1. Test Taking Lecture 5 The Essay Test

2. Strategies for Handling the Essay Test Read the question carefully. Look for & circle key direction words. SAMPLE ESSAY PROMPT: List the steps necessary to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Then describe each step.

3. Other Essay Exam Tips: Make notes of ideas in the ______ of the exam. Re-state the question in the first sentence of your essay. EXAMPLE: Answer _____ parts of the essay question. Be specific and concise in your answer…say what you need to say but with the _________ words necessary to get your point across. ESSAY QUESTION: What were the causes of the Civil War? START OF YOUR ESSAY:

4. Continuation of Essay Exam Tips… Use a _________… easier on instructor’s eyes. Write on one side of the page. Use _____________ to connect all parts of the question. What are some examples of transition words? words? Transition words are like ___________ that tell the reader where your essay is heading! In addition, Furthermore,Secondly, Finally, Subsequently,Next, Moreover, However,In contrast,

5. Ways to Organize Your Essay: Before you ever start writing your actual essay, you need to spend some time ____________ it. Making an _______ is one of the most popularMaking an _______ is one of the most popular ways to plan an answer to an essay question. ways to plan an answer to an essay question. A typical 5-paragraph essay outline might look like this: I.Introduction/___________ Statement II. First _______ idea that supports thesis A. supporting _______ B. supporting details III. Second main idea that supports thesis IV. Third main idea that supports thesis V. Conclusion/____________

6. Sample Essay Outline: I.Sources of Stress A. Major life stressors (changes in life events) 1. Social Readjustment Rating Scale- SRRS 1. Social Readjustment Rating Scale- SRRS a. measures intensity of change 2. Life Experiences Survey-- LES 2. Life Experiences Survey-- LES 3. Measurement problems 3. Measurement problems B. Little Hassles 1. Daily frustrations affect your health 1. Daily frustrations affect your health C. Catastrophic Events 1. 5 stages of response to disaster 1. 5 stages of response to disaster D. Societal and Environmental Problems ESSAY QUESTION: Describe the major contributions to stress in people’s lives and the effects that stress has on people.

7. Another Way to Organize Same Essay: Mind Mapping Main topic goes in center circle. 4 main points go in this next level of circles. Supporting details go in these circles.

8. Characteristics of a GOOD Essay Response Thesis statement clearly _________ the essayThesis statement clearly _________ the essay question. question. Each part asked for in the essay question isEach part asked for in the essay question is covered. covered. Supporting points are specific, __________, &Supporting points are specific, __________, & well-developed. well-developed. Transitions show clear ____________ betweenTransitions show clear ____________ between ideas. ideas. Characteristics of a POOR Essay Response Not focusedNot focused Not organizedNot organized Not ___________Not ___________ Not well-developedNot well-developed