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A practice essay becomes more useful when you turn the feedback into a specific plan for the next answer. Start with the grader’s comments, then use the score as one part of the review. Read for patterns Separate comments about identifying issues, stating rules, applying facts, and organizing the answer. Look for a problem that appears in several paragraphs. Repeated feedback about short analysis, for example, gives you a clearer practice goal than simply trying

Timed practice helps you work on the full process: reading, organizing, writing, and finishing. A useful routine gives each part of that process attention. Set a clear task Choose a question and decide what you are practicing. Some sessions can focus on a complete timed answer; others can focus on outlining or improving a particular section. Follow the timing instructions for the practice question you select. Plan before drafting Read the call of the question,

A performance test asks you to work from the supplied materials and produce the requested document. Organizing that work begins with understanding the assignment. Start with the task Read the task instructions carefully. Identify the requested format, audience, purpose, and issues. Keep those instructions in view while you review the file and library so that you can distinguish useful details from background material. Connect the authorities and facts Build a working outline that links the