If I don’t have enough time to finish, should I finish in note form, like a plan?
No. Anything written in note form will not be read. Just continue in sentences.
Should I memorise answers to a variety of general topics?
No. Anything that the examiner suspects is copied will not count towards the number of words, and you may also be penalised for copying.
Should I write on every other line?
If you have very large writing it might be a good idea. However, for average sized writing it is not necessary because there is still room to make corrections.
I can’t write very quickly. What should I do?
You don’t actually have to write a lot in the time allowed (400 words in one hour is less than 10 words a minute). However, you should practice writing to time as often as possible, to improve your speed.