| A Sample Essay |
| Free Praxis Prep is a service of Multicultural Education Programs at the University of Southern Maine About Us Using this Material Contact Us Linking |
Writing an essay under the pressure of a time-limit can be
stressful. Sometimes the clock seems to tick away double-time
while I struggle to remember all the wonderful ideas that
popped into my mind when I first read the prompt. Too often as
I proof-read I notice that my essay is somewhat disorganized; a
point I'd intended as an example for one supporting statement
has somehow ended up as a weak paragraph, standing alone.
Worse, I've noticed that I sometimes fail to answer the essay
question completely in my hurry to write. For these reasons, I
believe it is better to plan an essay before starting to write.
To begin with, when I plan my essays they are better
organized. The plan keeps me on track; without it my ideas
seem to jump around on the page. This may because I'm
nervous because the test is important to me, so I want to
include all my ideas to make me look smart. However, writing
with a plan keeps me on track. I remember to include details
and am less likely to repeat myself.
Next, writing with a plan actually saves me time, and speed
is important in this kind of test. It might seem that it wouldn't
save time because planning can take at least five minutes, but
once the plan is made I don't have to stop and wonder what I
want to say next. The plan also keeps me from forgetting what
I'd intended to write about.
Finally, using a plan ensures that I answer the question
completely. The essay on PRAXIS I counts for about one-half
of the writing score. I really need those points! Planning helps
me get a better score because it makes me focus on the prompt
(did you know that the most perfect essay will receive a zero
score if it doesn't answer the question?). The last thing I need is
to get confused. That happened to me once; I once started an
essay in favor of an issue, but all my details were against it.
What a mess that was!
To conclude, I believe it is always best to plan an essay in
a timed situation. Your answer will be better organized, and
planning actually saves time. Most importantly, with a plan you
can make sure you answer the question completely.
stressful. Sometimes the clock seems to tick away double-time
while I struggle to remember all the wonderful ideas that
popped into my mind when I first read the prompt. Too often as
I proof-read I notice that my essay is somewhat disorganized; a
point I'd intended as an example for one supporting statement
has somehow ended up as a weak paragraph, standing alone.
Worse, I've noticed that I sometimes fail to answer the essay
question completely in my hurry to write. For these reasons, I
believe it is better to plan an essay before starting to write.
To begin with, when I plan my essays they are better
organized. The plan keeps me on track; without it my ideas
seem to jump around on the page. This may because I'm
nervous because the test is important to me, so I want to
include all my ideas to make me look smart. However, writing
with a plan keeps me on track. I remember to include details
and am less likely to repeat myself.
Next, writing with a plan actually saves me time, and speed
is important in this kind of test. It might seem that it wouldn't
save time because planning can take at least five minutes, but
once the plan is made I don't have to stop and wonder what I
want to say next. The plan also keeps me from forgetting what
I'd intended to write about.
Finally, using a plan ensures that I answer the question
completely. The essay on PRAXIS I counts for about one-half
of the writing score. I really need those points! Planning helps
me get a better score because it makes me focus on the prompt
(did you know that the most perfect essay will receive a zero
score if it doesn't answer the question?). The last thing I need is
to get confused. That happened to me once; I once started an
essay in favor of an issue, but all my details were against it.
What a mess that was!
To conclude, I believe it is always best to plan an essay in
a timed situation. Your answer will be better organized, and
planning actually saves time. Most importantly, with a plan you
can make sure you answer the question completely.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |