#3. Fast Planning for Tasks

A quick plan saves time and keeps you on task. Use this short routine before you start typing.

Step 1) Decode the prompt (≈60–90 sec)

• Task type: Email or Survey?
• Reader & role: Who reads it? Who are you?
• Purpose: What do they want? (inform, request, recommend, complain)
• Must-cover bullets: Mark each one so you don’t miss any.

Step 2) Audience & tone (≈30–45 sec)

• Email: polite, professional, neutral. Greet, state your purpose, ask for next steps.
• Survey: choose your side in the first line; keep a clear, respectful tone.

Step 3) Choose 2–3 reasons + quick examples (≈2–3 min)

• Pick 2–3 different reasons that fit the reader and task.
• Add one short example for each reason (a fact, a small story, or a simple result).
• Keep language simple and precise.

Step 4) Make a 4-part paragraph map (≈60 sec)

Task 1 — Email (150–200 words | ~27 min)

1. Opening (2–3 lines): reason for writing + short context
2. Reason A (+ example): show impact or benefit
3. Reason B (+ example): add a new point
4. Close: request/next steps + polite ending

Task 2 — Survey (150–200 words | ~26 min)

1. Opening: choose one option and say why in one line
2. Reason A (+ example): short and concrete
3. Reason B (+ example): different angle than A
4. Close: one-line summary or practical result

Step 5) Time box your work

• Plan: 4–5 min (steps 1–4)
• Write: 18–20 min
• Check: 2–3 min (bullets covered? tone right? typos?)
  Watch the word counter and stay near 150–200 words.

Micro-checklist (copy before you start typing)

• I know the reader, role, and purpose
• I marked all must-cover bullets
• I have 2–3 reasons + a tiny example for each
• I drew a 4-part map that fits Email or Survey
• I will stay near 150–200 words and save 3 min to check

Mini drill (4 minutes total)

• 1 min: mark bullets + note the reader/role
• 2 min: list 3 reasons; keep 2 best; add a 7–10-word example to each
• 1 min: sketch your 4 lines (opening, A, B, close) and start writing