TAKING ESSAY TESTS

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

Make sure you know what you are supposed to do.

Ask for clarification if needed.

READ EACH QUESTION CAREFULLY

Make sure you understand what is being asked.

Note specific limitations included in the question.

THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE

Avoid the impulse to look for "the answer" to the question.

Ask yourself questions about the question.

Consider specifics that might be useful in answering the question.

Compose a brief outline of the major points you want to make.

WRITE CAREFULLY

Organization and coherency make a difference.

Make sure you support whatever you say.

Avoid repetition and irrelevant material.

Remember, the reader can judge you only by what you actually WRITE.

AVOID BEING TOO GENERAL

Give examples and illustrations to prove your points.

Make sure your examples relate to the issue.

AVOID BEING TOO FACTUAL

Facts are meaningless unless you draw conclusions.

Use the facts as tools to answer the question.

PACE YOURSELF

Make sure you don’t run out of time.

Allot your time according to the value of the question.

GIVE YOURSELF EVERY BREAK

Write neatly and legibly.

Use correct grammar and spelling.

Although an informal writing style is perfectly acceptable, avoid using slang.

If you have time, go over your exam before turning it in.

LEARN FROM EACH EXAM

Study returned exams. Read the grader’s comments as well as your own answers.

Use the comments to improve your performance on subsequent tests.

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWERING IDENTIFICATIONS

 

Follow Instructions.

Answer the exact number asked for.

If you are not clear about what is required, ask.

Give brief but full descriptions.

What?

Where?

When?

Why?

Be sure to include the HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

Why is this particular person or thing important?

Usually it is important to place the identification in some sort of chronological context.

Helpful hints

Remember many things have more than one significance.

Don’t waste too much time on any one item.

If you don’t know, make an educated guess.

Be concise.