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.

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.

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