Writing a long essay can be compared to long-distance running. If you're not up to it, then you can't do it. But you can keep on trying. You can prepare for it. You can adopt a different mindset, so you'll achieve what seems to be a stretch at first glance.
A 2,000-word essay is a long one, and it's natural if you have doubts. After all, a module requires you to write long essays, and you have several modules to study (and pass with flying colors). Let's not forget the essay examinations, which put you under time pressure. If you struggle on your first attempt, if not miss the deadline, then you don't have to worry about it. Your professors look at you as a work in progress, so there will be expectations to do a bit better on your next assignment. It will go higher on the next one. Your experience on your first essay will show that it can be doable at all. And it can be done in three hours.
If you keep away from social media, then there won't be any distraction. If you turn off your cellphone, then you can focus on that single task. And if you exercise self-discipline, then it won't take you a few minutes to do an online research. Here's another thing: 2,000 words won't be long if you really know what to write about. However, it may take you some time to decide on what to write about. For one, your comprehensive reading may be faster (or slower) than your coursemates. The next step is to sort out the themes that you'll learn from a particular book. Will you discuss all of it? It won't be a smart thing to do especially if you have other pressing matters. (Your upcoming schedule includes another assignment, and possibly an examination.) One or two aspects of the book will be good enough. Last but not the least, you shouldn't forget to read the author's background. It will make an interesting paper.
How to write a long essay? You must compose a hook while the body (of your essay) should persuade your readers. (It will be your professor in this case.) And it has to end nicely. A 2,000-word essay can be done in three hours if you stick to the plan; the first hour must be devoted to research and the creation of an outline (of your essay). The second hour must be focused on the body of your essay while the final hour should be long enough for the proofreading. As for the introduction, you can do it first and look at it later. The beginning will be important, as it will set the tone for the rest of your paper. This is one sample, as you can think of other ways. If you want to get a better picture of the situation, then let's analyze the suggested outline.
How to Write a Long Essay in Three Steps
An outline will enable you to write a long essay in a shorter time. The first hour is crucial to the plan, as this is that moment when you must think of what to write about. You should finish this task in ten minutes. When you have decided on it, then the next step is to write the introduction. You should finish it in ten minutes or less. The rest of the hour will be spent on the outline, focusing on two or three main aspects of a written material. Let's use "Hamlet" as an example. Patricide has been discussed many times, so think of something else. Hamlet's sanity (or insanity) can be an interesting topic. It may (or may not) justify Hamlet's plan for revenge. This will be the first paragraph of the body (of your essay). The second one has something to do with Hamlet's encounter with a specter. Can it be a product of a deranged mind? You don't have to agree with what the Bard would imply in this tragedy. The third one is an option, where you can discuss Laurence Olivier's eerie adaptation. Do it if you've only seen the movie.
Write without interruption. The body (of your essay) will comprise the bulk of the content. Try to concentrate on this task, not thinking about the grammatical mistakes, faulty sentence structures and misused punctuation marks that you make along the way. It seems hard at first attempt, but you'll do it with ease on your succeeding assignments. If you have a high level of confidence, then there's no reason that you can't do it in less than an hour. Let's go back to "Hamlet": You can use Shakespeare's plays as references. You can also do a comparison, where a previously-unseen perspective can be discovered. "Macbeth" may be the first thing that comes to mind, but "King Lear" should be a better option. It won't take a minute to figure it out.
Take your time in wrapping it up. The final hour is no less important than the previous hour (or the first one), as your conclusion should pique the curiosity of your readers (or your professor). It must take you fifteen minutes at the most. Proofreading will take up the rest of the hour. Aside from rectifying grammatical errors, faulty sentence structures, and misused punctuation marks, you should look at your hook again (and one more time if possible). No stray ideas, which can muddle your paper. Never bring up the same idea, which you have discussed before. Citing "Hamlet" once more, you may be tempted to describe it as Shakespeare's greatest tragedy. How about a grieving man driven over the edge? Many readers may empathize with the tragic character.
These 3 things Should Help You Finish the Task
The time of the day can influence the outcome, so you must know if you can do it during the day. If you're a night owl, then there may be a dilemma. You have a lecture to attend the following morning, so consider the consequence(s) if you decide to miss it.
If you have a motivation problem, then seek assurance from your coursemates and tutor. The university is a huge support system, so try to make the most out of it.
No one forbids you to drink one more cup of coffee, even eat large quantities of food. Take a long walk afterward, if not engage in any mild physical activity.
