This should fit your requirements nicely.....two versions of this clock....take your pick....
Wholesale Chess Basic Digital Game Timer Review...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJrwFkzGEK4
Wholesale Chess Advanced Digital Game Timer...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcEyqzNBIcQ
https://www.wholesalechess.com/store/chess_clocks
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/3E0B9228-8B92-41B0-B7C1-486697F0C060?ingress=2&visitId=e8e60ecb-7ae5-4baf-8b26-e11d3ab543ae&ref_=ast_bln
Just use your phone and a chess clock application. I use the one provided by Chess.com. As it comes to cost/quality ratio it is unbeatable 
DGT 960 clock is extremely compact. Was able to fit it inside a 15 inch folding board.
Tip #1 = Read your essay/notes aloud as if you were giving a speech in front of a live audience. Try to look away from your notes as much as you can and use your own memory, read each paragraph 3 times and then repeat for the next one. Tip #2 = Record yourself saying your essay and listen to it. I usually record each paragraph separately so i can focus in on them individually. Tip #3 = Hand write your essay on a piece of paper under timed exam conditions. Try to look away from your notes, using your own memory as much as possible.
I'd like to buy a reasonably-priced chess clock that is small enough to not take up much space in my travel backpack and sturdy enough to hold up during use. This is for personal/casual use, so don't need all the bells and whistles. Any suggestions on something that has a decent balance between cost and quality/reliability would be appreciated.