This document outlines strategies for success in writing in-class essays, emphasizing preparation, understanding prompts, and effective time management. It includes tips for organizing thoughts, composing a strong thesis, and proofreading, highlighting the importance of clarity over perfection. The guide also provides techniques to reduce anxiety and demonstrates how to break down essay prompts effectively.

1. In-Class Essays
Strategies for Success in Timed Writing Situations

2. What is an In-Class Essay?
• An essay written in class, often as an exam or timed
assessment.
• Conditions vary by teacher:
• Some give prompts beforehand to allow preparation.
• Others provide the prompt on the spot.
• Purpose: Test your understanding of a subject and
essay-writing skills under time constraints.

3. A Note on Perfection
• Remember: Your instructor does not expect a
perfect essay.
• Comparison of time:
• Regular Essay: 10 days (240 hours) for planning,
drafting, and revising.
• In-Class Essay: Often 1–2 hours to write and edit.
• Takeaway: Focus on clarity and completing each
step, not perfection.

4. The In-Class Essay Writing Process
1. Prepare: Familiarize yourself with potential material
and prompts.
2. Understand the Prompt: Identify what the question
is really asking.
3. Prewrite: Outline your main points and examples.
4. Write: Develop your argument with a clear structure.
5. Proofread & Edit: Correct small errors.
6. Turn in: Submit with confidence!

5. Preparing the Night Before
• Checklist for Success:
• Review Material: Especially if you know the topic.
• Understand Key Concepts: Make sure you’re
comfortable with the material.
• Get a Good Night's Sleep: Set yourself up for
focus and energy.
• Reminder: Preparation isn’t just cramming—it’s
about confidence!

6. Preparing the Day of the In-Class Essay
•Eat a Nutritious Breakfast: Fuel for focus.
•Quick Review: Refresh your understanding
before class.
•Arrive on Time: Give yourself time to settle
and reduce anxiety.
•Remember: These tips may seem simple, but
they work!

7. Relaxation Techniques
•Breathing Control: Take deep, steady breaths
to ease tension.
•Positive Thinking: Visualize success and focus
on your strengths.
•Calming Music: Listening to classical music
can help (e.g., Mozart Effect).
•Warm Tea: Choose tea over coffee, which can
increase stress hormones.

8. Watch the Time
•Rule #1: Have a watch or make sure
there’s a clock in the room.
•Reason: This helps you monitor time
and manage each step of the essay
process.

9. Time Management During the Essay
For a 60-Minute Essay:
1. Outlining/Prewriting: 10 minutes.
2. Writing the Essay: 45 minutes.
3. Proofreading: 5 minutes.
Tip: Stick to these time blocks for a well-
rounded response.

10. Understanding Your Prompt
•Break Down the Prompt: Identify each part
you need to address.
•Example: "Describe and analyze the plot and
setting" requires both description and
analysis.
•Identify Key Terms: Highlight words like
“compare,” “analyze,” or “explain” to clarify
what’s expected.

11. Common Essay Prompt Terms
•Analyze: Break into parts and discuss their
meanings.
•Classify: Group based on shared
characteristics.
•Compare and Contrast: Highlight similarities
and differences.
•Define: Explain essential qualities.
•Evaluate: Assess worth and justify your
conclusion.
Common Essay Prompt Terms

12. Example Prompts
• Example 1: Compare and contrast the advantages
and disadvantages of online courses vs. traditional
classes.
• Example 2: Discuss why voting is or isn’t important
for students, including reasons for low turnout.
• Example 3: Analyze a character or historical figure’s
influence on you and explain that influence.
• Tip: Practice breaking down prompts into parts like
these to plan your response.

13. Short Essays vs. Long Essays
• Short Essays:
• Typically ask for brief definitions or comparisons.
• Be concise and direct.
• Long Essays:
• Often require using course theories or facts.
• Usually involve deeper analysis.
• Prompt words include “synthesize, analyze, and
evaluate.”

14. Multi-Part Prompts
Beware of multi-part prompts. Look for keywords and then be
sure to answer all parts of the prompt. The following prompt has
four parts to it:
Example:
Voting is an important issue in our society, yet many students do
not take the time to vote. Discuss why you believe voting is or is
not important for students. Include the reasons why you think
there is a low voter turnout among college students. In addition,
analyze important issues for college students. Illustrate your
ideas by using examples from your own experiences/personal
life.

15. Organization/Outlining Techniques
• Start with Your Thesis: What’s your main point?
• Outline Supporting Points: Break down your
argument.
• Method Options:
• Venn Diagrams for compare/contrast.
• Lists or Bullet Points for organizing arguments.
• Experiment: Find the method that best suits you!

16. Thesis Statement
• Components of a Strong Thesis: Subject, opinion, and
supporting points. Use the “although clause.”
• Example Prompt: Evaluate the impact of the war on
drugs
• Example Thesis: “Although some argue that the war on
drugs helped reduce drug use, research and data indicate
that its emphasis on punitive measures and unfair
sentencing practices ultimately caused more harm than
good, often overshadowing health-based approaches."

17. Incorporating Quotes
•Select Relevant Quotes: Choose quotes that
align with possible essay themes.
•Integrate quotes with signal phrases:
•Example Integration: “According to
[Author], ‘[quote]’ supports the argument
that…”
•Tip: Annotate materials in advance to make
finding quotes easier.

18. Proofreading
•Quick Checklist:
•Grammar and punctuation.
•Missing words or typos.
•Clarity of argument.
•Avoid Rewriting: Make only minor fixes;
focus on clarity and accuracy.

19. Winning Essay Techniques
•Use Keywords from the Prompt: Integrate
language directly from the prompt into your
introduction.
•Turn in Prewriting: Showing your process can
help your instructor follow your thinking.
•Relate Concepts to Class Material: Integrate
what you’ve learned in class for added context.

20. Final Tips for In-Class Essay Success
Final Tips for Success
• Stay Calm and Confident: Trust your preparation
and focus on doing your best.
• Follow Your Plan: Stick to the steps: Prewrite,
Write, Proofread, and Turn in.
• Learn from Each Experience: Use feedback to
improve for next time.
• Remember: Every in-class essay is a chance to grow
your writing skills. You've got this!