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me, Mr. Maven. It's timed. Why would I waste time making an outline?"

He shook his head, looked down, and sighed, "Because my boy, that five minutes you take preparing an outline will save you 10 times the minutes in writing. The outline allows you to create your essay in your mind before it's created on your paper. That's another trait of the great ones. They always see the creation before it's been created."

"Thanks, Mr. Maven. I'm starting to feel more comfortable now that I know how to plan my timed essay: I simply determine the type of essay to write, do some brainstorming, make an outline, and write until the time is up." I stood up and coolly started for the door. Mr. Maven shouted. I turned, startled, "What's wrong Mr. Maven?"

"You don't write til the end of the time! You must leave time for proofreading and editing!"

"But it's timed, Mr. Maven!" I continued as he shook his head in disgust, "I can write a lot during the five minutes that some people waste on proofreading and editing. The test graders want long essays, right?" I was beginning to lose confidence in my declaration as a tear began to form in Mr. Maven's eye.

"Son, let me ask you a simple question. Do you think a 1000 word essay riddled with spelling and grammar errors is better to turn in than an 800 word essay written correctly and clearly?" Maven folded his arms as I realized the full stupidity of my comment.

"OK," I said, "so I take 5-10 minutes brainstorming and outlining; I then write the essay and leave 5-10 minutes for proofreading and editing?" Mr. Maven looked pleased, so I continued, "Is there anything else I need to do to feel comfortable writing timed essays?"

"Well, actually knowing how to write comes in handy, and that can only come through practice," Maven smiled and wrapped up our discussion, "That's another characteristic of the great ones, practice and preparation. So I would recommend you come to class, listen to your writing teachers, and practice writing timed essays. When you practice, write with a purpose and focus on a specific aspect of writing you need to improve."

I shook Mr. Maven's hand and thanked him. From that point forward I felt completely comfortable writing timed essays.

Learn more about this author, Trent Lorcher.
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