#10. Timing Drills & Editing Routines

Use a clear rhythm so you never run out of time. Keep your plan simple, write in focused bursts, and always save a few minutes to edit.

A simple rhythm that fits both tasks

Target per task: plan 4–5 min → write 18–20 min → edit 2–3 min
Word range: about 150–200 words. Use the on-screen counter.

Task 1 (27 minutes) — Minute-by-minute

0:00–1:00 — Decode the prompt
Mark the “do the following” bullets; note reader and purpose.

1:00–2:00 — Tone check
Semi-formal; polite and clear.

2:00–4:00 — Reasons + quick examples
Pick 2 strong reasons; add one short example to each.

4:00–5:00 — Paragraph map (6 parts)
Greeting · purpose · reason A · reason B · next steps · sign-off.

5:00–23:00 — Write
Follow the map. Keep one idea per paragraph.

23:00–25:00 — Trim or pad
Merge repeats; add one concrete detail if short.

25:00–27:00 — Micro-edit
Run the 60-second checks below.

Task 2 (26 minutes) — Minute-by-minute

0:00–1:00 — Choose a side
Write your choice in the first line.

1:00–3:00 — Reasons + quick examples
Two different angles; one short example each.

3:00–4:00 — Paragraph map (4 parts)
Opening choice · reason A · reason B · one-line wrap-up.

4:00–22:00 — Write
Stay direct and respectful; no greeting/sign-off.

22:00–24:00 — Trim or pad
Cut filler (very, really); add one result if short.

24:00–26:00 — Micro-edit
Run the 60-second checks below.

60-second checks (fast and strict)

Bullets covered?
Point to the line where you answered each bullet (Task 1) or where you supported your choice (Task 2).

Paragraphs clear?
2–4 sentences each; one idea per paragraph.

Obvious errors?
Missing periods, double spaces, extra commas, name/spelling errors.

Tone right?
Email: polite request + next steps. Survey: clear, concise, persuasive.

Word count near 150–200?
If short, add one detail (time/place/number). If long, cut repeats.

Micro-edit menu (pick 3 quick fixes)

• Replace one vague word (thing, good, bad) with a precise term.
• Add one natural connector where the jump feels rough (because, so, for example).
• Fix one comma splice with a period or so/because.
• Correct two a/an/the mistakes.
• Swap one passive line for a shorter active line.
• Standardize spelling (centre/center; colour/color).

Emergency timing (if you’re behind)

3-minute reset

• Write the opening line (purpose or choice).
• Add two short body lines (reason A with example; reason B with example).
• Add a closing line (request + next steps, or one-line wrap-up).
  This gives you a complete answer within the word range.

Practice drills

Drill A — 7 minutes (Task 1)

• 2 min: mark bullets + make a 6-part map
• 3 min: draft purpose + reason A + reason B (one example each)
• 2 min: micro-edit (bullets, periods, tone)

Drill B — 7 minutes (Task 2)

• 2 min: choice + two reasons
• 3 min: write opening + reason A + reason B
• 2 min: micro-edit (count, commas, repeated words)

Drill C — 5 minutes (both tasks)

• Read your draft once, only to delete repeats and fix endings.

Quick checklists

Timing

• Plan 4–5 min
• Write 18–20 min
• Edit 2–3 min

Content

• Every bullet (Task 1) or strong support for choice (Task 2)
• One concrete example per reason

Clean-up

• Periods present; no comma splices
• Articles correct (a/an/the) on key nouns
• Word counter near 150–200