Essay Tests

Writing an Effective Essay

(After you’ve prepared)

Preparation Entails Elaborate Rehearsal!

Your Goal: Be able to organize your thoughts and ideas rapidly

• Predict

• Plan

• Practice…recite, write, compare

Seven Steps of Essay Testing

1. Skim test and jot down ideas

2. Plan your time

3. Read prompts thoroughly

4. Plan your answer

5. Organize your essay for cohesiveness

6. Write a conclusion

7. Proofread your answer

# 1 Skim Test & Jot Down Ideas

• Write your name on the test

• Look over the entire test to get an overview

• Jot down ideas as they come to you

• Unload information that you want to be sure to remember

# 2 Plan Your Time

• Take a few minutes to read over the entire test

• Divide your time between answering questions and proofreading

• Devote more time to the questions with the highest point value

• Start with the question you are most prepared to answer

# 3 Read Prompts Thoroughly

• Determine exactly what you are being asked to do– Underline directional verbs– Circle important terms– Number the items you are being asked to

address

• Describe important differences in growth and development of plants and animals. What parts of animals grow/develop most similarly to plants? How does the function of these parts affect their growth and development?

• 1.Describe important differences in growth and development of plants and animals. 2.What parts of animals grow/develop most similarly to plants? 3.How does the function of these parts affect their growth and development?

# 4 Plan Your Answer

• Create an outline or map as a blue print for the organization of your essay– Thesis Statement– Main points for each paragraph– Supporting details

• Refer to your outline or map frequently to stay on topic

Writing a Thesis StatementTurn the essay prompt into a question:

The reviewer states, “Black Elk Speaks accurately reflects Native American lifestyle.” Argue for or against this opinion.

In what way does Black Elk Speaks accurately and inaccurately reflect Native American lifestyle?

Thesis Statement Continued…

Write the answer to the question. Include the topic, what you’re saying about it, and a brief description of your support.

Black Elk Speaks accurately represents Native American lifestyle through its attention to cultural detail, its use of Native American words, and its direct quotes from Black Elk.

# 5 Organize Your 5 Paragraph Essay

• First paragraph – Thesis Statement

• Second paragraph - Main Point• Support

• Third paragraph - Main Point• Support

• Fourth paragraph - Main Point• Support

• Conclusion

Organize Your 1 Paragraph Essay

• Topic Sentence

• Main point # 1 + supporting points

• Main point # 2 + supporting points

• Main point # 3 + supporting points

• Concluding Sentence

Example of a well organized essay Black Elk Speaks accurately represents Native American lifestyle

through its attention to cultural detail, its use of Native American language, and its direct quotes from Black Elk.

The book is immersed in the cultural details of the Oglala Sioux from their daily routines to spiritual rituals…

Native American words which more precisely reflect the belief and perspectives of the Oglala Sioux are represented throughout the book….

Black Elk’s voice reaches out to the reader through numerous quotes….

Conclusion…

#6 Write the Conclusion

• Address the question, “So what”.

• Summarize your point

• Reflect on implications or recommendations

# 7 Proofread Your Essay

• Check to see if you stayed on the topic– If you find you digressed, neatly cross out the words or

paragraphs.

• Add important information – Draw an arrow and continue on the back side of the

page to maintain neatness.

• Check sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation.