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| Essay Questions |  Steps to Answering an Essay Question
Understand the question clearly
Know necessary facts & supporting materials
Apply reasoning to these materials
Preparing Before You Answer an Essay Question
Make notes on back of test to free your mind
Read directions carefully
Do you have a choice (ex: respond to 3 out of 5 questions)
Read everything
• Read all the questions: choose questions you’re best prepared for
• Circle key words as you read
Jot clues alongside each question to help you organize thoughts before writing
Plan your time
• Don’t use extra time for difficult questions
Start with the easiest question—this builds confidence!
How to Answer an Essay Question
1. Understand question with precision—what idea are they getting at?
2. Be explicit and complete
• Define terms as you write
• Don’t allow inferring or concluding
3. Eliminate impressions or feelings
• Avoid phony & fancy writing…be real
4. Be concise
• Direct and straightforward is most impressive, avoid being wordy
5. Spell correctly
• Avoid misspelled words & grammatical errors (edit your work)
6. One idea per paragraph
• Be organized
• Write deductive paragraphs: State idea clearly then support with facts
7. Understand “pet ideas”
• Instructors use only a few basic approaches
• What are the main themes?
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