The Essay
Twenty minutes, 200–300 words, a clear position.
18 minutes · A free lesson from Writing
You have 20 minutes to write an essay of 200–300 words on a topic of general academic interest. It scores writing, on content, form (length), development and structure, grammar, vocabulary range and spelling.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: How long must the essay be?
- 200 to 300 words
- 150 to 250 words
- At least 400 words
Show the answer
A: 200 to 300 words — Under 200 or over 300 words loses marks for form.
Quick check: How should you use the 20 minutes?
- Write for 20, with no plan
- Plan for 3, write for 14, check for 3
- Plan for 15, write for 5
Show the answer
B: Plan for 3, write for 14, check for 3 — Leave time to read it once, slowly, for spelling and agreement.
Quick check: Is there a spell-check?
- Yes, it fixes mistakes automatically
- Only for long words
- No: leave time to check your spelling
Show the answer
C: No: leave time to check your spelling — Spelling is marked separately.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now