It seems bizarre nowadays that people used pens, pencils, and even feathers to create all kinds of content in the past. Today, we rarely use handwriting. Even though there are some aficionados of holding a pen and writing calligraphic letters, most of us prefer typing on our smartphones and laptops. Students write more than anyone else due to the heavy load of writing assignments. Strong typing skills are essential for them. Not only do they save time and boost productivity, but they can also play a significant role in improving your writing skills. They are used to taking notes using fast typing techniques and crafting essays overnight. Are there any effective typing techniques and hacks that can help students increase their productivity? Let’s find out.
If you wonder how professional writers at a top-quality essay writing service manage to cope with massive assignments in no time, the answer is practice. Each of them helps dozens of students every week, improving their typing speed. Therefore, you can practice as much as possible to boost your skills as well. There are many online typing tutors and games that can help you practice in a fun and engaging way. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of daily practice to see improvement. Here are some more practical tips for you.
Learn touch typing. This process involves memorizing the keyboard layout and typing without looking at the keys. If you manage to master this skill, it can significantly increase your typing speed and accuracy. It will also allow you to focus more on your thoughts and expression while writing.
Use keyboard shortcuts. Learn common keyboard shortcuts to save time and effort while writing. For example, you can jump to the beginning or end of a line by pressing Home or End. Pressing Ctrl+A will select all text in the current document. This skill will allow you to quickly format your text without using the mouse. You will save time and increase your writing efficiency.
Use online typing tests. Track your progress by taking regular typing tests. Doing so will help you identify areas where you need more practice. It will also motivate you to keep improving.
Use dictation software. Dictating your thoughts can be a great way to overcome writer’s block and get your ideas flowing. Later, you can edit and refine the dictated text for a polished finish. Also, you can dictate ideas on the go, as it is especially helpful for capturing fleeting thoughts.
Grammar checkers. While not a substitute for proofreading, grammar checkers can help you catch basic grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Explore online writing platforms like Grammarly or ProWritingAid that offer real-time grammar and style checks, plagiarism detection, and advanced vocabulary suggestions. However, always double-check their suggestions and use them as a guide, not a gospel.
Text-to-speech tools. Reading your texts aloud can help you spot awkward phrasing and unclear sentences. Sometimes, you might think that you’ve written a masterpiece that turns out to be average-quality content once you start reading it out loud.
Use templates and snippets. Create and save document templates for frequent use. Save time and maintain consistency using text snippets for frequently inserted phrases or references.
Outline your thoughts. Before you start writing, take some time to outline your main points and supporting arguments. You will stay organized and focused while writing. This simple step will also ensure you stay on the topic of your assignment and include all the necessary points in it.
Write in short sessions. If you find writing long essays daunting, try breaking them down into smaller parts. Set short writing goals for yourself and reward yourself for completing them. Alternatively, if you are more effective when working on a project for a while and then taking a break, implement this algorithm. Find the approach that suits you best.
Read extensively. Exposure to well-written books and articles can inspire your own writing, help you develop your voice, and expand your vocabulary. After all, writing is an art, and you can master it by learning from the best and most talented artists. On top of that, you can use a thesaurus to change the words you frequently use with their synonyms or antonyms. It can elevate your word choice and add precision to your writing.
Get feedback. Share your masterpieces with others and ask for feedback. Doing so can help you identify areas for improvement and gain new perspectives. Hiring a qualified writer will help you do just that. Choose a reliable writing service by reading the reviews of other students to find an experienced specialist. For instance, you can read Essay Shark reviews to decide whether to use it.
Embrace the power of abbreviations. Use standard abbreviations like “e.g.,” “i.e.,” and “etc.” to keep your writing concise and avoid wordiness. However, remember to use them sparingly and appropriately. Read the instructions for every assignment carefully and double-check if your teacher has nothing against using such abbreviations.
Minimize distractions. Find a quiet and distraction-free space to write. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and let others know you need some focused time. Even the most effective typing techniques will not speed up the process if you check your phone every 10 minutes.
Take breaks. Writing for long periods can lead to fatigue and decreased focus. Take short breaks to engage in a physical activity; a short walk will do. The goal is to do something else to refresh your mind. Short pauses will allow your brain to process the information and come up with new, brilliant ideas.
Join online writing communities. Connect with other student writers through online forums or dedicated writing groups. Share your work, exchange feedback, and participate in writing challenges to improve your skills.
Last but not least, remember to celebrate your progress. Monitor your typing speed and accuracy, note milestones in your writing journey, and acknowledge your achievements. Avoid comparing your achievements with others. You aim to focus on your individual progress over time.
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