1. The first thing that you should do is to carefully read the question. The second thing that you should do is to carefully read the question. The third thing that you should do is to carefully read the question. Be sure to answer the question asked and only that question; answer all parts of it.
2. Outline the answer to avoid confusion and disorganisation. Thinking ahead helps to avoid scratch outs, asterisks, skipping around, and rambling. If you do not outline well, list the major areas you will cover in your essay. Check with your outline or list once you've finished writing.
3. Write an essay. Outlines and diagrams, no mater how elaborate and accurate, are not essays and will not get you much, if any, credit by themselves.
4. Define your terms. Say something about each of the terms that you use.
5. Write clearly and neatly. It would be crazy to antagonise the examiner with lousy penmanship
7. Go into detail that is on the subject and to the point. Be sure to include the obvious. Answer the question thoroughly.
8. If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at it-get as close as you can. If you don't have a name for a concept, describe the concept.
9. Use a clear ballpoint pen with dark ink.
10. Remember that no detail is too small to be included as long as it is to the point.
11. Widen your margins a little. This will make the essay easier for most folks to read.
13. Bring a watch to the exam so that you can pace yourself.
14. Practice outlining your essay answers on your test during the year.
15. Understand that the exam is written to be hard. It is very likely that you will not know everything. It is expected, so relax and write thorough answers.
DON'T
1. Don't waste your time on background information unless the question calls for historical development or historical significance. Answer the question.
2. Don't ramble---get to the point. Don't shoot the bull--say what you know and go on to the next question. You can always come back if you remember something later.
3. Don't use a pencil or a pen with an ink color other than black or blue.
4. Don't use a felt -tip pen because the ink seeps through the page and makes both sides of the paper hard to read.
5. Don't panic or get angry because you are unfamiliar with the question. You probably have read or heard something about the subject--be calm and think.
6. Don't scratch out excessively. One or two lines though the unwanted words should be fine.
7. Don't write more than a very few words in the margin.
8. Don't worry about spelling every word perfectly or using exact grammar. These are not a part of the standards the graders use. It is important for you to know, however, that very poor spelling and grammar will hurt your chances that the reader will understand you.
9. Don't write sloppily. It is easy for a grader to miss an important word when he/she cannot read your handwriting.
10. Don't leave questions blank. Remember that each point on an essay question is the equivalent of about three of the multiple choice questions and there is no penalty for a wrong guess. Make an effort on every question!
11. If you are given a choice of parts (e.g. discuss photosynthesis or respiration), select the one you know best and write as completely as possible. Do not change your mind; examiners are old to follow your first choice through the answer.
USE ESSAY QUESTION DIRECTION WORDS TO PREDICT AND THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND ESSAY QUESTIONS
The following explanations of essay question direction words can help you both to predict good essay questions at home and to thoroughly understand and correctly answer essay questions in the exam room. They have been categorized according to their level of difficulty. For the first group, it is often enough to simply memorize and correctly explain a term. For the second group, you must be able to see the relationships between the ideas and terms. In the third group, you are being asked to apply the information in a new situation or critically analyze a situation giving your own opinion. The more deeply you study and prepare at home using all three levels of questions; the better prepared you will be for an essay exam.
1. At the definition level:
Describe - Means to write a detailed account or verbal picture in a logical sequence or story form.
Discuss - Means to describe giving the details and explaining the pros and cons of it.
State - Means to describe the main points in precise terms. Be formal. Use brief, clear sentences. Omit details and examples.
Define/Explain - Means to give the formal meaning by distinguishing it from related terms. This is often a definition to be memorized.
List/Enumerate - Means to produce a numbered list of words, sentences or comments.
Trace - Means to follow the progress or history of the subject
2. At a deeper, more interpretive level
Compare - Means to show both the similarities and differences.
Contrast - Means to compare by showing the differences.
Diagram - Means to make a graph, chart, or drawing. Be sure to label and add brief explanation if necessary.
Illustrate - Means to explain or make it clear by concrete examples, comparisons, or analogies.
Summarize - Means to give a brief account of the main ideas. Omit details and examples.
Outline - Means to give a general summary. It should contain a series of main ideas supported by secondary ideas. Show organization. Omit details.
3. At the deepest level, you apply and evaluate information
Review - Means to give a survey or summary in which you look at the important parts and criticize where needed.
Prove - Means to show by argument or logic that it is true. The word prove has a special meaning in mathematics and physics.
Interpret - Means to give the meaning using examples and personal comments to make the ideas clear.
Evaluate - Means to give your opinion or some expert's opinion of the truth or importance of the concept. Tell the advantages and disadvantages.
Justify - Means to give a statement of why you think it is so. Give reasons for your statement or conclusion.
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