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Essay Questions

1. Set up a time schedule for each question. If you have 30 minutes and 3 questions then plan 10 minutes for each question.

2. Read through all questions before you begin answering. If ideas for answers come to you while you are reading, write down the key words so you will remember them when you go to write out your answer.

3. Before you answer the question, put it in your own words. Do your words have the same meaning as the test question? If so, then you understand the question.

4. Outline your answer before you start to write. Make sure you answer all of the question. If it asks for three examples, don't give only two.

5. Restate the question to start your answer. Make sure you have a conclusion that summarizes your main point.

6. Re-read your answer when you are finished. Make sure your sentences are complete.

7. If you are in doubt about an answer, then qualify it. If you don't remember an exact date, refer to the approximate time. For example, say in the mid-1980's if you are not sure if something happened in 1984 or 1985.

8. Do the easy qeustions first.

9. Write something for every question.

10. Be as neat as you can so it is easier for you to read.

Keywords in Questions and What To Do With Them

Enumerate or list = make a numbered list

Compare & Contrast = state both the likenesses and differences

Evaluate or Critique = state the advantages and disadvantages

Explain or Discuss = tell how and why

Describe and illustrate = needs a diagram or picture

Interpret or Define = give the meaning of the word or idea

Justify or Prove = give reasons for your answer

Trace = show progress from one point to another

Summarize = briefly sum up the main idea