Not finishing on time

[Stick]

This Friday I have an English SAC where I have to write a comparative analysis of three texts (of which one will be visual) in 90 minutes. I've done two practice essays and in both cases I've gone overtime (by about 15 minutes) and I'm getting really worried that I won't finish in time in the real SAC. I think the issue lies in the fact that I'm spending far too much time analyzing the main text piece. I really need some advice that I could use to make sure I can complete this task properly and efficiently.

[alondouek]

The trick to writing quickly in an exam isn't something you can really artificially manufacture, it's just down to adrenaline and manageable levels of anxiety.

However, continuing to practice between now and then is the best course of action.

Also, you may be panicking somewhat when you begin your analysis - I know that this was something that I needed to work through to be able to focus on the texts and write efficiently. Just take a deep breath, focus your thoughts, and approach the task in a logical, sequential manner. Don't let your attention wander around the paper, especially if one of the texts is a visual.

Last of all, you'll be fine!

[Stick]

Also, since this is a comparison SAC, you should spend (roughly) equal amount of words (not exactly time since some pieces are harder to analyse than others) and this should give you a good judgement of when you should stop and proceed to the next article. This only works if you're analysing piece by piece, which I assume is what most do.

tl;dr: Practice.

This is conflicting with what the English department at my school has taught me. One of the articles is really long (around 3 pages long) and we've been told that half of the analysis should focus on this text. The other article is only a paragraph long and the third text is a visual - we've been told less writing is required to properly analyse these texts.

[brenden]

Stick, do you write faster in the first ten minutes or the last ten minutes?

[Stick]

The same speed, to be honest.

[brenden]

The same speed, to be honest.

There goes my advice! 

[alondouek]

The same speed, to be honest.

Is this during practice, or under pressure? Because if it's the latter, you're almost certainly writing faster in the last 10 minutes.

[Stick]

I don't think it's necessarily how quickly I'm writing. I think I'm biting off more than I can chew and writing too much for the main text.

[brenden]

In that case, write less.

[alondouek]

Well in that case, this calls for more practice! Try to vary your writing styles a bit, find something that's comfortable for you.

I don't know how your teacher wants you to approach the task structurally, but maybe dedicate one paragraph per text (remembering to treat the visual as a visual), then another couple discussing how the texts and their contentions interact?

[Stick]

I guess it just feels weird only writing two shortish paragraphs for a text that's three pages long. My teachers have repeatedly told me though to only flesh out what's really important since the focus of the analysis is really to compare and contrast the three texts. I will try to be more disciplined.

[Stick]

Just wanted to say that I had this SAC today and finished comfortably within the time limits. It's weird, because I didn't finish a single trial paper in time. Honestly, I feel as if the essay I wrote today was the best one I'd written so far, so I'm really glad with my performance. A special thank you to everyone who took the time to help me with my English skills.

[abcdqdxD]

Stick, do you write faster in the first ten minutes or the last ten minutes?

What happens if you write faster in the last 10?

[brenden]

What happens if you write faster in the last 10?

Rush sooner.

[Stick]

By the way, I still wrote at the same pace in both the first 10 and last 10 minutes in the SAC. Sorry, Brenden.