Writing in Class: Exams and "Response" Essays

1
Steps to Writing Well, 7th edition
English 1101 Fall 2007
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
Chapter 4 Writing Introductions and Conclusions
PLUS Quick write activity
2
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
ObjectivesPurpose of Timed EssaysHow to
Schedule Your TimeUsing the Writing Process
English 1101 Fall 2007
3
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
Test your ability to synthesize elements from a
range of topics. Pay close attention to what
you say and how you say it
What is the purpose of timed essays?
4
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
20-25 planning 50-60
writing 20-25 editing and proofreading
Schedule your time
5
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
Read the entire test carefully.
Pay close attention to key words, such as
describe, discuss, compare and contrast, define,
explain, summarize, evaluate, analyze,
suggest, and interpret. Determine the
organization pattern Example Comparison /
Contrast Create a brief outline.
Use the Writing Process Prewriting
6
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
Stick to the plan.
Changing your mind in the middle of the
assignment may result in a paper with poor
development and organization Always try to
finish the assignment. A two sentence
conclusion is better than no conclusion at all.
Use the Writing Process Writing
7
Chapter 15 Writing in Class Exams and
"Response" Essays
Writing should be clear / concise Make sure
your ideas are easy to read. Use active verbs
and eliminate wordy phrases!
Writing tips to beat the deadline!
Writing should be coherent and unified Make sure
your ideas are logically and clearly connected.
Use transitional phrases, pronouns, repetition
and parallel structure to help achieve coherence
in a paragraph.
Writing should be correctProofread carefully.
Begin with the last page.
8
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
ObjectivesGuidelines for Writing a Good
ThesisAvoiding Common Errors
English 1101 Fall 2007
9
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
What is a thesis statement?The main point of the
essayShape of the essayIntroductionBody
Paragraphs Conclusion
The thesis statement
10
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
An essay is 5 paragraphsusually essay examsA
paragraph must have four sentences. The thesis
is the last sentenceof the first paragraph The
thesis is one sentencein length
Myths of thesis and essay writing
11
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
Asserts one main ideaHas something worthwhile
to say Limited to fit the assignment Clearly
stated in specific termsEasily recognized
Often located in first or second paragraph or
implied throughout paper
Guidelines for a good thesis
12
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
Do not make your thesis an announcement of your
subject matterAvoid wordy phrasesDo not state
a fact Do not express in form of
questionunless the answer is obvious to reader
Avoiding Common Errors in Thesis Statements
13
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
Do not make your thesis an announcement of your
subject matter The subject of this essay is
my experience with boa constrictors.
Avoiding Common Errors in Thesis Statements
Boa constrictors do not makehealthy indoor pets.
14
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
Avoid wordy phrases
Avoiding Common Errors in Thesis Statements
In my opinion, I think boa constrictors do not
make healthy indoor pets.
Boa constrictors do not makehealthy indoor pets.
15
Chapter 2 The Thesis Statement
Do not state a fact
Avoiding Common Errors in Thesis Statements
A boa constrictor is an animal.Child abuse is a
terrible problem
Boa constrictors do not makehealthy indoor
pets.Child abuse laws in this state are too
lenient for repeat offenders.
16
Chapter 4 Writing Introductions and Conclusions
ObjectivesHow to write a good openingWhat to
avoidHow to write a good closing What to avoid
English 1101 Fall 2007
17
Chapter 4 Writing Introductions and Conclusions
How to write a good openingAn intriguing
statementA question or series of questionsA
quotationA story or anecdoteA personal
experienceBrief dialogueThings to avoidDo no
assume audience knows about your subjectKeep
briefMake sure it introduces the thesis
Attractive openings
18
Chapter 4 Writing Introductions and Conclusions
How to write a good conclusionSummarize thesis
and main points of body in different wordsA
recommendation or call to actionRefer back to
the openingA rhetorical questionThings to
avoidAvoid a boring endingDont introduce new
pointsAvoid in conclusion or other bland
closings
Effective conclusions
19
Chapter 4 Writing Introductions and Conclusions
THINK1. Think of a real or hypothetical example
of a women playing in a male-dominated sport. The
example should show how you feel about this
issue. 2. Draft a thesis statement for the
question above3. List three reasons to support
your view
Checkpoint Small group activity
PAIR / SHARE