any of these a levels lmk
- currently in starting year 11
- Who else thinks that putting media studies and English on the same day is acc FOUL
- A level Aqa Psych or OCR Law
- are my S5 higher choices good?
- Higher history, rmps and modern studies (help please)
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 month ago
A level+ 2024 Results Day Countdown - Hub is open! #FindYourFutureA-levels
191
792
