Writer’s block never comes when it’s convenient! When you’re taking the selective entry exam, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike. You’re under pressure to write quickly and accurately, and it’s easy to get stuck and struggle to produce quality work. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of writer’s block in exam conditions and provide strategies for overcoming it.
What causes writer’s block?
There are several reasons why students may experience writer’s block during exams. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Pressure: Exams are high-pressure situations, and the stress can make it difficult to focus and think clearly.
- Lack of preparation: If you haven’t prepared adequately for the exam, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to write.
- Perfectionism: Some students are perfectionists, and they may feel that their writing isn’t good enough, leading to self-doubt and writer’s block.
Remember, all writers experience writer’s block. You aren’t alone, and it can be overcome!
Strategies for overcoming writer’s block
To overcome writer’s block in exam conditions, there are several strategies that you can try. Here are some of the most effective ones:
- Plan your response: Before you start writing, take a few minutes to plan your response. Jot down a few key points or ideas that you want to include in your answer. This will help you stay focused and organised as you write.
- Break it down: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, break down the task into smaller, more manageable parts. Focus on writing one sentence or paragraph at a time, rather than trying to write a complete answer all at once. For persuasive essays, use the TEEL structure.
- Don’t aim for perfection: Remember that you don’t have to write a perfect answer. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper. If you have time, you can come back and make small edits later.
- Practice: Practice writing under timed conditions before the exam. This will help you get used to the pressure and develop strategies for overcoming writer’s block. Improve your vocabulary and spelling to make it second nature under exam conditions!
And taking a few deep breaths to stop your mind from running when seeing the prompt is always a good idea!
Idea generation
Now how to actually come up with ideas. The best way is to brainstorm! Make connections to situations you have been in, to areas you have been in, to the scenery you have seen. These can be good ideas for a problem, or the setting and always make sure to use a range of vocabulary in your writing pieces! If you’ve been following our advice to read widely, draw ideas from things you’ve read that resonate with the prompt!
Writer’s block can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially during high-stakes exams like Victorian selective entry, SEAL, and scholarship exams. By understanding the causes and using effective strategies to overcome it, you can improve your writing and increase your chances of success in these exams. Remember to plan your response, break down the task, don’t aim for perfection, take breaks, and practice writing under timed conditions. With these strategies, you’ll be able to overcome writer’s block and produce quality work even in the most challenging exam conditions. We share more tips and tricks with parents in our discussion group – have you joined yet?
