What quality is most important in an extemporaneous essay?

The most important quality in an extemporaneous essay is the clarity of argument and structured organization. This is crucial because an extemporaneous essay typically aims to communicate ideas effectively and persuasively within a limited time frame. Having a clear argument ensures that the writer presents a coherent thesis that can be easily followed by the reader. Structured organization helps in logically developing the argument, allowing the writer to present evidence and examples systematically, which enhances comprehension and impact.

While spelling and punctuation are important for professionalism, their accuracy does not contribute to the core message as directly as clarity and organization do. Creativity in language use can enhance an essay, but if the argument is not clear and well-organized, that creativity might not serve its purpose effectively. The length of the essay is also not a determining factor, as the quality of content and clarity of argument take precedence over merely meeting a word count. Ultimately, a well-structured and clearly argued essay is what captures and maintains the reader's attention while effectively communicating the writer's point of view.