Writing a top-scoring essay for the National High School Exam (Enem) in 30 minutes may seem like a bold goal, but it is entirely possible when there is targeted preparation. Mastery of the essay-argumentative structure and familiarity with the correction criteria are the main allies in achieving this objective.
“The candidate who adopts the habit of writing frequently gains agility in planning and organizing ideas. This, however, is only possible if the training is effective, with feedbacks constant and personalized guidance”, explains Caroline Lucena, coordinator of Portuguese Language, Writing and Literature at Elite Rede de Ensino.
The expert reinforces that the first step when receiving the writing proposal is to read the supporting texts carefully and understand the proposal in depth. Identifying the central command of the topic is essential for a mature, clear and coherent approach. This understanding directs the entire textual production and avoids common mistakes, such as straying from the topic or losing coherence.
“If the keyword is ‘impacts’, for example, the student already knows that they need to focus on the consequences of the problem and develop repertoires that support this line of reasoning. This guarantees clarity and a high score in competency 3, which assesses the organization of ideas”, he adds.
Below, Caroline Lucena gives other tips for writing a top score on the Enem in 30 minutes. Check it out!
1. Planning is more important than speed
According to data from the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (Inep), less than 0.1% of candidates reach the maximum grade in the essay — which reinforces the importance of strategic preparation.
One of the most common mistakes, according to Caroline Lucena, is trying to write too quickly. “By rushing, the student skips essential planning steps. A well-written text needs a clear map of ideas, not speed. The key point is not to confuse speed with impulsiveness”, he points out.
2. Smart repertoire and constant training
Another point highlighted by the coordinator is the use of the sociocultural repertoire. She warns that so-called “pocket citations” — memorized phrases without context — are increasingly penalized by the panel. “A good repertoire is one that the candidate masters, which expresses their knowledge of the world. Enem values authenticity and argumentation consistent, not the accumulation of ready-made phrases”, he states.
For those who want to train their quick thinking, Caroline Lucena recommends practical writing exercises and recording daily ideas. “Writing is the only subject that can be studied anywhere. Take notes on your cell phone, send audios with text ideas or relate repertoires with current affairs they are great workouts. More than writing, you need to think like a writer”, he explains.
An important point worth emphasizing is that studying writing goes beyond producing texts. It means getting information, through films, music, documentaries, precisely to build repertoires.
3. Well-structured conclusion and intervention
Even with little time, the student must master the traditional structure of the dissertation. Caroline Lucena reinforces that an efficient introduction presents the theme and the argumentative direction, while the conclusion resumes the positioning and proposes an intervention with five elements: agent, action, mode/means, purpose and detail. “Competence 5 is one that most differentiates the 1000 grade essays. Focusing on simple details, such as specifying the agent with an adjective clause, can already guarantee precious points”, he explains.
Finally, the specialist advises that, if time is short, the candidate should not give up or risk a incomplete text. “Delivering a coherent, well-structured and compliant text already guarantees an excellent grade, close to 800 points. The important thing is to maintain serenity and apply the trained strategy. There is no such thing as a miracle — there is training”, he concludes.
By Aline Pontes