Test Taking Lecture 5 The Essay Test Strategies

Test Taking Lecture 5 The Essay Test

Strategies for Handling the Essay Test Read the question carefully. Look for & circle key direction words. SAMPLE ESSAY PROMPT: List the steps necessary to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Then describe each step.

Other Essay Exam Tips: Make notes of ideas in the ______ of the exam. Re-state the question in the first sentence of your essay. EXAMPLE: ESSAY QUESTION: What were the causes of the Civil War? START OF YOUR ESSAY: Answer _____ parts of the essay question. Be specific and concise in your answer…say what you need to say but with the _____ words necessary to get your point across.

Continuation of Essay Exam Tips… Use a _____… easier on instructor’s eyes. Write on one side of the page. Use _______ to connect all parts of the question. What are some examples of transition words? In addition, Finally, Moreover, Furthermore, Subsequently, However, Secondly, Next, In contrast, Transition words are like ______ that tell the reader where your essay is heading!

Ways to Organize Your Essay: Before you ever start writing your actual essay, you need to spend some time ______ it. • Making an _______ is one of the most popular ways to plan an answer to an essay question. A typical 5 -paragraph essay outline might look like this: I. Introduction/______ Statement II. First _______ idea that supports thesis A. supporting _______ B. supporting details III. Second main idea that supports thesis IV. Third main idea that supports thesis V. Conclusion/______

Sample Essay Outline: ESSAY QUESTION: Describe the major contributions to stress in people’s lives and the effects that stress has on people. I. Sources of Stress A. Major life stressors (changes in life events) 1. Social Readjustment Rating Scale-SRRS a. measures intensity of change 2. Life Experiences Survey--LES 3. Measurement problems B. Little Hassles 1. Daily frustrations affect your health C. Catastrophic Events 1. 5 stages of response to disaster D. Societal and Environmental Problems

Another Way to Organize Same Essay: Mind Mapping Supporting details go in these circles. 4 main points go in this next level of circles. Main topic goes in center circle.

Characteristics of a GOOD Essay Response • Thesis statement clearly _____ the essay question. • Each part asked for in the essay question is covered. • Supporting points are specific, _____, & well-developed. • Transitions show clear ______ between ideas. Characteristics of a POOR Essay Response • Not focused • Not organized • Not ______ • Not well-developed