James A. Rhodes State College
Hints for Essay Exams
1. Read the entire exam first: roughly estimate the time allowed for each question according to the point value.
2. Keep the marker happy -- make your exam easy to read. Use pen, double space your answer and write legibly on one side of the page. You don’t want your teacher’s first glance at your paper to put her into a negative frame of mind.
3. Answer the easiest question first. This is a good way to build your confidence. Moreover, a strong first answer will help persuade your teacher that you’ve prepared well for this exam.
4. Read the directions carefully, and do precisely what the question asks you to. If you are asked to compare two theories, you’ll lose marks if you explain them, because you haven’t answered the question.
A word of caution: one of the most common errors in writing essay exams involves questions with more than one part. If the question reads, “answer one of the following”, don’t waste valuable time answering all four parts. Conversely, if it reads, “Answer all four parts”, make sure you don’t do just three. There is nothing more frustrating than knowing the material, but losing marks because you didn’t follow the directions.
5. Plan your answer. Make a mini outline, including all of the main points you want to cover. Your outline could be as simple as jotting down points as they occur to you, and then numbering them in the order you want to use them. An outline will allow you to answer the question faster, and you’ll be less likely to leave out an important fact. If you run out of time, your teacher will be able to see what you intended to write about, and may give you part credit.
6. Get right to the point. Don’t waste time with an introduction. Make your opening statement forceful, and make sure it states exactly what you are going to talk about. Use your strongest points first to make an immediate impact. You want to convince your professor right off the bat that your answer is worth a high mark.
7. Keep to the point. Write only what is relevant to the question. Remember marking an essay question is subjective. If the person marking your paper has to wade through pages of filler to find a few good points, she may get annoyed and not mark you as highly as if you used the same points in an organized, compact answer. Most teachers have at least 200 papers to get through and will look favorably on an exam that is easy to mark. The quality of your answer does not depend on the quantity of words you use.
8. Don’t forget to include the basics. You may think that something is too elementary to put down, but it may be the very thing your professor is looking for. She can’t assume that you know something you didn’t write down, and you may be losing easy points.
9. Make clear your understanding of the material. Illustrate your answers with examples and diagrams; your teacher is looking for more than memory work.
10. Keep your eye on the time. Make sure you’re not spending too much time on one answer at the expense of others.
11. Always write something. Even if you have no idea how to answer a question, try to relate the answer to other course material, another exam answer, or your general knowledge. At worst you’ll get a few marks for your effort.
12. What’s the hurry? Don’t try to race through the exam. There aren’t any marks for finishing first, so you might as well use the time allotted to perfect your paper.
13. Proofread your paper. Have you answered all parts of the question? Make any spelling and grammar corrections, and add any important points you’ve missed. Pick up as many extra marks as you can.
14. Don’t rehash the exam with your classmates afterwards. If you forgot to include something or misinterpreted a question, there’s nothing you can do about it now. You’ll need all of your energy to concentrate on your next exam, so leave this one behind.
READ THE DIRECTIONS
You’ll come across some of these words when you’re writing your exams. Look them over so that you’ll understand exactly what each question is asking you to do.
Analyze Examine in detail. Involves judgment.
Compare Show similarities and differences.
Contrast Show differences
Define Explain the meaning in a short answer.
Describe Tell all you know; include as many details as you can.
Discuss Write everything you know in a logical progression.
Evaluate Examine the positive and negative aspects, draw a conclusion.
Illustrate Use specific examples and details.
Justify Give reasons to support a position.
Outline Using the main ideas, give an overview.
Prove Use facts and evidence to support a position.
Summarize Give the main ideas in a short answer.