1.

Separate the different parts of the process associated with the writing: research, inspiration, organizing ideas, writing, and editing. 2. Make a list (10-20 items). Simply jot down phrases, keywords, definitions, questions, images and whatever which relates to the topic (the main essay subject). And then gather in big themes the ideas that can be connected. 3. Build an essay structure (template): title, opening sentence, background, statement of scope, thesis statement (or the position statement), development of ideas (with at least three main points and secondary points), and conclusion (summary paragraph). All the supporting paragraphs of the main body must have a strong organization, namely: topic sentence, evidence, commentary, and concluding sentence. Essays have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same. 4. Work on the individual sections: write the main body first, then the introduction, the title and the conclusion. And expand these sections: use always concrete and clear examples to argue on your thesis. 5. Edit and wrap up the paragraphs. Observe the logical linkage between the paragraphs and use appropriate transitional phrases. Introductory words such as "In fact", "Equally import", "All things considered"... are an "additional plus" as they show a knowledge of the literary language. In a word, the essay must flow smoothly. 6. Check the cohesion or the sense of the development, verifying if the thesis statement is functioning as a unifying spark. 7. Revise for grammatical and writing flaws.

Timed Writing: Techniques for Success

When you think of essay writing, you probably see yourself sitting at the computer with time on your side. In reality, however, there are many situations in which the writer is on the clock. Everyone knows that an essay needs a clear thesis, supporting paragraphs with specific examples, and language that is exact and effective. What everyone doesn't know, though, is how to include all those elements when time is short. Read on to learn about the steps you can take to improve your writing when you face timed essays.

1. Reading and Understanding the Question

The most common, and worst, mistake that you can make when writing with a time limit is to misread the question. You may feel that you need to rush and get started, but once you get your assignment, take a deep breath and slow down. To craft an accurate response, you must know where to begin, as well as where you're going. An effective strategy is to underline, circle, or otherwise highlight the key words in the question. Here are explanations of the words and phrases you'll find in instructions for timed essays:

Agree or disagree: Take a position and stick with it throughout the entire essay. Don't change your mind or try to argue both sides. Challenge: This term is a synonym for disagree. Compare: Outline the similarities between the two sides. Contrast: Outline the differences between the two sides. Compare and contrast: The expectation is that you do both, not choose one. Debate: You can argue both sides of the topic. Ultimately, though, develop a specific position with one side coming out stronger. Define: Outline the topic's main points. Illustrate: Make a point and use specific examples to support it. Identify parallels: This phrase is a synonym for compare. Discuss or explain: These terms are vague. You may be expected to complete any of the tasks listed above. Look for other key words in the question to guide your response. Develop your point of view: This is what you'll be asked to do on the SAT essay. You may use any of the strategies listed above to support a thesis that takes a position on the topic.

2. Planning
Again, you may feel the urge to rush ahead and put pencil to paper. Yet if you do so without devising some sort of design, you are almost certain to lose focus and end up with a jumble of words that leads nowhere. Take another deep breath and invest two or three minutes in planning. Writers generally have their own personal strategies, but if you haven't found one that works for you, consider these techniques: Outlining: This format is helpful for people who like clear structure. Brainstorming: Put the topic or thesis in the center of the page and then write supporting examples that branch out from the main point. Listing: Similar to outlining but with a bit less structure, this method lets you get your ideas down easily. Weighing pros and cons or similarities and differences: When you're asked to debate or to compare and contrast two ideas, write a heading for each assertion, draw a line between the headings, and list the main points side by side.

3. Writing
Once you've read the question carefully and have spent a few minutes planning, you're ready to begin. You need to pace yourself because you'll have only a few minutes per paragraph. If you constantly find yourself rushing to finish, consider these tips. Introduction: A creative start draws readers in and makes them want to keep going. However, unless a great opening dawns on you immediately, skip it, leave space to go back later (if you have time), and move directly to your thesis. You can't get back the time you spend stressing out over your opening. Body: For each body paragraph, include a topic sentence that gives a specific example to prove your thesis statement and a body that elaborates upon or explains this example. Keep in mind that, unless the directions tell you otherwise, you don't have to come up with three examples. Supporting your thesis with one or two well-developed examples can work better than including three that are short or unfinished.

Conclusion: Try to come up with a conclusion that does more than restate your thesis and main points. However, unless your directions require one, a formal conclusion isn't always needed. Your time might be better spent editing and proofreading your essay.

4. Editing and Proofreading

Try to leave a few minutes to read through your entire essay. Look out for any glaring structural or content errors. Then, if time permits, check for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Lastly, if you have time, revisit your introduction to see if you can improve your opening. Remember, you can write a solid, effective essay in a short timeif you use those precious minutes wisely.

Index of Icebreakers, Games, and Activities

Phew just in time for the first few weeks of class! Our editors have handpicked more than 25 of our favorite icebreakers and group activities and have provided free instructions. These icebreakers are simply the best, and weve played them all personally. Try em out and let us know how they work out for you! Icebreakers by group size Small group Games for 2-5 people

Small Group Size

Icebreakers for Small Groups (2 to 5 people)

Candy Introductions (G) Fabulous Flags (G) Four Corners (G) Icebreaker Questions (G, T) Lost on a Deserted Island (G, T) More Good Icebreaker Questions (G, T) Never Have I Ever (G) React and Act Game (A) Photo Scavenger Hunt (A, T) String Game (G)

Trust Walk Teambuilding Activity (A, T) Two Truths and a Lie (G)

Medium group Games for 5-10 people

Medium Group Size

Icebreakers for medium sized groups (5 to 10 people)

Bigger and Better (A, T) Candy Introductions (G) Defend the Egg (T) Fear in a Hat (T) Fabulous Flags (G) Four Corners (G) Giants, Wizards, Elves (A) Icebreaker Questions (G, T) King Elephant (A, R) Lost on a Deserted Island (G, T) More Good Icebreaker Questions (G, T) Never Have I Ever (G) Personal Trivia Baseball (G) Photo Scavenger Hunt (A, T) React and Act Game (A) Sardines (A) Sorts and Mingle (G) String Game (G) Superlative Game (G) Telephone Charades (A) Trust Walk Teambuilding Activity (A, T) Two Truths and a Lie (G) Unique and Shared (G, T) Who Done It? (G)

Large group Games for 10-30 people

Large Group Size

Icebreakers for Large Groups (10 to 30 people)

Bigger and Better (A, T) Candy Introductions (G) Defend the Egg (T) Did You Know? Bingo (G) Fabulous Flags (G) Fear in a Hat (T) Giants, Wizards, Elves (A) Icebreaker Questions (G, T) King Elephant (A, R) Lost on a Deserted Island (G, T) More Good Icebreaker Questions (G, T) Never Have I Ever (G) Personal Trivia Baseball (G) Photo Scavenger Hunt (A, T) React and Act Game (A) Sardines (A) String Game (G) Superlative Game (G) Telephone Charades (A) Trust Walk Teambuilding Activity (A, T) Two Truths and a Lie (G) Unique and Shared (G, T) Who Done It? (G)

Extra Large group Games for 30 or more people

Extra Large Group Size

Icebreakers for Extra Large Groups (30 or more people)

Bigger and Better (A, T) Candy Introductions (G) Defend the Egg (T) Did You Know? Bingo (G) Fabulous Flags (G) Giants, Wizards, Elves (A) Icebreaker Questions (G, T) More Good Icebreaker Questions (G, T) Never Have I Ever (G) React and Act (A) Sorts and Mingle (G) Superlative Game (G)

Telephone Charades (A) Unique and Shared (G, T)

Icebreakers by category Active Action packed icebreakers that might cause you to break a sweat!

Active Games

Active Icebreakers

Bigger and Better Did You Know? Bingo Giants, Wizards, Elves King Elephant Photo Scavenger Hunt React and Act Game Sardines Telephone Charades Trust Walk Teambuilding Activity

Get-to-know-you Icebreakers that help people get to know each other.

Get-to-know-you / Introduction Games

Get-to-know-you / Introduction Icebreakers

Candy Introductions Did You Know? Bingo Fabulous Flags Four Corners Icebreaker Questions Icebreaker Questions 2 Lost on a Deserted Island Personal Trivia Baseball Never Have I Ever

Sorts and Mingle String Game Superlative Game Two Truths and a Lie Unique and Shared Who Done It?

Team building Activities to build teamwork and unity.

Team Building Activities

Team Building Icebreakers / Activities

Bigger and Better Defend the Egg Fear in a Hat Icebreaker Questions Lost on a Deserted Island Photo Scavenger Hunt Trust Walk Activity Unique and Shared