ESSAY QUESTION TIPS

1.   Read all the questions first.

2.   Where you are allowed to choose what questions to
      answer, make your choice and forget about the
      others.

3.   Spend more time thinking and less in writing –
      accuracy is more important than quantity.

4.   When questions are weighted differently spend more
      time on those items most heavily weighted – you may
      want to answer these first.

5.   You'll want to present your answer in a systematic,
      organized manner – after reading the question jot
      down ideas in the margin, on the test, a scrap of
      paper, etc. on what to include in your answer –
      like a brief outline.

6.   After you have jotted down any brainstorm ideas for
      each question, go back to the question you chose to
      answer and concentrate on answering that question
      only – do not try and think ahead.

7.   Pay attention to your handwriting – your instructor
      needs to read it.

8.   Make sure you are answering the question the
      instructor asked – underline key words in the
      directions or question such as 'list', 'outline',
      'compare', 'criticize', etc – each calls for a
      different approach to answering.
      (an explanation of these terms is at the end of these tips)

9.   Where possible, start your answer by restating the
      question – this helps keep you on track and lets
      the instructor know you are dealing with what
      he/she wants.

10. Include specific facts, examples, diagrams, etc. – try
       to back up what you say with facts, knowledge, etc.
       – cite an outside source, such as your textbook,
       whenever you can.

11. Don't spend a lot of time padding your answer – your
       instructor will appreciate a concise, well-organized
       answer.

12. Wrap up your essay with some kind of conclusion and
       try to refer to the question's wording as you do so.

13. When you finish, reread your answers checking for
       organization, omissions, etc. – excellent grammar
       and spelling are often not essential but it needs
       to be clear and understandable. (be sure and check
        with your instructor regarding how grammar and
        spelling fit into your grade)

14. Feel comfortable staying the full time given for
       completing the exam – don't judge your time by
       how much time others take to complete the exam.

 

PHRASES TO HELP YOU IN ESSAY EXAMS

Purpose             Transitional Words
Example             for example, for instance, specifically
Additions            also, besides, further, in addition,
                           moreover
Similarity           also, likewise, similarly
Difference          but, however, in contrast, on the other
                           hand
Chronology        after, before, during, earlier, finally,
                           later, next, when, while
Result                 accordingly, as a result, consequently,
                           thus, therefore
Summary            finally, in brief, in conclusion, on the
                           whole, in short

 

KEY WORDS IN DIRECTIONS

Compare:
examine qualities, or characteristics, to discover resemblances; 'compared' is usually stated as 'compare with'; you are to emphasize similarities, although differences may be mentioned

Contrast:
stress dissimilarities, differences, or unlikeness of things, qualities, events or problems

Define:
Definitions call for concise, clear, authoritative meanings; details are not required but limitations of the definition should be briefly cites; you must keep in mind the class to which a thing belongs and whatever differentiates the particular object from all others in the class

Describe:
in a descriptive answer you should recount, characterize, sketch or relate in narrative form

Diagram:
for a question that specifies a diagram you should present a drawing, chart, plan, or graphic representation in your answer; generally you are expected to label the diagram and in some cases add a brief explanation or description

Discuss:
the term discuss, which appears often in essay questions, directs you to examine, analyze carefully, and present considerations pro and con regarding the problems or items involved; this type of questions calls for a complete and entailed answer

Enumerate:
the word enumerate specifies a list or outline form of reply; in such questions you should recount, one by one, in concise form, the points required

Explain:
in explanatory answers it is imperative that you clarify and interpret the material you present; in such an answer it is best to state the 'how or why,' reconcile any differences in opinion or experimental results, and, where possible, state causes; the aim is to make plain and conditions which give rise to whatever you are examining

Illustrate:
a question that asks you to illustrate usually requires you to explain or clarify your answer to the problem by presenting a figure, picture, diagram, or concrete example

Interpret:
an interpretation question is similar to one requiring explanation; you are expected to translate, exemplify, solve, or comment upon the subject and usually to give your judgment or reaction to the problem

Justify:
when you are instructed to justify your answer you must prove or show grounds for decisions; in such an answer, evidence should be presented in convincing form

List:
listing is similar to enumeration; you are expected in such questions to present an itemized series or tabulation; such answers should always be given in concise form

Outline:
an outline answer is organized description; you should give main points and essential supplementary materials, omitting minor details, and present the information in a systematic arrangement or classification

Prove:
a question that requires proof is one that demands confirmation or verification; in such discussions you should establish something with certainty by evaluation and citing experimental evidence or by logical reasoning

Relate:
in a question that asks you to show the relationship or to relate, your answer should emphasize connections and associations in descriptive form

Review:
a review specifies a critical examination; you should analyze and comment briefly in organized sequence upon the major points of the problem

State:
in questions that direct you to specify, give, state, or present, you are called upon to express the high points in brief, clear narrative form; details, are usually illustrations or examples, may be omitted

Summarize:
when you are asked to summarize or present a summarization, you should give in condensed form the main points or facts; all details, illustrations and elaboration are to be omitted

Trace:
when a question asks you to trace a course of events, you are to give a description of progress, historical sequence, or development from the point of origin; such narratives may call for probing or for deduction

Taken in part from Landsberger, Joe, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MI website.