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Strategies for Writing In-Class Essays

Enhance your in-class essay writing skills with this workshop covering differences, time management, and helpful strategies to maximize your writing potential under pressure.

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Strategies for Writing In-Class Essays

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  1. Strategies for WritingIn-Class Essays Alexander College Writing & Learning Centres

  2. What This Workshop Covers • Introduction • Differences between in class essays and regularly assigned essays • Strategies for Writing • Coping with the stress of writing an in-class essay • Time Management • The Writing Process • What to leave in, what to leave out • Strategies for writing the best essay possible in the given time limit.

  3. What is different about in-class essays? • The main differences: • You get the assignment and must start immediately • Usually, you cannot research or reference other material • Most importantly, there is a strict time limit.

  4. For Writing An In-class Essay Source: Google Images

  5. 1. Relax! • Don’t start writing right away. • Breathe in, breathe out. • Start to read and think about the topic. Source: Google Images

  6. 2. Set up a Schedule • Let’s use a two-hour exam time limit as an example: • Use10 to 15 minutes to identify ideas and plan your approach to the topic • Spend60 - 75 minutes writing • Allot 10 to 15 minutes at the end for revising and editing • Of course, you can add and subtract, but make a schedule and stick to it!

  7. 3. Identifying Ideas & Planning • Look for key words that indicate how you should develop and organize your essay

  8. 4. Study the topic • Identify:the main points. • Brainstormwhat you want to say: • note the key words and phrases • think about what you want to say • Slot your ideas into a quick, point form outline. • Thesis of your essay • Supporting point 1,2,3 (body paragraphs 1,2,3) • Conclusion

  9. 5. Make an outline You may think that you don’t have time for this, but you can quickly jot an outline in the margin or on the inside front cover of your exam booklet.

  10. 5. Make an outline You may think that you don’t have time for this, but you can quickly jot an outline in the margin or on the inside front cover of your exam booklet. It will help you organise your thoughts and to feel calmer when you are writing your essay. 

  11. 5. Make an outline • Your Introduction will: • Summarizethe main points. • Introduceyour thesis statement. • Depending on the type of essay you are writing, your Body Paragraphs will: • Discusskey ideas • Criticizethe author’s arguments • Evaluatethe author’s arguments • ANDJustify/defendyour thesis statement.

  12. 5. Make an outline • To defend yourThesis Statement: • Use specific facts and examples to back up your judgments. • Present specific points clearly and logically in step-by-step order

  13. Ready to Write! Source: Google Images

  14. Starting to Write • Start with a strong first sentence • Don't waste time composing a long introduction. • Clearly state the main points in the first 1 or 2 sentences. • Add in the thesis statement you brainstormed before.

  15. Stay on track • As you're writing the essay, now and then reread the question and your thesis to make sure that you haven't wandered off course. • Don't pad your essay with information unrelated to the topic. Source: Google Images

  16. Don't panic!!! • If you find yourself running short on time, don't start panicking and writing frantically. • Consider these strategies instead …

  17. Consider listing the key points you still want to make. • Your instructor will know that lack of time, not lack of knowledge, was your problem.

  18. A simple one-sentence conclusion emphasizing your main point • A hastily constructed ending paragraph could lower the value of the rest of the essay. • A well worded, strong concluding sentence is usually the better way to go.

  19. Strategy for an In-Class Essay Outline for an In-Class Essay Summary

  20. Strategy for an In-Class Essay • Breathe! • Plan your time. Allow time to: • read the question • identify the key points • write an outline & thesis statement • Write the essay • Review • If you run out of time, don’t panic. • List the key points you haven’t gotten to yet • Write a strong concluding sentence instead of a paragraph

  21. Outline for an In-class Essay • Introductory sentence & thesis statement • Body Paragraphs (each one discusses a key idea in your essay) • 1 • 2 • 3 • Conclusion: • Don’t worry about a full paragraph. • 1-2 sentences that summarize your points and refers back to your thesis is enough • Make sure your conclusion and Thesis statement agree with each other.

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