TAKING AN ESSAY EXAM

The most important way to prepare for an essay exam, of course, is to study! As you read, try to notice connections between the materials.

 Find out what materials your instructor will allow you to bring into the test. So, for example, will the exam be open book or open note? Will your instructor allow you to have an outline?  A rough draft? 

Plan to write as legibly as you possibly can. read through the entire exam and budget out how you will spend your time before beginning.

Make sure you understand how to take an essay exam.

First, read the question carefully. Watch out for certain key words:

            Analyze: divide into parts and discuss each word
            Argue: express an opinion and point out your reasons  
            Classify: organize people, objects, or concepts into groups  
            Compare: point out similarities  
            Contrast: point out differences  
            Define: give the meaning of  
            Discuss: state important characteristics and main points  
            Evaluate: define criteria for judgment and examine good and
             bad points,  Strengths and weaknesses  
        Explain: give reasons or make clear by analyzing,
         defining,  Contrasting illustrating and so on  
        Illustrate: give examples from experience and reading

Make sure that your answer responds directly to the instructions.   Be clear about the point you are arguing for and make sure to support it with ample evidence.  

Plan in advance: give yourself time to organize, since you will probably not have much time for drafting and revising during the exam. Analyze each question before you start to write.  Locate the key terms and underline them, and then list the points you want to make.   Decide on a thesis, and plan out how you will organize your ideas.

Stick to your plan. Changing your mind in the middle of an essay will lead to an incoherent mess that will be difficult to follow.

Make sure to illustrate the points you want to make with particular examples. You are trying to show your instructor that you have mastered the material. Answer each question clearly, directly and completely. 

 If you have more than one question, start with an answer about which you are sure—this will give you confidence.  Make sure, however, to budget your time. If you are unsure about a question or part of a question, leave a blank space for it and come back later.

Proofread your answers, and try to avoid careless spelling and punctuation errors.

Check out these additional links on taking essay tests:

Tips for Taking Essay Exams 

Guide to Taking Essay Tests (George Mason University)
Psychology Tests (University of Washington)

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