The University of Arizona

Introduction
Self Evaluation

Exam Preparation
Study Evaluation
Study Plan
Note Cards
Cramming
Test Anxiety

Test Taking Strategies
Objective Tests
Essay Questions
Computational Exams

Learning from Mistakes
Correcting Mistakes
Summary
Apply what You Learned
Essay Tests

Unlike objective tests which check portions of what you learned, essay tests cover a much broader scope. Essay tests allow you to apply what you have learned and draw conclusions from what you have studied. Essay tests are carefully worded; you won’t be given points for answering questions you haven’t been asked.

Breaking up the Question

Take the time at the beginning of the test to analyze the question you'll be writing about. Learn all that you can from the question so that your response will do everything that is asked. Look for the topic, the task, and any hints in the question. Here's an example:

Question: Define Narcissism and its origin in mythology.

Topic: The subject area of the essay question. (Narcissism)

Task: The job your essay response should perform, usually expressed as a keyword. (Define)

Hints: Suggestions of information the essay should contain (origin, mythology)

Develop a time budget

Breaking your time into smaller chunks helps you determine how long you will spend on each step of the paper. This will help you finish your essay on time and allows you to manage one section at a time.

Consider breaking up a 50 minute time frame in this way:
  1. Analyze the question, plan, and gather ideas: 10 min
  2. Draw an outline: 5 min
  3. Writing: 25 min
  4. Proofreading: 10 min

Tips

  • Use pencil or erasable pen
  • Read the questions carefully and underline key words
  • Create an outline in the margin of what you’d like to say
  • Begin your answer by rephrasing the question
  • Devote a paragraph to each of the main points
  • Make certain you know exactly what the question is asking of you. If you do not, ask your instructor.
  • Write the answer, but with a little more detail. Analyzing the answer in your essay helps you get a higher test grade.
  • Keep the introduction and conclusion short. You're being graded on the content of the essay. It is best to spend what time you have on the meat of the paper.
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