In-Class Essays
Tips for Writing Successful In-class Essays
Consistently performing well on in-class essays requires that students prepare well, practice key habits during the test, and learn from each testing experience. Here are some tips on how to write successful in-class essays.
Prepare to Perform Well
Study with a Plan
- Schedule study times and goals
- Over learn the material
Practice expressing yourself
- Speak up to ask questions in class
- Write answers to questions from reading
- Create and answer expected essay questions
- Write answers to questions professors offer
- Form a study group to discuss the material
- Use office hours to discuss your questions
Clear your mind before the exam
- Physically:
- Eat well
- Get needed exercise and rest
- Limit stimulants and intoxicants
- Mentally:
- Use positive self-talk
- Accept and applaud good preparation
- Forgive your imperfection
- Realize your soul is not on the line
Write with a Plan
Create a plan of attack
- Budget time to plan, draft, revise, edit
- Outline your answers
Answer the questions that are asked
- Do exactly what is asked for (describe, list, explain, argue, etc.)
- Avoid flamboyant style
Organize your essay
- Briefly outline your essay
- Use transitions to signpost your answers
- Realize professors tend to reward organized essays and down-grade confusing ones
Support your main ideas
- Use evidence from specific course material
- Include examples and implications to show you understand course concepts
- Use key from the reading, course, or discipline when applicable
Practice reader-friendly answers
- Proceed from given (old) information to new information
- Be as concise as possible
- Edit for correctness in punctuation, spelling, grammar, and usage
Learn from the experience
About the professor, the course, the discipline
About your learning style and habits
Larry Nichols
Director, Seattle University Writing Center