1. © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. College Writing Skills, 6E and College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E John Langan Taking Essay Exams Chapter Seventeen Taking Essay Exams

2. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Taking Essay Exams Step 1: Anticipate 10 Probable Questions Step 2: Prepare and Memorize an Informal Outline Answer for Each Step 3: Read the Exam Carefully Step 4: Outline Your Answer Step 5: Write a Clear, Well-Organized Essay

3. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Anticipate10 Probable Questions Step 1: Anticipate 10 Probable Questions Go through your class notes and your text, deriving probable exam questions from the following: topics on which instructor has spent much class time definitions, examples, and lists of items questions from quizzes questions in the study guide (if applicable) class review material (if applicable)

4. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Prepareand Memorize an Informal Outline Answer for Each Step 2: Prepare and Memorize an Informal Outline Answer for Each Write out each question you have made up, and under each, list the main points that need to be discussed; add important supporting information after each main point; pick out a key word in each part, and make up a catchphrase to help you memorize the whole thing.

5. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Prepareand Memorize an Informal Outline Answer for Each Step 2: Prepare and Memorize an Informal Outline Answer for Each For Example: Common sources of stress: 1. P ressure (internal and external) 2. A nxiety (sign of internal conflict) 3. F rustration (can’t reach desired goal) 4. C onflict (three types of approach-avoidance) Catchphrase: P eople A re F unny C reatures

6. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Read the Exam Carefully Step 3: Read the Exam Carefully 1. Read all the questions carefully. 2. Note direction words ( compare, illustrate, list, etc.) and be prepared to respond appropriately. 3. Budget your time. Write in the margin the number of minutes you should spend on each question. Check your watch. 4. Start with the easiest question, being sure to number your answers clearly.

7. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Outline Your Answer Step 4: Outline Your Answer Use the margin of your paper or a piece of scratch paper to jot down the main points you want to discuss for each question. Re-read them and organize appropriately, creating an informal outline. If you have correctly anticipated a question, jot down your catchphrase in the margin. Work backwards to the key words, and finally to the informal outline you created at home.

8. College Writing Skills/ College Writing Skills with Readings, 6E © 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 17 Writea Clear, Well-Organized Essay Step 5: Write a Clear, Well-Organized Essay UNITY : Start your essay with a sentence that clearly states what your answer will be about. Then make sure all your points relate to this opening sentence. SUPPORT : Provide as much support for your points as time allows. COHERENCE: Provide transitions to guide your reader through your answer. SENTENCE SKILLS : Leave time to proofread. Make corrections clearly.