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Essay Tests

STRATEGIES FOR ESSAY TESTS

While preparing for an exam is an essential component for academic success, the format for a test is also an important consideration within the preparation process. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of strategies and suggestions specifically geared to help you prepare for essay tests. A printable (.pdf) version of our Strategies for Essay Tests handout is also available.

  • Read all of the questions before starting, making sure that you understand what is being asked.
  • Look for key terms.
  • If you’re feeling worried, start with the easier questions. This will lessen your frustration and help you remember the answers to the harder questions.
  • Jot down ideas as soon as they come to mind, and try to quickly put together an outline.
  • Think before you write.
  • Start with a direct response to the question.
  • Mention the topic or area described in the question.
  • Provide both specific and general information.
  • Use the technical vocabulary for the subject.
  • Be sure to keep track of time, and spend more time on the questions worth more points.
  • Try to write as neatly as possible while still saving time to reread your response to check for spelling and other errors.
  • Leave some space at the end for added thoughts, information, or corrections.

Look for the following terms in the question, and use them to frame your response

Criticize: Make judgments; evaluate comparative worth. Criticism often involves analysis.

Explain: Make an idea clear; show logically how a concept is developed. Give the reasons for an event.

Compare: Examine two or more things. Identify similarities and differences.

Illustrate: Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.

Contrast: Show differences; set in opposition.

Prove: Support with facts.

Analyze: Break into separate parts and discuss, examine, or interpret each part.

Outline: Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events.

Define: Give the meaning of something in relation to the subject or course. Definitions are usually short.

Describe: Give a detailed account. “Make a picture with words” and list characteristics, qualities and parts.

Interpret: Comment upon, give examples, describe relationships. Describe, then evaluate.

Discuss: Consider and debate or argue the pros and cons of an issue. Compare and contrast.

Relate: Show the connections between ideas or events. Explain within a larger context.

Justify: Offer proof or evidence that supports a theory, action, or event.

Summarize: Give a brief, condensed account; include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details.

Evaluate: Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert. Include evidence to support the evaluation.

Trace: Show the order of events or progress of a subject or event.

Enumerate: List several ideas, aspects, events, qualities, etc that describe the topic.

Diagram: Create a drawing, chart, or plan to visually represent an idea.

State: Explain clearly and precisely.