Writing an in-class essay is always a mix of stress and excitement. There’s something about having a set time limit that makes you focus, but it also makes you wish you had more time to think. Looking back at my recent in-class essay, I can see what I did well and what I need to work on for next time.
How I Prepared for the Exam
Before the exam, I spent time going over Inventory by Carmen Maria Machado. I focused on the theme of motherhood and how the main character takes on a motherly role even though she isn’t a traditional mother. I took notes on important moments and thought about how I could explain them in my essay. Since I knew time would be limited, I planned out my thesis and main points in advance. I also practiced writing a few sentences so I wouldn’t feel stuck when I started writing.
Getting Ready for the Discussion
Before the essay, we had class discussions about the story. These helped me a lot because my classmates had ideas I hadn’t thought about. Some pointed out how the narrator uses lists to keep control of her life, just like a mother keeps track of things to protect her family. Others said that motherhood isn’t just about having kids—it’s also about caring for others, which connected to my ideas. These discussions helped me feel more confident going into the essay.
Writing the In-Class Essay
When the timer started, I felt nervous. I knew what I wanted to say, but trying to write everything in a short time was stressful. I focused on ensuring my thesis was clear and that my examples supported my ideas. I struggled a bit with how to phrase things, and I wish I had more time to go back and fix my conclusion. I finished on time, but I felt like my writing could have been better if I had a little more time to revise.
What I Want to Work On
Next time, I want to manage my time better so I don’t feel rushed at the end. I also want to write strong topic sentences so my paragraphs are more connected.
For my writing in general, I hope to improve how I explain my ideas. Sometimes, I overthink my wording, which slows me down. I also want to work on making my analysis deeper instead of just summarizing the story.
Learning from Class Discussions
One of my favorite parts of this experience was talking with my classmates. It helped me see different ways to interpret the story. Everyone had unique thoughts, and it made me think about the story in new ways. I realized that writing isn’t just about putting my own ideas on paper—it’s also about listening to others and learning from them.
