2. SIMILARITIES TO A TAKE-HOME ESSAY Decide on your audience and your purpose Start with a solid thesis statement Provide relevant support for your thesis Write a scratch outline Include transitional words and expressions for cohesion and clear organization Proofread and edit

3. DIFFERENCES FROM A TAKE-HOME ESSAY More important to budget your time and watch the clock Leave time (at least 5 minutes) to edit Concentrate on getting down information

4. Preparation for the Essay Exam List common themes of course readings, discussions and other materials With common themes in mind, predict and list possible essay questions and topics Practice writing some of these essays

5. AT THE ESSAY EXAM ITSELF: STEP ONE: Make a plan to budget your time. Stick to it!

6. STEP TWO Read the directions, the questions and topics carefully. Be sure you know EXACTLY what is being asked!

7. STEP THREE Look for key words that will tell you what to write about and how to organize the essay: Compare: Write about similarities Contrast: Write about differences Summarize/Sum up/Outline: Write about the main ideas Evaluate/Critique: Write your opinion, giving the arguments for and against the issue and why your position is stronger Classify: Write an explanation of into which category your topic falls Define: Write a definition- what does the topic mean? Describe: Write about the characteristics of the topic

8. STEP FOUR Establish your thesis statement.

9. STEP FIVE Write a scratch outline.

10. STEP SIX Write the essay, following the outline. Do not worry about as much about grammar and mechanics--- just get your ideas on paper. Pay attention to their/there, no “you”, FANBOYS Use all your resources (the readings, lectures, discussion ideas) to develop the essay. Write at least one paragraph per supporting idea. Focus each paragraph with a very clear topic sentence to express the main idea of the paragraph and to focus you on the point.

11. STEP SEVEN Proofread and edit for: Grammar Spelling Punctuation Word choice

13. Writing Rubric – In Class Essay 4 Essay answers the question and focuses on the question throughout Essay has a clear, arguable thesis statement that relates to the question Essay includes excellent examples from the literature Essay includes original thought and analysis relating to the question Essay has argumentative topic sentences that relate to the thesis statement Essay is clear and logical, has organization (thesis, paragraphs, conclusion) Essay uses above-average vocabulary and employs some stylistic writing Essay uses excellent sentence variety (different lengths and different openings) Essay has very few, if any, mechanical errors (grammar and spelling) Essay is of appropriate length to adequately answer the question in the time given

14. 4=953=852=751=65 4/3=923/2=822/1=721/0=62 3/4=882/3=781/2=68