The Call to Write,Third Edition

Chapter 22, Essay Exams

Test anxiety Many people get

nervous just thinking about taking an essay exam.

However, essay exams are a part of college life!

Let’s look at how to be successful.

Chapter overview Preparing for essay exams Analyzing the format and questions on the exam Planning an answer Writing the essay exam How to prepare for an exam Different kinds of essay test formats Using the rule of three, outlines and maps Typical types of exam questions

How are essay tests different? Most tests focus on whether you have learned

specific facts, terms, or formulas. Essay tests require you to demonstrate your

understanding of applying concepts by writing anywhere from several sentences to a page or more.

Objective vs. subjective Test question formats such as true/false,

multiple choice, and matching are examples of objective questions. There is a correct answer.

Essay test questions often include both an objective and subjective aspect, if you are asked your opinion.

Preparing for essay exams Ask about format and scope (how many

chapters will be covered). Read over your notes, and review chapter

summaries in your text. Write sample questions and plan answers.

Overall approach for preparation Don’t try to memorize big chunks of

information. Focus instead on the big picture, “the main

ideas, terminology, controversies, explanations, and conceptual frameworks” (655).

Consider working with a study group.

Types of essay test formats

What are the three different types of essay tests?

Identification items Short answer Long answer

Identification items Short statements used to

define a term or identify a researcher

Typical for introductory courses

Write one to two sentences, as needed.

Short-answer questions

Instructions may say to answer in a few sentences to several paragraphs.

It’s safest to develop a short thesis statement and write an organized mini-essay of several paragraphs.

Long-answer essay questions Use more complex

questions that require a more complex answer

Explore bigger concepts A clue may be a question at

the top of the page, and then rest of the page is blank!

Use time wisely Identification items should be given the least

amount of time. Short-answer questions should be given a few

more minutes, but probably no more than 10 minutes.

Essay questions, or long answer questions, may take from 20 minutes to an hour to complete.

Planning is essential Take a few moments to think about the

question; note key words. Jot down a scratch outline of ideas to

discover a three-part thesis statement. Use a simple outline to organize ideas. Add details, examples.

Example of an informal outline Introduction (simple thesis with three

points) Body: first point and examples Body: second point and examples Body: third point and examples Conclusion

The thesis The main idea of your essay Gives your reader a sense of organization Builds in a mini-outline to essay Three works well: for example, three

reasons, three ways, three arguments, three views.

Drafting your answer Realize you can only write a good rough

draft; there is no time to do a major revision. First impressions count. Use the ideas in the question itself to frame

the opening statement. Provide supporting evidence, and tie in ideas

from the course.

Drafting your answer, cont. Write an ending, even if short on time. Write legibly, and proofread. Watch the clock. If you feel you cannot finish, at least list the

ideas from your outline to show where you are going.

See the student samples, pages 663-666.

Student Companion Website Go to the student side of the Web site for

exercises, chapter overviews, and links to writing resources for this chapter:

http://www.ablongman.com/trimbur Click on the textbook cover, and then

select Student Resources.