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Essay exams are designed to test your ability to synthesise information and to organise your thoughts on paper. The following points are designed to help you prepare for essay style examinations.
Make sure you understand the question and are clear about what you are being asked to do. Terms like:
all have different meanings and will require a different style of answer.
Make sure you read each question carefully and be sure you understand exactly what the question is asking. A common mistake made in essay exams is not reading the question properly. If the question is ambiguous, unclear or too broad, clearly write your interpretation of the question before answering.
Before you begin writing, jot down all your ideas and organise them into an essay plan. Don't write your essay off the top of your head - it will end up disorganised and incoherent. First draw up a plan. You can do this on the exam paper itself, or on any spare paper you have with you. Begin by thinking about how you will answer the question. Jot down the main information in point form. Doing this will also help you think about your answer.
If you have to write more than one essay, always indicate the number of the essay. You don't have to answer questions in the order in which they appear in the exam paper. Start with the easiest one first and do the hardest last. This approach reduces anxiety and can facilitate clear thinking. However, write the essay question number at the top.
Another common mistake made in essay exams is running out of time. Allocate time for each question. If you need to write two essays in two hours, then allocate 1 hour per question. Start with the easiest one first and do the hardest last. This approach reduces anxiety and helps you think more clearly.
A good technique is to use the wording of the question in your answer. For example:
"How do the goals of liberal and socialist feminism differ?"
You could begin your essay with:
"The goals of liberal and socialist feminism differ in three main ways . . ."
This approach makes sure you answer the question, and makes the exam easier to mark.
An introduction should explicitly state your answer and the organisation of the essay. For example:
"The goals of liberal and socialist feminism differ in three main ways. The first is that . . ., The second is . . . and the third main area of difference lies in the . . . This essay will argue that although these differences exist in approaches, the practices of liberal and socialist feminism have become very similar".
The Body of your essay should include supporting material and appropriate details for your answer. Make sure you structure the body of the essay as you indicated in your introduction. Use transitions to tie your ideas together. This will make your essay flow. If you feel you are losing the plot, go back and reread the question and your introduction.
In your Conclusion, re-answer the question and refer briefly to the main points in the body. Show HOW you have answered the question. For example:
"In conclusion, it is clear that although liberal and socialist feminism originally held differing views on how to attain their goals, a realistic assessment now shows that their practice has become very similar. This is most clearly illustrated by . . . (give your best example and end the essay).
Markers will often give you some marks for this.
Exam Tactics, James Cook University Learning Centre
How to Study for Essay Exams, University of Pennsylvania
How to Take an Essay Test, George Mason University, Virginia
The Essay Exam, The University of Newcastle
Exam Success, Charles Sturt University
Learning Centre Guides