THE SURPRISING REWARDS OF IN-CLASS WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

Writing essays in a limited timeframe during class can be a highly beneficial method for teaching students how to write and improve their time management skills. It is best to allocate a two-hour time slot for this activity, allowing students to engage deeply with the writing process. However, even if you have less time available due to various constraints, such as the need for assignment help or other commitments, this exercise can still be valuable as long as you adapt the assignment accordingly.

Throughout the years, I have received several common questions about this exercise from students seeking guidance on how to navigate the challenges of time-bound essay writing. In response, I have provided my answers to these inquiries based on my experience. For students facing difficulties, seeking guidance from essay services like EssayHub.com can also provide valuable insights and support in crafting well-structured essays within a limited timeframe. What is the advantage of writing essays in the classroom as opposed to writing them at home?

In truth, both types of writing tasks play a crucial role, and it is advisable to distribute your writing assignments between both formats.

The aim of the in-class essay is to challenge students to approach a problem with focus, independence, and efficiency. Many students mistakenly believe that they need to spend an unlimited amount of time on their essays. However, the two-hour in-class essay task helps break this mindset. It encourages students to think through a problem without unnecessary distractions and time-wasting. Additionally, this assignment provides more writing opportunities, resulting in improved writing skills for students. Rather than seeing each essay as an overwhelming challenge, they begin to perceive writing as a valuable exercise to express their thoughts on important matters.

I included this as a recurring element in my courses because the benefits are so significant. Practicing writing extensively helps to improve the skills of writers, and it also convinces doubtful students that they are capable of overcoming challenges more quickly than they initially thought.

What form should their essays take?

The structure for this essay is similar to any other. In the beginning paragraph, there should be a clear thesis statement and accompanying arguments, which can be better understood by referring to our guide, Writing Well, Thinking Clearly. The rest of the essay should further explain and provide evidence for these arguments while demonstrating the thesis. It is important to note that this is not a brainstorming session, but rather a chance to critically analyze and draw a well-defined conclusion in essay form.

Do some essay tasks require more than two hours to finish?

Indeed, this statement is accurate. It is important to meticulously evaluate what can be accomplished during a two-hour time period. Typically, during class, there is an exercise that involves analyzing a specific passage that has been assigned. Essentially, the students are engaging in a written analysis of the text, similar to what they would do in a seminar setting, where they share their interpretations of the text. Allowing the students to engage in this exercise individually, without any interruptions from their peers, is crucial for their learning process.

Here are a few example essay prompts that can be completed within a two-hour timeframe. It is crucial for the students to have already read the appropriate texts the night before and not to have talked about them in the seminar yet. This will guarantee that their thoughts are new and unrestricted. Keep in mind that this activity aims to develop precise and independent reading skills.

Analyze and respond to the passage below, taken from Plato's Republic.

People who criticize injustice do so not because they are afraid of committing unfair acts themselves, but because they are afraid of being on the receiving end of injustice. Therefore, Socrates, injustice, when it becomes widespread, is more powerful, independent, and dominant compared to justice. As I mentioned before, the just actions benefit the stronger party, while the unjust actions benefit and advantage oneself.

What is Thrasymachus trying to say? What does he mean by "on a sufficient scale" when discussing injustice? What implications does this have for language? Why are these implications significant?

Dante meets Farinata degli Uberti in Canto X of Inferno. The pilgrim gets wounded by Farinata and it is discussed how the pilgrim's actions led to this. The encounter with Farinata stirs up certain emotions in the pilgrim. The canto is characterized by interruptions, which should be noted. Virgil gives advice to the pilgrim both before and after his interaction with Farinata. This exercise may also reveal connections to other parts of Inferno, although that is not required.

It is advisable to save bigger, worldwide inquiries for writing assignments that students can complete at home. These tasks are typically given at a significant pause in the text or at the end of the entire assignment. They require a broader perspective on the overall topic, which cannot be accomplished in just two hours. These assignments give students the opportunity to improve their critical thinking skills and produce a final draft that is well-written and free of mistakes. For the two essay assignments provided below, I suggest allocating six hours for each one, and using some of that time during in-class writing sessions. This way, you can assist students who may be struggling with these assignments.

In Plato's Republic, Glaucon presents a compelling series of arguments and a fable aimed at exploring human nature, which is a critical topic in their conversation. Please provide a summary of Glaucon's viewpoint. Additionally, explain how Socrates responds to Glaucon's viewpoint and his fable. To fully answer these questions, it is necessary to read the entirety of the Republic.

How does the concept of cannibalism serve as a potent symbol for the turmoil in politics within the Inferno? Please examine this metaphor from its very inception and continue until the end of the work.

What criteria should be used to assess the in-class essay?

If you decide to be more forgiving in how you grade in-class writing assignments, that is completely acceptable. When it came to evaluating my students' in-class essays, I showed more mercy by being less strict about spelling mistakes, messy handwriting, and other similar issues.

Nevertheless, the writing task must still be a complete essay with an introduction, a body that expands on the main argument, and a conclusion. When a student submits an in-class essay that is only a few paragraphs long, it often suggests that the student either did not do the required reading beforehand or did so without enough caution. This is unfortunate and contributes to a significant amount of stress for the student. Nevertheless, it serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of diligent completion of homework assignments, which can help prevent anxiety.

What strategies can I use to train students to complete these writing assignments during class?

When coaching students on how to write a two-hour essay, the approach is generally similar to coaching for longer essays, but there are a few differences. One important difference is encouraging students to skip the brainstorming step and immediately answer the question. They should begin with a concise declarative statement as their answer, which will serve as a guide throughout the writing process. I often advised my students not to overthink this first step, but simply provide their initial response without much ceremony. This initial thesis doesn't have to be sophisticated or final; it's merely a starting point for the essay. The organization of their writing may not be strong initially, but as they write, it will become clearer. Once they have written a substantial amount, they can step back and organize their thoughts in an opening paragraph and rearrange sections of their essay as needed.

What methods do you use to assist students in improving their writing skills?

In addition to formal presentations about the writing program, the most effective form of coaching is having individual conversations with students, where you discuss their progress and outline what still needs to be done in the future. These conversations should provide encouragement and establish specific, achievable goals for them to strive towards. It cannot be overstated how crucial encouragement is for students when it comes to writing. Learning to write can be challenging and cause feelings of anxiety and discouragement. It is essential for students to know that you are supporting their success, just like any coach would. You want them to improve and believe that your coaching will help them produce better writing. By the end of a one-on-one session, students should feel encouraged and hopeful. It is not advisable to overwhelm them by attempting to address everything at once. Instead, focus on concrete and attainable goals for their next essay. It is best to conduct these sessions during in-class reading days. Adequate preparation on your part is important to facilitate efficient meetings. It is also crucial for students to actively assess their writing. Give them time to ask questions.

Providing guidance to students during the writing of these two-hour essays in class requires a great deal of support from the teacher. It is important to actively seek out and acknowledge the new and valuable perspectives that students have developed. Some students may initially feel apprehensive about these in-class assignments, but offering honest and supportive feedback helps boost the confidence of these nervous students. It is crucial to recognize their accomplishments and provide specific objectives for their upcoming writing exercises.

Final thoughts

The objective in all of this is to enhance thinking abilities. It revolves around expressing rigorous thoughts in a disciplined manner. It is important to always keep in mind that writing is a reflection of one's thinking process. I remember one of my students grabbing her head and exclaiming, "I have a throbbing headache from all this thinking!"

This remark is filled with the contentment and joy that arise from lively and thorough contemplation.