TAKING ESSAY EXAMS

DISCUSSION

1. Why should you take time to read over all the questions on an essay test before you try answering any of them?

2. Should you tackle each question in order? If not, which questions should you work on first?

3. How should you go about budgeting your time?

4. If you don’t remember all the information to answer a question, should you skip the question?

5. Why should I leave time at the end for review and revision?

6. Why would you “predict questions?”

7. How do you go about “prediction the questions?”

START EARLY

1. Attend all classes regularly.

2. Take notes.

3. Review your notes.

4. Read your textbook and other handouts.

5. Make more notes, looking for patterns.

FIVE STEPS TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE EXAM

1. Anticipate ten possible questions.

2. Prepare and memorize a working outline for each question.

3. Read the exam carefully and plan.

4. For each answer, brainstorm, write working outline before writing.

5. Write a clear, well-organized essay.

STEP 1:ANTICIPATE PROBABLE QUESTIONS

Exam time is limited.

What seems to be the most important.

WHERE HAS YOUR INSTRUCTOR SPENT A GOOD DEAL OF TIME?

Examples:

1. A week on present-day changes in the traditional family structure

2. The importance of the carbon molecule

3. The advantages of capitalism

FOCUS ON DEFINITIONS, EXAMPLES, AND BASIC LISTS OF ITEMS.

Examples:

1. Causes of the Great Depression

2. Effects of water pollution

3. Advantages of the Canadian health system

STUDY GUIDES

Short quizzes

Instructor’s review(s)

Essay topics

Old exams

STEP 2:OUTLINE

List main points.

Supporting information after each

MEMORIZE THE LISTS!

STEP 2 ILLUSTRATED

“Describe the four common sources of stress in our lives.”

1. Pressure (internal and external)

2. Anxiety (sign of internal conflict)

3. Frustration (can’t reach desired goal)

4. Conflict (three types of approach-avoidance)

Catchphrase = P A F C (People Are Funny Creatures)

STEP 3:STUDY THE EXAM

1. Get to work at once.

2. Read all questions on the test before doing anything.

3. Underline or highlight the direction words (command words). See the handout.

4. Budget your time. Note allowed minutes in the margin.

5. Start with the easiest question.

6. NUMBER your answers exactly as on the exam.

7. Leave a blank between answers.

KNOWLEDGE REVIEW

1. List ____ a. Tell in detail bout something.

2. Contrast ____b. Give a series of points, numbered.

3. Define ____ c. Give a condensed account of the main points.

4. Summarize ___ d. Show differences.

5. Describe ____ e. Give the meaning of a term.

KNOWLEDGE REVIEWANSWERS

1. List _b._ a. Tell in detail about something.

2. Contrast _d._ b. Give a series of points, numbered.

3. Define _e._ c. Give a condensed account of the main points.

4. Summarize _c._ d. Show differences.

5. Describe _a._ e. Give the meaning of a term.

STEP 4:OUTLINE YOUR ANSWERS

1. Brainstorm the points, in margin or scrap of paper.

2. Decide on the order, number the points. (Working outline)

3. Jot down a catchphrase if appropriate.

STEP 5:WRITE YOUR ANSWER

1. Write calmly and legibly.

2. Principles of good writing

a. Unity

b. Support

c. Organization

d. Clear, error-free sentences

STEP 5:(CONTINUED)

1. State clearly what your answer is about. Refer to it.

2. Provide support for each of your points. (Data & Warrant)

3. Use links and transitions to connect your points.

4. Conclude with a sentence or paragraph that sums up the main points and/or applies the information in some way.

5. Proofread your answer, revise as necessary.

PRACTICE

1. Make up five (5) questions you might be expected to answer on an essay exam in any of your courses.

2. For each of the five questions, make up an outline similar to the “stress” outline shown earlier.

“Describe the four common sources of stress in our lives.”

1. Pressure (internal and external)

2. Anxiety (sign of internal conflict)

3. Frustration (can’t reach desired goal)

4. Conflict (three types of approach-avoidance)

Catchphrase = P A F C (People Are Funny Creatures)

3. Write a full essay answer to be handed in next class, and evaluated out of 20.

FINAL WORDS1. Don’t make silly word errors. (their/there, it’s/its)

2. Do not use “etc.” and other colloquialisms.

3. Neatness counts. Use blue or black pen. (Bring 2)

4. Cross out mistakes neatly.

5. Write slowly.

6. Underline headings and publication titles (books, movies).

7. Leave margins on BOTH sides of your writing.

FINAL WORDSCONTINUED

8. Guess if there are no penalties for guessing.

9. Don’t leave early. Use the time wisely.

10. Always be specific.

11. Follow instructions. E.g., answer 5 out of 7.

12. Take your time.

STUDY

1. Start at the beginning of the term.

2. Review constantly.

3. “Overlearn.”