ideas takes place.
343
Consequently, the longer the time over which a text is
written, the better it is. This provides a substantial motive for an early start on
any writing, especially where there is a deadline.
Time as an Enemy: Editing
Time is an enemy for editing –
when editing a text it is hard to focus on
everything. Hence several “goes” at it are needed. In each successive “go” you
move from the major structure down through several levels,
requiring
increasing concentration on detail. Hence, for example, checking for omitted
or repeated words is one of the last tasks to be completed when editing text.
But, needless to say, if you see anything that can be changed for the better,
then do so, regardless of the fact that you were looking for something else and
not it.
Time as an Enemy: Deadlines
Time is an enemy because of deadlines. Completing a work in time is
threatened by any contingency that causes disruption and delay. Disruption
and delay steal time from you in two ways. (i) To say the obvious, they take
from you the amount that they take. Hence an interruption of 10 minutes robs
you of 10 minutes. (ii) To say the not so obvious, they take from you
additional time due to loss of continuity and concentration.
While you cannot control these contingencies, you can definitely plan your
work to allow sufficient extra time to solve any problems they cause. Time is
now your friend since you reduce or eliminate both stress and lateness caused
by an unforeseen disruption or delay.
Rules
Introduction
An author will write best by observing several rules. These are as follows:
(1)
Commencement. Start as soon as you can so that you can use time to
maximum effect.
(2)
Sessions. Spread writing sessions over as long a period of time as you
can.
(3)
Optimum Length. Make each writing session the optimum length.
(4)
Planning. Plan for each task.
(5)
Contingencies. Allow for contingencies.
(6)
Semesters and Trimesters. Students should be aware of the time
problems with courses that run for a semester or trimester.
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Cordell v Second Claufield Properties [1968] 3 WLR 864, 872 per Megarry J
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