When I write essays I like to get straight to the point.

我写文章喜欢开门见山.

Don't beat around the bush. Get straight to the point, and be specific.

不要拐弯抹角，切中要害，直截了当。

Time is short so I'll get straight to the point (= explain the matter immediately).

时间不多，所以我就开门见山了。

So what should you do instead? My advice: just answer the question directly. Stop using memorised phrases, and just get straight to the point.

那应该怎样做呢？我建议直接回答问题。别用这些背诵过的短语，直接回答答案中的要点。