Is it possible to research and write a 3000-word essay in one day?

Aug 28, 2020

Essay writing can be a massive thorn in one’s side, and when coupled with research, the task becomes herculean. When you have a 3000-word essay to complete, you need to set a writing plan if you plan on finishing it in time for submission.

For context, an essay of 3000 words will cover approximately 12 pages (using standard guidelines and formatting). 

Now, that’s a lot of pages to complete within a day, but we will try to create a plan to help you beat the deadline. After all, everything is possible if you apply yourself. You just need the will and a constant supply of coffee throughout the day.

Given the daunting nature of such a task, it’s not uncommon for students to seek help, often thinking, ‘I wish someone could do my paper for me.’ It’s a natural response, especially when faced with tight deadlines and complex topics. However, while seeking help, students should also be aware of the importance of understanding the subject matter and contributing their own ideas and analyses. Relying entirely on external assistance might provide a quick fix but doesn’t contribute to long-term learning and skill development. Therefore, while seeking guidance or initial assistance is okay, the bulk of the work should ideally be your own, reflecting your understanding and perspective.

Given the daunting nature of such a task, it’s not uncommon for students to seek help, often thinking, ‘I wish someone could buy college papers for me.’ It’s a natural response, especially when faced with tight deadlines and complex topics. However, while seeking help, students should also be aware of the importance of understanding the subject matter and contributing their own ideas and analyses. Relying entirely on external assistance might provide a quick fix but doesn’t contribute to long-term learning and skill development. Therefore, while seeking guidance or initial assistance is okay, the bulk of the work should ideally be your own, reflecting your understanding and perspective.

How long will it take to complete the task?

The number of hours you will need to complete a 3000-word writing task depends on much more than just the word count. Here are some of the determining factors:

1.Amount of work required to complete.

Since the paper requires research, that adds at least two extra hours to the total time. If you need to consult multiple sources and provide a literature review, that will take you up to 6 hours. 

2. Academic writing skills

Students with solid writing skills will not struggle with the writing process. On the other hand, students without a solid academic writing background will struggle to complete their paper within a day.

On average, it takes a student 2 hours to complete a thousand-word paper without research. So, that sums the time up to a minimum of six hours.

3. Language proficiency

If you are not proficient in English, you will find it twice as difficult to express your ideas. Moreover, you will spend more time revising and correcting errors in your writing.

4. Exigent factors

Your surroundings and workspace play a massive role in your ability to complete the 12-page paper. Notifications, distractions, and uncomfortable workspaces will disrupt your natural workflow.

How can I ensure that I finish the essay on time?

The first thing to do is to accept your limitations. Then, you have to get into the mindset for the task at hand. Find a comfortable space, clear your schedule, and put everything on hold. Once you are ready, you should do the following:

  1. Take notes during the research and brainstorming. Write down useful information and sources and citations.
  2. Tune out the world. Forget about your newsfeed and timeline. All that stuff can wait until the task is complete or during your break.
  3. Split the task into three sections (1000 words each) and set rewards at the end of each section.
  4. Leave the proofreading for the end. Writing and revising at the same time will only slow you down.
  5. Take scheduled breaks. 
  6. Stay hydrated and well-fed because your body needs energy and fluids.

If you follow the guidelines listed in this piece, you can complete your 3000-word essay within a day, albeit with limited sleep and human interaction. Everything is possible; just do it!