100 likes | 229 Views
In-Class Essay: Writing Strategies. Part of the Gavilan Writing Center In-Class Essay Series. The In-Class Essay. You will receive the article one week before you write the in-class essay. You are allowed to annotate the text and make one page of notes to use.
E N D
In-Class Essay: Writing Strategies Part of the Gavilan Writing Center In-Class Essay Series
The In-Class Essay • You will receive the article one week before you write the in-class essay. • You are allowed to annotate the text and make one page of notes to use.
Annotation • Highlight/Underline • ONLY the main ideas in each paragraph. • the author’s thesis statement (if you can find it). • Write short notes in the margins • Focus on key ideas, questions you have, strong opinions and reactions to the article.
Make Notes Find a Note-Taking strategy that works for you.
Use the T.I.P.S.+ Handout
Author’s Thesis Statement • Re-read the article and review your notes. • Looking at all the main points, write the author’s thesis statement. • If your teacher allows, gather with a study group and review the article—compare your notes.
Edit and Proofread • After you write your essay, take a few minutes to go back and check your grammar and spelling. • Look for sentence-level errors (comma splices, run-on sentences, fragments), spelling errors, verb tense errors, etc.
Preparing to Write Your Essay • Review the elements of a summary • Decide whether you agree or disagree with the author’s overall main point. • Brainstorm for evidence from both the text and from your knowledge and life experience to support your thesis. • Create an outline.