Most essay questions contain key words; if you watch for and understand them, you can better focus and develop your answer.
If you are asked to define a term, tell what it is, what it does, how it works, why it's done, or why it is an issue. (See defining terms.)
If you are asked to summarize a text, state the gist of it. (See summarizing.)
If you are asked to compare and contrast, use a point-by-point or whole-by- whole organizational pattern, as appropriate. (See comparison and contrast as a method of development.)
If you are asked to analyze a topic or text, break it into its components.
If you are asked to argue that something is or is not true, draw on the strategies just mentioned as may be appropriate: define terms, compare and contrast, summarize, or analyze information. Especially, however, be clear about the point you are arguing for, and support it with ample evidence: facts, authoritative opinions, scientific findings, and the like.
To study for an essay exam, note information that would fall into the categories just mentioned, and then design your own questions and sketch out answers.
When you sit down to take the test, give yourself some time to organize. Analyze each question before you start to write. Locate the key terms and underline them, and then list the points you want to make. Allow yourself a specific number of minutes for each answer, as well as time to proofread before you turn in your test. Start with the questions you know best; that will give you confidence.
