Preparing for an In-class Essay

1. Preparingfor an In-class Essay Writing Center @ Gavilan College

2. What are you being asked to do? • Understand and restate the author’s argument. • Give your opinion on whether you agree or disagree with the author’s argument. • Throughout your essay, demonstrate you understand what the author is saying. • Provide support for your point of view.

3. Writing Prompt There are 3 parts to the writing prompt. • Summarize the author’s opinion. • State whether you agree or disagree. • Support your thesis with specific examples from the article and your own experience.

4. Your Response Summary + Your Thesis Introduction Main Idea 1 Main Idea 2 Main Idea 3 Conclusion

5. The Summary Summarize the author’s thesis and main points in the introduction. • Identify the author and the title of the article. • Restate the author’s overall topic and overall main idea (thesis). • Summarize all or most of the author’s supporting main ideas from the body paragraphs. • Use your own words. • May include one direct quote or no quotes at all. • Typically ¾ of a page long. • Avoid personal opinion in the summary of the article. • Refer back to the author/article often (author argues, claims, states, believes, etc.).

6. Your Thesis • The last sentence of your introduction is your thesis. • Choose the side of the argument you can best support. • State clearly “I agree with the author because . . .” or “I disagree with the author because . . . .”

7. Your Main Ideas Support your thesis with at least 3 points (1 per paragraph). • Refer to the author’s words as you develop your own argument. • Draw on your personal experience and reasoning to argue your case.

8. Conclusion • Restate the author’s name and thesis. • Restate your thesis and summarize your main points.

9. What to do Before the In-class Essay • Research or review the author and context of the article. • Read and annotate the article. • Discuss the article. • Define unfamiliar vocabulary. • Highlight quotes in the article. • Ask questions. • Write the summary paragraph. • State your position. • Outline your main ideas. • List supporting personal experience.

10. What to Bring to the In-class Essay • Your annotated article • Define key words • Identify important points • Highlight quotes • 1 page of notes • Summary paragraph • Rough outline of essay • 2 pens • Loose leaf paper • Dictionary/thesaurus (not electronic)

11. Writing the In-class Essay • Read the prompt carefully. If you have questions, ask your instructor for clarification. • If there are multiple parts to the prompt, be sure to address all parts. • Adjust your outline accordingly. • Write your response tailoring it to the prompt. • Reread the prompt to make sure you’ve answered the question. • Proofread your essay.

12. Managing Time During the In-class Essay Read the Prompt 5-10 minutes Adjust your Outline 15-20 minutes Write your Essay 20-30 minutes Proofread, Revise, & Edit 15-20 minutes

13. Revising and Editing the In-class Essay • Double space your response. • Neatly cross out and correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. • It’s okay to add a paragraph or rearrange your essay as long as the order is clearly marked.