Essay Test
Although taking an essay
test is never easy, having a set formula in mind for organizing answers can
be a great help in getting your ideas on paper clearly and in a short time.
An essay test formula gives you a blueprint to follow. You can then use the
knowledge you've gathered as materials with which to put together a well-constructed
answer.
Understanding the question is the first step in answering it since the organization
of the answer often depends on the organization implied in the question.
For
instance, if the question is "What
two ideas are most important to the understanding of culture change?" then
your answer would begin, "The
two ideas most important to the understanding of culture change are structure
and function" (or whatever you believe best answers
the question).
In a way, you have already answered the question; the remainder of the essay
is support for this short answer. This first sentence also provides your organization;
you will discuss the main points in the order they take in the beginning sentence
(Culture change will be defined first; then structure will be defined and discussed,
and so on.).
Time management is an important element in composing successful essay test answers.
Before you begin a test, figure out how many minutes you have to answer each
question and allocate the time. Read through the entire test first. Take a minute
or so at the beginning of each question to think about how to begin your answer.
It is also helpful to have an idea of where your answers will end. (In the example,
you would end after a discussion of the importance of function in understanding
culture change since that is the last part of the question. Remember that on
essay tests, there is no need for the generalization usually found in formal
introductions and conclusions.)
One exercise you can do anytime to determine how long an answer should be is
to sit down and write for a certain number of minutes chosen to correspond with
the time allotted for each answer on an essay test (ten or twelve minutes is
typical). Just write anything; actually, copying something out of a book or
magazine may be the best way to do this. At the end of the timed period, note
how much you have written. If you have two thirds of a page, for example, you
will know for your test that two thirds of a page is your limit given ten or
twelve minutes per answer. With the ending in sight, you have something to progress
toward so that at any time during the test, you know how far you need to go
to finish.
It is important, in terms of keeping your structure in mind, to glance at the
question frequently as you write your answer. This will help you to stay on
the subject and to avoid using valuable time giving information that is not
asked for. To most instructors, a thorough answer that wanders away from the
question is as bad as no answer at all.
As you write each essay, you will need to make transitions between the various
parts of the answer to guide the reader from one point to the next and, more
important in an essay test, to show clarity of thought and to display your grasp
of the relationships between various parts of the answer.
Here is a short list of some common transitions and their uses.
- To add or continue, use also, furthermore, in addition, moreover, or similarly.
- To show contrast or unexpected developments, use although, conversely, however,
in contrast, or on the other hand.
- To give specific examples, use for example, for instance, in fact, or to illustrate.
- To show outcome, use as a result, consequently, then, or therefore.
A good way to work on making your writing smooth and cohesive is by taking lecture
or reading notes in complete sentences. This helps you to think of ideas in
complete thoughts rather than key words. Putting your notes into sentences also
helps you to see the relationships between bits of information. If you don't
have time to write complete sentences in class, then as soon afterward as possible,
go through your notes and convert them to sentences.
Unfortunately, the only practice most people get taking essay tests is when
they are actually taking the test. There are ways to practice, however. If your
instructor is agreeable, get a few sample questions of the type likely to be
on the test (don't ask for the actual test questions). If you aren't able to
get questions from the instructor, you could make up some for yourself or use
the study questions found at the end of each chapter in most textbooks. Then
time yourself in answering the questions as you would be in a test situation.
This method gives you the luxury of going over essays to look for ways to improve
your organization or thoroughness in preparation for the real thing.
The preceding exercises will give you practice in converting knowledge in your
head to a logical and well-written essay on paper.
Good luck on your test.
|
