Strategies for Essay Test Questions
Before the Test
If your test includes, or is completely comprised of, essay questions, it will be important to prepare for it by practicing the act of essay writing.
Here are four approaches to consider when preparing for the test:
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Practice writing answers to questions and then reflect. What's your process for writing answers to questions? How long does it take you? Where do you get stuck? What helps when you're stuck?
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Write possible test questions. What will you be asked to evaluate, compare, or make meaning of? What will your instructor want to know that you know? How could that show up in a question?
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Know your supporting content. What articles, theories, or content from lectures and discussion posts can you use to support your answers? Clarify what's expected of you for citations!
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Practice making connections. How is the course material related, or how does it build on ideas? Try creating opposing arguments or writing a critical analysis of text you've covered, and make sure you can do it in the time you're allotted for the test.
During the Test
Here are seven strategies to consider for use during the test to complete your answers:
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Create a schedule. For example, if you need to answer six questions in 60 minutes, give yourself seven minutes for each answer (assuming questions are equally weighted). Once you've finished all six of the seven-minute sessions, use your remaining time to finish any answers you couldn’t initially.
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Before you start working on the exam, read through every question. Jot down whatever comes to mind when you read the prompts, including any dates or names or articles you don't want to forget. Doing this immediately can free your head to focus completely on the question. This strategy can also help reduce anxiety by reminding you how much you know.
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Make sure you understand the question. Before you begin writing your answer, know what's being asked. If it isn't clear, ask for clarification. Underline key words in the question (e.g., “name three” or “compare and contrast”) to be sure you answer the question completely.
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Outline the answer before you begin writing. This can help you with effective organization, clarity, and concision in your writing. And, if for some reason you're unable to finish, having an outline of where you were planning to go with your answer can illustrate to your instructor what your overall essay arc would've been and demonstrate your thought process.
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Include an introduction and conclusion. The introduction may be a rewording of the question into a statement containing your main point. A compact conclusion, highlighting the main points and tying the main ideas into a neat bundle, should follow the body of the answer. Both the introduction and the conclusion should be concise.
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Reread the paper before turning it in. When we rush, we may misspell words, omit words and parts of sentences, omit parts of questions, mis-write dates and figures (e.g., 1353 as 1953; $.50 as $50). Read over to catch any mistakes you can!
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If you're not sure, offer approximates rather than specifics. Naming a date incorrectly could throw your entire answer off. If you aren't 100% sure, it's a good idea to write something like "During the early years of Impressionism" rather than "In 1864" if you're not entirely sure that it really is in 1864. More often than not, and unless otherwise noted, approximation is perfectly acceptable.
After the Test
After the exam, here are two ways to continue to engage and develop your essay-writing skills:
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Make time to review your results. Note what you got right and also what you missed and why. Active review can reduce stress for the next test by increasing awareness for knowledge gaps and identifying areas of strength.
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If you have questions about scores or comments, ask. Asking is the fastest way to identify what was missing or misunderstood and to become more effective, not only in your future exams but in class as you continue to learn the material.
