Question

Advice! I don't have much experience with in-class essays, and I was wondering if the many talented writers here had any suggestions or tips?

Answer 1

Before writing an essay, it is imperative that you know what you're going to say and in what order. It's always good to take a measly little 5 minutes to make a rough draft plan / outline of what you are going to write about. Depending on the style of essay, the structure will vary. Just remember to open with an introduction that provides some type of background, an analytical thesis that provides information about your argument, an organizing statement that helps direct the argument, and then some whopping, well - written body paragraphs to finish! :) Conclusions are tricky; it depends on the essay. However, it is always good to have a clincher to finish strong.

Since it is in-class, you are most likely timed. Remember to relax. You have plenty of time. :) work at a pace that words for you.

Answer 2

I completely agree with Wombat. Just try to remember that you are most likely to write something great if you are truly interested in the subject. If you can, try doing some research on the topic. You may find some facts and gain some knowledge that will give you more to write about. Good Luck!

Answer 3

When writing an essay, consider it an argument. You are trying to prove a point, and imagine the reader (teacher) as your opponent. Your opponent will always be trying to figure out your flaws along the way (grading) and will attack you accordingly (points deducted).

How do we, as writers, make sure our arguments are spot on? There are a couple steps needed to ensure a well written paper.

Here are the materials needed for an essay:

-Topic
Your topic must be well understood by you, so when you write, your writing seems confident.

-Introduction
Here is an important part, if not the most important part. As a writer you will have a preferred style of introduction, we all do whether we notice or not. Make sure it's clean, to-the-point, and allows anyone reading your paper, to know exactly what your talking about.

- The Middle
The middle will be...well, the middle of your essay. Here is where you will place all of your facts down to support you paper. Everything in this part of your paper should be factual, this is to ensure your paper cannot be argued against (teacher can't take away points).

-Near End
Near the end of you paper, but not quite the conclusion you should be writing your opinions based on the facts in the middle section. Do you agree or disagree with statements made in the middle section? and why? This part is easiest as it is purely your opinion and through writing your paper you will have made judgements of what you wrote.

- Conclusion
This again, will come out as you develop your writing skills, every writer has a different ending style. I can't give you any better advice than the generic "make it cool" you hear from everyone else. You'll find your style of conclusion by writing more and more.

I need you to understand though, that this layout is truly the way to write ANY paper. If it's a paper on "Why humans like dogs" this layout works. If it's a paper on "My opinion of WWI" this works. If it is your analysis of a book you read, this works, your middle section will just be quotes from the book. If it's a science paper, this works! You just have to slip in the scientific method (materials, step by step, etc.).

Good luck on your path young writer!

Answer 4

Both above responses have some great insight. Remember that there is no "correct formula" to writing a successful essay. All essays are different in style, tone, conveyance, and flow depending on the prompt and area of study. vinnyra has provided you with a great step by step general formula that can work for virtually any topic. Some topics require modifications, and more creative writing would involve differences but it's always good to have a skeleton idea of what to write.

Answer 5

Thank all of you! All I know is that sometime this week, my English class is going to have to write an in class essay on some prompt related to Orwell's 1984.

Answer 6

Ooooo :D That's a very interesting novel!!