• USE AN ERASABLE PEN - Remember, neatness does count!
• Outline the answer before writing your essay - Use the inside cover of the blue book and write down the information you know and then number it in the order of writing your essay.
• Make sure you have an introductory paragraph - In this paragraph you want to make sure that you explain the point of your essay answer (i.e., your thesis statement).
• Write a concluding paragraph to summarize your essay - This reinforces the points you made within the essay.  It should be somewhat similar to your introductory paragraph.
• Use your strongest point first in your essay answer - This is to grab the reader’s attention immediately.
• Underline the key words in your essay question/statement - By doing this you will be able to look back quickly to see if you are answering the question.

Helpful Terms To Know

ANALYZE-Break into separate parts and discuss or interpret.

COMPARE-Examine qualities or characteristics in order to discover resemblances.  This usually refers to similarities more than differences.

CONTRAST-Show differences between two or more ideas, topics, concepts, etc.

CRITICIZE-Make judgments as to a given topic or evaluate its worth by backing up your statement with specific examples.

DEFINE-Give a clear, specific meaning.

DESCRIBE-Give a detailed account.  Include characteristics and qualities.

DIAGRAM-Present a chart, plan, or graphic representation.

DISCUSS-Examine an issue and present or argue its pros and cons with details and examples.

ENUMERATE-List several ideas, aspects, events, reasons, etc.

EVALUATE-Give your opinion or the opinion of an expert.  Include both advantages and limitations.

EXPLAIN-Clarify and interpret material presented, state “who,” what,” “where,” and “why.”

ILLUSTRATE-Give concrete examples.

INTERPRET-Comment upon, give examples, and describe relationships.

JUSTIFY-Give reasons or prove.

LIST-Present an itemized series.

OUTLINE-Give main points and necessary supplementary material, omitting details.

PROVE-Support with facts or evidence.

RELATE-Show how things interconnect.

STATE-Explain precisely.

SUMMARIZE-Give the main points or facts in condensed form.

SUPPORT-Back up statements with facts and proof.

TRACE-Show the order or progress of events.

This list was excerpted from- http://www.newbury.edu/academics/support_services/tests.shtml

Essay Example:

Compare and contrast the differences between high school and college in terms of academics, career preparation, and social life.

• How are you going to organize the essay prior to writing it?

For additional strategies on essay exams you may want to visit these websites:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_essay.html

http://www.studygs.net/tsttak4.htm

http://depts.washington.edu/pswrite/essayex.html