Writing In-Class

Essays
English 0950
February 2009
What is an ICE?

 Essay exam
 Response/discussion/analysis style
essay based on a reading
 Two-hour session for planning, drafting,
revising, and submitting an essay
Why do we do ICEs?

 Course requirement
 Common element of English 1101
 Test of writing process
 High-pressure situation similar to many
writing situations
What is the process?

 Prepare beforehand
 Arrive in class, read writing prompt
 Plan, draft, revise for two hours
 Submit your essay at the end of class
 One week later your graded essay is
returned & can be revised at any time
How do I prepare?

 Read the text(s) carefully and

thoroughly, analyzing key elements
 Anticipate possible exam questions
 Annotate your text
 Brainstorm ideas related to the text
When does this happen?

 Practice exam, Thursday, 2/26

 Essay 3, Tuesday, 3/3
 Preparation for Essay 4, Thursday, 3/5
 Essay 3 returned, Tuesday, 3/10
 Essay 4, Tuesday, 3/17
 Essay 4 returned, Tuesday, 3/24
Essay 3

 Read the following:

 “I Just Wanna Be Average” by Mike Rose, page
182
 “Shame” by Dick Gregory, page 245
 Choose one reading to focus on
 Try to anticipate possible essay questions