1. How to Take a 45 Minute Essay Test
Kathy Harrigan,
Basic Skills (f12)

2. What is an Essay Test?
* It is usually more than a paragraph long. It often requires your opinion, with examples.
* Essays start with a “prompt” that asks you to write about a main point and to give supporting information. It is sort of like a question, but stated differently. The prompt may have more than one part.
* Essay tests are often timed, so you must plan before you test to divide your time.

3. Common Type of Test
One of the most common types of test in college is a writing test.
There are strategies that can help you write an essay well in 45 minutes—and that can help lessen anxiety as you approach this kind of test.

4. Transition Test Scoring Areas
Follows directions
Thoroughly and directly responds to the prompt
Organizes logically; arranges information and paragraphs for the purpose
Develops supporting detail : gives specific detail that is not too general of obvious
Sentence structure: writes in complete sentences of varied length and applies grammar rules
Word Choice—use appropriate words to make the meaning clear and does not repeat words too often

5. Format and Time
45 minutes
Cross-outs allowed.
Double space.

6. Plan Your Time and Practice
Experience writing a short essay in the time limit given. Practice it in advance.
Plan your time for 45 minutes of writing; break your time into five parts
Preview, brainstorm-outline,
write, edit,
and proof-read.

7. Preparing for an Essay Test  
You must plan five parts; Preview, brainstorm-outline, write, edit,
and proof-read.
* You must organize your thoughts in advance to make good use of your time and to make good sense to your reader.

8. Gain Confidence and Gain Points! Feel Prepared to Take a Test
Before the test
*Don’t pull an “all nighter.”
*Sleep after practicing your essay writing.
*Trust your brain to hold information and to remember what you need to do.
*Envision testing with confidence.

9. The Day of the Test
Take two sharp pencils and an eraser.  
Get oxygen. Move to think.
Arrive early. Find “your spot.”
Clear your desk.
Breathe deeply to get a relaxation response.
See success. Imagine you complete a strong essay and exit with confidence.

10. Have a Plan for Your Essay Test Time:
Example of a 45 minute plan
Preview the prompt and instructions (5 min.)
 Brainstorm/outline to organize (10 min.)
 Write the essay (15 min.)
 Edit for organization and meaning (10 min.)
 Proof-read and correct small errors (5 min.)

11. During the Essay Test Process
Part 1: Preview
Read and underline parts of the instructions and prompt. Do you understand exactly what you must do?

12. Part 2: Brainstorm-Outline
Use scratch paper to brainstorm or outline.
Make sure your topic and main point respond directly to the prompt!
If you have a five paragraph essay, have at least three supporting ideas (select the best three).
Brainstorm or outline two or three details about your major supporting ideas.
Don’t plan your final paragraph yet!

13. Part 3: Write the Essay
Indent and double space each paragraph.
Write a strong first sentence to your introductory paragraph. Include a “grabber” first line.
Include all three supports (for a five paragraph essay) in your introductory paragraph.
Each support becomes the topic of each of the next series of paragraphs. Use your strongest support paragraph last. Talk about only one main supporting idea per paragraph.
Write your concluding paragraph last. Re-tell your main idea and your main supports. End with a strong sentence.

14. Part 4: Edit
Re-read the prompt and instructions.
Read the whole essay and mark problems.
Is your main idea is clear?
Does your support explain your main idea?
Do you stay on topic?
Are your paragraphs and sentences in logical order?
  Will transition words help your reader?
Do you have a title?
Cross-out and write in changes carefully in the blank lines above the words. Use an insert mark ( V ) to add words or phrases.

15. Part Five: Proof-read
Breathe. You are almost done!
Read the essay ONE MORE TIME to catch errors.
Focus on punctuation and grammar errors.
Read backwards to find spelling errors.   
Turn in your paper and leave with confidence.