3 Tips For Curbing Your Writer's Block When Your Next Essay Is Looming Over Your Head | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

3 Tips For Curbing Your Writer's Block When Your Next Essay Is Looming Over Your Head

Easy ways to unblock your writer's block.

15
person thinking when writing

We've all been there. You need to write an essay for a class but you just can't seem to find words to place on the paper or the screen. These three methods will help you find the words you need when you need them most.

​1. Familiarize yourself with your topic.

If your professor gives you a specific topic to write about, try to familiarize yourself with the topic as much as possible. Perhaps you already are very familiar with the topic and have a lot to say about it! However, if not, try to do as much research on the topic as possible. This can be done by collecting information from a variety of multiple reliable sources. For example, try using sources like Google Scholar or even books from the library. There are many articles on Google Scholar about many different topics. There are also many nonfictional books on many different topics. Familiarizing yourself with the topic or topics given will allow you to feel more comfortable with the topic or topics. It will also give you more confidence which will show in your writing. You'll also have a lot to write once you know more information about the topic!

2. Describe the objects that are around you.

Even in college, not every piece of writing will be a research paper. There are many professors who choose to have their students write fictional essays instead of research essays. However, this method can also help if you have to write a research paper because it will help you think of words to say in your paper. Look around the room in which you are attempting to write your essay. You can do this in your bedroom, a study room, the library, or anywhere else you're sitting. While you look around the room, try to focus on one object. It can be as simple as a pencil, an eraser, or even a desk lamp - really any object will work. Once you have selected an object to focus on, write down or type any adjectives that can be used to describe that object. For example, if I was to choose a pencil I might write down words like pointy, sharp, yellow, strong, sturdy, and durable. Now I examine my list see which words I may be able to use in my writing. If no words can be used from this list, simply select another object and start the process all over again. Even if you do not choose to use any of the words you have written down, this exercise will definitely help to get your creative juices flowing and help to alleviate writer's block.

3. Try walking away from the writing for a bit.

If you're still having a hard time finding the words you need, try focusing on a different task for a bit. For example, completing a productive task such as cleaning may put you in a productive mood. Going for a walk or a jog may help to ease any stress you have about writing the essay. Perhaps even completing other chores, such as getting groceries or running other errands, may help you place words on that screen. If you're in a study room, try listening to a podcast or watching your favorite TV show for fifteen minutes to de-stress yourself and warm up your mind. You may also choose to listen to soothing music to allow your mind to feel more relaxed so you can write freely. If you're in the library, try browsing through books in the fiction area. You may free up your own imagination this way. You may also find topics that you feel inspired to write about.

These three methods are sure to do one thing - make you think. Writer's block happens when you just can't think of anything to write, so what better way to solve writer's block than by thinking? Most importantly, do not stress about completing an essay for a class. Allow yourself enough time to complete the essay so if you do encounter writer's block you can try any of these three methods to end it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196516
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18619
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460691
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28213
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments