Writing In-Class Essays

1
Writing In-Class Essays
2
Consider the Question

• Understand the question and make sure you answer
  the question asked.
• Dont stray off topic.
• Remember the question is an opportunity to show
  the instructor what you know.

3
Think About the Question

• Do a pre-write to generate ideas.
• Organize your ideas group them together
• Make an outline with a thesis and a topic
  sentence.

4
Your Thesis

• Try to make the question into your thesis
  statement.
• Question ex(Describe three reasons why
  students fail final exams)
• ThesisThree reasons why students fail final
  exams are a lack of attendance,participation and
  studying.

5
Begin Writing

• Make your title now so you dont forget!
• Double space so you can make insertions.
• Top to bottom- start at the introduction and work
  your way through.
• Middle to ends- start with 3-body paragraphs and
  then write introduction and conclusion.

6
Dont Forget Essay Structure

• Introduction lead-in, transition sentences and
  thesis.
• Body paragraphs Transition and topic sentence
  and main points and examples with specific
  details.
• Conclusion restate thesis in different words,
  summarize and use an ending strategy.

7
Save Time to Revise and Edit

• Quickly read your essay once forward all the way
  through make sure you havent left out any
  important ideas.
• Quickly read your essay backwards Check for
  run-ons, fragments, and spelling errors.

8
What should I do before class begins?

• If you know the topic, do a pre-write, outline
  and draft essay at home.
• If you have a selection of topics , do a
  pre-write and outline for each at home.

9
Before class begins? (cont..)

• If you don't know the topic, look at your notes
  and homework assignments What were the major
  points covered? Write a few sample questions and
  do a pre-write and outline for them.
• Write a daily journal on academic topics. It will
  help make in-class writing easier.

10
What should I do during class?

• Read each question carefully. Make sure you
  understand it before you begin writing.
• Budget your time Make sure you can pre- write,
  outline,write and edit your essay.

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Your Time 90 Minutes

• Choose a question 3 min
• Pre-write 5-10
  min
• Organize and outline 5-10 min
• Draft 40
  min
• Revise 15 min
• Edit 10
  min