The Call to Write, Third Edition Chapter 22, Essay Exams

Test anxiety Many people get nervous just thinking about taking an essay exam. However, essay exams are a part of college life! Let’s look at how to be successful.

Chapter overview Preparing for essay exams Analyzing the format and questions on the exam Planning an answer Writing the essay exam How to prepare for an exam Different kinds of essay test formats Using the rule of three, outlines and maps Typical types of exam questions

How are essay tests different? Most tests focus on whether you have learned specific facts, terms, or formulas. Essay tests require you to demonstrate your understanding of applying concepts by writing anywhere from several sentences to a page or more.

Objective vs. subjective Test question formats such as true/false, multiple choice, and matching are examples of objective questions. There is a correct answer. Essay test questions often include both an objective and subjective aspect, if you are asked your opinion.

Preparing for essay exams Ask about format and scope (how many chapters will be covered). Read over your notes, and review chapter summaries in your text. Write sample questions and plan answers.

Overall approach for preparation Don’t try to memorize big chunks of information. Focus instead on the big picture, “the main ideas, terminology, controversies, explanations, and conceptual frameworks” (655). Consider working with a study group.

Types of essay test formats What are the three different types of essay tests? Identification items Short answer Long answer

Identification items Short statements used to define a term or identify a researcher Typical for introductory courses Write one to two sentences, as needed.

Short-answer questions Instructions may say to answer in a few sentences to several paragraphs. It’s safest to develop a short thesis statement and write an organized mini-essay of several paragraphs.

Long-answer essay questions Use more complex questions that require a more complex answer Explore bigger concepts A clue may be a question at the top of the page, and then rest of the page is blank!

Use time wisely Identification items should be given the least amount of time. Short-answer questions should be given a few more minutes, but probably no more than 10 minutes. Essay questions, or long answer questions, may take from 20 minutes to an hour to complete.

Planning is essential Take a few moments to think about the question; note key words. Jot down a scratch outline of ideas to discover a three-part thesis statement. Use a simple outline to organize ideas. Add details, examples.

Example of an informal outline Introduction (simple thesis with three points) Body: first point and examples Body: second point and examples Body: third point and examples Conclusion

The thesis The main idea of your essay Gives your reader a sense of organization Builds in a mini-outline to essay Three works well: for example, three reasons, three ways, three arguments, three views.

Drafting your answer Realize you can only write a good rough draft; there is no time to do a major revision. First impressions count. Use the ideas in the question itself to frame the opening statement. Provide supporting evidence, and tie in ideas from the course.

Drafting your answer, cont. Write an ending, even if short on time. Write legibly, and proofread. Watch the clock. If you feel you cannot finish, at least list the ideas from your outline to show where you are going. See the student samples, pages 663-666.

Student Companion Website Go to the student side of the Web site for exercises, chapter overviews, and links to writing resources for this chapter: http://www.ablongman.com/trimbur Click on the textbook cover, and then select Student Resources.