Writing a polished essay in 45–60 minutes under exam conditions is a fundamentally different skill from coursework writing. The key is preparation, discipline, and strategic selection.
1. Read the Question Twice
Spend the first 2 minutes reading the question carefully. Identify the command word (discuss, critically evaluate, advise), the topic area, and any specific focus the examiner has indicated. Misreading the question is the most costly mistake you can make.
2. Plan Before You Write (10 Minutes)
This feels counterintuitive when time is short, but a 10-minute plan will save you time overall. Jot down:
- Your thesis (one sentence)
- The 3–4 main points you will make
- The key cases and statutes for each point
- Any counter-arguments you will address
3. Prioritise Ruthlessly
You cannot cover everything. Choose the strongest 3–4 arguments and develop them properly rather than mentioning 8 points superficially. Examiners reward depth over breadth.
4. Write a Focused Introduction
Your introduction should be 2–3 sentences maximum: state your thesis and signpost the structure. Do not waste time on background context the examiner already knows.
5. Use IRAC for Each Paragraph
Under time pressure, the IRAC framework is your best friend. It forces you to stay structured and analytical rather than drifting into description. Each paragraph should make one clear point.
6. Manage Your Time
If you have 3 hours and 4 questions, that is 45 minutes per question. Stick to this rigidly. A half-finished excellent answer scores less than four complete good answers. Set a timer if allowed.
7. Leave 5 Minutes to Review
Use the final minutes to check for incomplete sentences, missing case names, and unclear arguments. Even small corrections can improve your mark.
Time Allocation Guide (45-Minute Essay)
| Phase | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2 min | Read question twice, identify key terms |
| Planning | 8 min | Outline thesis, points, authorities |
| Introduction | 3 min | Thesis statement and signposting |
| Body paragraphs | 25 min | 3–4 IRAC paragraphs |
| Conclusion | 3 min | Synthesise and answer the question |
| Review | 4 min | Check for errors and completeness |