How do I avoid running out of time in long questions?

Running out of time in long questions is common for Economics students. The exam papers are designed to test your ability to explain ideas clearly and work efficiently. Many students spend too long on one paragraph or start writing without a plan. The solution is to use a simple and structured approach that helps you control your pace.

Time management in essays is not about writing quickly. It is about writing clearly and knowing exactly what to include. When you understand how paragraphs should be structured, your writing becomes faster and more focused.

 

 

Key points

Use a short plan - Spend thirty seconds outlining your main points. This stops you from going off track.

Follow a clear paragraph structure - Use point, explanation, application and evaluation. This keeps your writing organised.

Keep paragraphs short - Long paragraphs slow you down. Short ones are clearer and faster to write.

Add evaluation straight away - Evaluate after each paragraph so you do not need to add it later.

Use simple language - Complicated sentences take longer to write and can confuse your reasoning.

Practise with time limits - Short timed tasks help you build speed gradually.

Avoid perfectionism - Your goal is clarity, not flawless wording.

 

 

What students get wrong

Writing long introductions - You should only define the key terms.

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Spending too long on one paragraph - Move on if you are stuck.

 

Skipping planning - Planning saves time across the whole essay.

 

Not practising under time pressure - Time management is a skill that requires practice.

 

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How Econominds helps

Econominds provides timed practice tasks that help you build speed. You learn how to structure essays in a consistent way so your writing becomes quicker and more organised. The platform teaches you exactly how much to write for each question type.

 

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Quick summary

• Plan briefly

• Use clear structure

• Keep paragraphs short

• Evaluate early

• Practise timed tasks