Writing In-Class Essays

Consider the Question Options You will have three question options to choose from. Understand the question you choose and make sure you answer the question asked. Don’t stray off topic. Remember the question is an opportunity to show what you know.

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.

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

Begin Writing Make your title now so you don’t forget! Top to bottom- start at the introduction and work your way through. Middle to ends- start with 3-4 body paragraphs and then write introduction and conclusion. Order- personal preference, but think of the introduction as a “sketch” for your reader.

Don’t 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.

Save Time to Revise and Edit Quickly read your essay once forward all the way through – make sure you haven’t left out any important ideas. Quickly read your essay backwards – Check for run-ons, fragments, and spelling errors.

What should I do before class begins? You will receive the question choices on Monday. You will be given time during Monday’s class for basic outlining, pre-writing and organization. Do not write your essays outside of class, but plan out what you might have to say.

Before class begins? (cont…..)

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.

Your Time = 50Minutes Choose a question At home/Monday Pre-write At home/Monday Organize and outline At home/Monday Draft 30 min Revise 10 min Edit 10 min