How to Write an Essay Fast in 20 Steps

Not everyone has the hours to sit around editing the perfect essay. The deadlines sneak up on us quicker than we think, or maybe we simply want to get things done without too much overthinking. Either way, quick writing doesn't necessarily mean poor writing. Let's start with the five most important steps of creating an essay quickly:

• Read the prompt carefully
• Sketch a rough outline
• Set mini deadlines
• Write first, fix later
• Wrap it up with a final check

This guide will show you how to write an essay fast. And if no writing tips can help you get through all those assignments sitting on your desk, EssayService's professional paper writing service can help you with essays of all kinds.

Get Your Head in the Game

Take a few moments to clear your head before you open a blank doc. If you're thinking about ten other things, it will probably feel impossible to even get started on creating essays. It's completely doable to write an essay in record time, but only if you're dedicated to getting it done.

Block Digital Distractions

Yes, that means your phone as well. Your brain can’t switch between writing and scrolling. Even a seemingly harmless TikTok scroll can get you out of that right mindset. So, shut down phone and social networks along with everything that doesn't help with writing. It's okay to disconnect for a while as long as you actually get this thing done.

Type, Don’t Handwrite

Always type your essay unless your professor requests otherwise. First of all, you'll move a lot faster. It's also easier to make changes as you go. You'll be able to fix formatting without starting over each time. Handwriting does nothing but add unnecessary steps when you're short on time.

Understand What the Task Asks Of You

Read the essay question carefully and make sure you fully understand what's being required of you. Rushing past the prompt is how you end up answering the wrong questions. If you don’t know what kind of answer you’re supposed to give, you’ll waste a ton of time figuring it out halfway through.

Have Everything You Need Right in Front of You

Don’t start writing until you’ve gathered all your materials. Open all the browser tabs you think you're going to need and keep the textbooks and notes close as well. Keep everything in one place so you can stay in the zone as long as you can.

Put Your Main Point in One Sentence

Think about what the point you're trying to make is. Then, sum up that main argument in a single clear sentence. This is just a working idea to which you can connect your thoughts. You can write a full thesis statement a bit later.

Drop Notes Directly Into Your Draft

Just throw ideas right into your documents as they come to you. Get the thoughts down at first without polishing them. You'll save a ton of time when all your ideas are gathered in one place.

Turn Notes Into Paragraphs

Once you’ve got a chunk of main ideas on the page, start turning them into full sentences. Build your paragraphs around the points you've already written. Keep it simple. Don’t worry if it’s rough. You’ll tighten it up later.

Write the Intro and Conclusion Last

A lot of people get stuck trying to write a strong introduction. Don’t waste time on it. Write the essay's main body first. Writing a compelling introduction and a strong conclusion will get way easier once you know what your essay says.

Add Your Sources While You’re Writing

It's just frustrating to try to remember where you found a quote at the end. Add your references as you go so you don’t lose track of anything. Make notes of everything you'll need. You can clean it up during your final check.

Keep an Eye Out for Mistakes

Fix typos and grammar slips the second you spot them. Don't wait until the last sentence to start looking for errors. It'll save you a lot of time during the final read-through. You're already staring at the sentence and know what needs to be fixed, so you might as well clean it up while you're there.

Don’t Copy and Paste Just to Save Time

It’s tempting when you're in a hurry, but copying straight from sources can easily break your flow. It's harder to reword something awkward than it is to just write your own sentence from the start. Not to mention the risk to your academic integrity. Jot down the idea in your own words, then cite it properly. That way, you stay original and safe.

Use Quotes Sparingly

It's easy when you're in a rush to fall into the trap of letting quotes do the talking. In principle, there's nothing wrong with borrowing words from people who have said it better, but your teacher wants to hear your voice.

Keep It Straight to the Point

Stick to short and clear sentences instead of wasting valuable time trying to sound fancy. You're already on a tight deadline, so make your points and back them up, then move on. Long-winded writing takes longer to fix and is harder to read.

Switch Up Your Writing Environment

Your brain can start dragging at some point. When it does, your best bet is to change the scenery. Move to a different room or get up and sit outside for a bit. Even facing a new direction can help you clean that fog and get back in the zone.

Pause (But Only If You Really Need To)

You just hit a wall sometimes. Step away for a few minutes if that happens. Do whatever clears your head: walking around, getting a snack, stretching... Don't use breaks to avoid work, though. Pause only if you genuinely need to reset.

Don’t Waste Time on Tricks

Your brain always reaches for easy tricks sometimes. What could go wrong if you slightly change the font or mess with the spacing to meet the final page count? You could also think that rephrasing the same sentence three times is no big deal. But what feels like progress is anything but that. All these shortcuts do is add more cleanup later. The fastest way through is to stay honest with your work.

Quick Google Searches Are Totally Fine

There’s nothing wrong with pulling up a fast fact or checking a source online. Just make sure you’re using reliable sites and writing everything in your own words. Google can help you move faster when used smartly. Just make sure you don't fall into the rabbit hole.

Eat and Drink Something While You Work

Your brain needs fuel. No way around it. Everything will feel harder if you haven't had a bite or a drink for hours. Keep a nutritious snack nearby and don't forget to drink a glass of water every once in a while so you don't suddenly crash.

Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

Set mini deadlines for yourself and celebrate once you get them done. Doesn't necessarily have to be a big thing, just something you can feel good about. A snack, a walk, a TV break... finishing fast doesn't mean it wasn't hard, and you deserve to give yourself some credit.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Once again, here's what really helps when you need to create a great essay when you're racing the clock:

• Know what you’re writing about
• Cut out distractions
• Create an outline so you’re not guessing what comes next
• Focus on the body first, then the intro and conclusion
• Fix the mess after you’ve finished writing

Whenever essay writing starts to feel like too much, EssayService is always in your corner. Our professionals are always ready to write an essay from scratch and save you from looming deadlines!