Writing In-Class Essays

Find out the length of the test and organize your time
Writing has three steps: planning, writing, and revising.

Before writing an essay, you should spend some time planning and writing a logical outline.

After writing an essay, you should spend at least 10 minutes revising your essay.

If you are unsure, ask the teacher for clarification.

If there is a choice of essay questions, pick the topic you can explain the best, not the one you
like the most.

The easiest way to make sure you have correctly answered the question is by using those
keywords in your essay.

Planning
A 5-paragraph essay has 3 parts: 1 introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion. The example
on the next page is a general essay outline for a 5-paragraph essay. When doing an outline in a test
where time is limited, focus on completing the bolded information and fill in the rest while writing.

Introduction
Attention getter: One or more sentences to get the reader interested in your topic
Connecting information: A few sentences to connect your topic to your thesis
Thesis: One sentence that illustrates what you are going to prove while containing the 3 main
points (proofs)

Body paragraphs
Topic sentence: One sentence that introduces the topic of the paragraph
Connecting information: A few sentences that provide evidence to prove the thesis
Concluding sentence: One sentence that concludes the paragraph or leads into the next
paragraph

Conclusion
Thesis: One sentence that restates your thesis
Summary: A few sentences that highlight your strongest points
Reflection: A few sentences that leave your reader with something to reflect on without
introducing any further topics or evidence

Writing

Write on every other line so that you have enough space to add things, if necessary

Skip parts that pose problems. For example, if you are having problems coming up with an
appropriate introduction, leave a space near the top of the page and write only the thesis

Skip words that pose problems: For example, if you cant remember how to spell or express
a certain word, leave a blank spot, and come back to it later

Revising

Read
Read
Read
Read

it
it
it
it

over
over
over
over

to
to
to
to

find and fill in missing parts or words

make sure you have sufficiently proved your thesis
add or correct transitions
find and correct grammatical mistakes

In-class essay checklist

Writing in-class essays often tests not only your knowledge of a given subject, but also your ability to
perform under pressure. When you are preparing to write in-class essays, try and keep in mind the
following:

Before writing the in-class essay

Make sure that you are familiar with the material that you are being tested on
o Read and understand your notes
o Focus on what the professor has spent the most time lecturing on
o Try and identify the significant ideas and themes in the works or chapters you have been
assigned to read for the in-class essay

When writing the in-class essay

Read each question over thoroughly and make sure you understand what is being asked
o Brainstorm ideas
o Organize your ideas using an essay outline (write out your thesis, body paragraphs, and
supporting points)

When you are finished

o When are you are finished writing the in-class essay it is important to go back and
proofread your essay. When you are editing, ask yourself the following:
o Are there any spelling or grammar errors?

o Are you answering the question using your knowledge of the chapters or works you
were assigned to read? (e.g. have you quoted from the text? have you cited your sources
using the appropriate format?)
o Have you proved your thesis?
o Have you supported your arguments?
o Are your ideas clear and easy to follow/understand?
o Do you have a strong introduction and conclusion that clearly state your thesis and main
points?
Constructing an Essay Outline

What is an essay outline?

An essay outline is the skeleton of any essay. It contains only the most important information, and
helps the writer plan the essay. It also acts as a guide to writing the essay.
Why should I write an outline?
Writing an outline will help organize the ideas a writer has for an essay. Also, it provides a condensed
look at the essay, which is useful in keeping the writer on track when the essay is being written. In
addition, the writer can ensure that the subpoints always relate back to the thesis.

Parts of an essay outline

There are two types of essay outlines:
General outline

Contains only the main points

Is used during in-class assignments, or during time-limited situations

Specific outline

Includes main points and supporting material

Is used for take home assignments where more planning is needed

All outlines should include an introduction, a body, and, a conclusion. Below is a brief summary of
the different parts:
Introduction

Body

Starts the essay by introducing the topic

Narrows down ideas from the topic to the thesis
Includes the thesis and the main points

Provides the evidence to prove the thesis

Contains at least 2 points

Conclusion

Wraps up the essay by restating the thesis and subpoints

Does not introduce any new evidence

Sample essay outline

Topic/title: The Advantages of Receiving Tutoring

I. Introduction
A. General statement/attention getter:
Everyone has required the help of another person some point in life.

Attract the audience to read on; introduce the topic

B. Connecting information:
For example, students often require the help of classmates, teachers, or other individuals.

Link the general statement to the thesis

C. Thesis:
Tutoring provides an excellent source of help for students as it allows them to learn on a one-on-one
basis, enables them to gain new strategies to tackle specific problems, and helps reinforce classroom
concepts.

Create an arguable thesis (i.e. Do not state a fact, such as Seneca has a tutoring centre.)

Include your main points in the thesis sentence

Make sure the thesis is neither too broad, nor too narrow

II. Body
A. Subpoint #1: One-on-one basis
Topic sentence: First, the one-on-one basis tutoring utilizes is beneficial for students seeking help on
concepts learned in class.
Evidence to prove this

Able to ask specific or stupid questions

Tailor the presentation of the concept to a students learning method

point (2 to 3 points)
Facts, examples,
quotes, etc. can be
used as support

B. Subpoint #2: New strategies

Topic sentence: Second, tutoring will aid students to learn new strategies to help them understand
and solve specific problems they may encounter in class.

Work with a tutor to develop a unique way to work through specific types of problems

Spend more time practicing a developed strategy on a specific type of problem in order to use it
effectively even when the student is learning on their own

C. Subpoint #3: Reinforcement of concepts

Topic sentence: Third, a tutor can help reinforce concepts learned in class, deepening the students
understanding of these concepts.

Present a concept according to the students pace and style of learning

Give the student a new insight into a learned topic

III. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis in different words with your three points
Tutoring can help students further their understanding of concepts learned from class in a one-on-one
basis, by helping the student learn new strategies, and through the reinforcement of concepts.
B. General or memorable statement
Remember, learning is not a solitary journey, so dont be afraid to ask for help.