Sophomore Bre Martin revises a timed essay through Criterion. Photo by: Chandy Schuler

By Chandy Schuler

We live in a world where everything is timed. People have accustomed themselves to a world of rushing and chaos. Not only are people rushing in their everyday lives, but students have began to rush during timed writings also.

Timed writings have recently became much more common within school systems. When  asked to give their perspective on the more recent use of timed writings, there were a variation of responses. When asked the question, “What are your views towards timed writings?” Senior Jessica Beagle said, “I really don’t see a problem with them. They have the possibility of making you a fast thinker and will help learn how to come up with ideas faster in a short amount of time.” When asked the same question, Senior Karina Contreras said, “I don’t exactly like the idea, I feel students will feel pressure to get as much done that they will end up just rambling about stuff that doesn’t even make sense. I think the more time and open environment they have when it comes to writing the easier it will be. It will end up making students not show their real writing talent.” From both the neutral and negative perspectives toward timed writings, it is thought that timed  writings apply more pressure upon students while writing.

Students also gave their opinions when asked the question “Do you prefer timed writings or non-timed writings?” Freshman Leonardo Baca said, “I prefer… I guess timed writings because it makes me come up with things I’ve never thought of because I want to get things all done in that time and I don’t want to have an incomplete story with an incomplete ending. So I might add random things if I can’t come up with anything.” Another student, Freshman Jessica Drury said she preferred non-timed writings. It has been previously argued that timed writings could put more stress upon students while writing, causing them to be less productive.

Students use a stopwatch to tell the amount of time left while writing. Photo by: Chandy Schuler

Contradicting this statement, others say that by timing students, it gives students the opportunity to build a sense of quick thinking/planning. When asked the question, “How does your thought process differ between timed writings and non-timed writings?” Senior John Stillson said, “Non timed writings allow me to really collect my thoughts before I start writing rather than jumble them together and it allows me to time to figure out the best way to present my thoughts and ideas with the best most concise evidence.” Also feeling rushed, Sophomore Kennedy Harless said, “Timed writings force me to focus on getting my points across rather than making my writing sound and look good. I normally don’t re-read my writing if it is timed.”

Despite both positive and negative perspectives towards timed writings, it is evident that timed writings will become more predominant within schools as technology continues to advance.