Writing In-Class Essays
Consider the Question
 Understand the question and make sure you answer
the question asked.
 Don’t stray off topic.
 Remember the question is an opportunity to show
the instructor 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!
 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.
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 runons, fragments, and spelling errors.
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.
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 prewrite and outline for them.
 Write a daily journal on academic topics. It will help
make in-class writing easier.
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 = 90 Minutes
 Choose a question
 Pre-write
 Organize and outline
 Draft
 Revise
 Edit
3 min
5-10 min
5-10 min
40 min
15 min
10 min