Here are some strategies you could use during a timed test where you need to stay quiet and only have limited workspace:
- On your whiteboard, make a concept map by writing ideas in bubbles and connecting related ones with arrows as they come to you. This allows freeform brainstorming within a contained space.
- Open a text file on your laptop/device and do a mind dump by continuously typing or jotting notes without structure or editing. Come back to organize later.
- Use shorthand/abbreviations on your whiteboard or in your text file to get more down faster without spelling everything out.
- Set a timer and do short focused brainstorming bursts where you rapidly list or outline a single section before moving on.
- Write topic or question headings on your whiteboard, then number points underneath as you think of them to implicitly create an outline structure.
- Record brief voice memos on your phone between segments of the test to capture additional ideas without using up workspace.
- Bookmark or flag sections of your text file in between test parts so you know where to come back and expand later.
- For essays, plan either a full concept map or outline with placeholders on your whiteboard before fully drafting paragraphs.