Tackling Essay Tests

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–2 Essay test-taking strategies Move through the test systematically Learn the basics of writing an essay Operate under time constraints Adequately support your points

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–3 How to move through an essay test systematically Make notes on the back of your exam sheet: Use this space to unburden your mind. Read the directions carefully: Directions supply essential guidelines for taking the test.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–4 Read all of the questions first: It’s important to be familiar with all possible questions before you begin writing. Jot cues beside each question: Marshall your ideas before you begin writing. How to move through an essay test systematically (cont’d)

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–5 How to move through an essay test systematically (cont’d) Manage your time: Divide up your time sensibly for each question. –If time is running out, outline the key points of the remaining questions –If you finish early, use the extra time to double- check and polish your work Start with the easiest question: It will provide you with needed momentum.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–6 The basics of writing an essay Understand each question with precision: To write a precise answer you must understand the question precisely. Supply the correct answer: It seems obvious, but even so, some students try to hide the fact that they don’t know the answer to an essay question.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–7 Operate under time constraints Get to the point Organize your essay carefully Keep your writing neat

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–8 How to get to the point in an essay Leave off the introduction Put your answer right at the beginning Avoid wordy, rambly writing

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–9 Organize your essay carefully Use a recognizable pattern: Your essay shouldn’t be a riddle for the reader to solve Use transitions: Make it obvious to the grader where your essay is headed. End with a summary: Restate your original answer in case it was lost in the shuffle.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–10 Keep your writing neat Leave plenty of space: Your writing will look cleaner, and both you and the instructor will have room for additions. Guard against careless errors: Needless mistakes can make a neat essay seem sloppy.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–11 Keep your writing neat (cont’d) Leave plenty of space: Your writing will look cleaner, and both you and the instructor will have room for additions. Guard against careless errors: Needless mistakes can make a neat essay seem sloppy.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 14–12 Support your points Use solid evidence Support general opinions Avoid personal opinions