How to Get an "A" on Your Next Essay Test
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All high school and college students know that getting good marks on essay tests is one of their biggest tasks in any academic year. If you can learn how to consistently write good essays then you will have gained an academic tool that will be of immense value to you in the coming years. In case you need some tips on how to be a better essay writer, then I would like to share my experience with you.
1. Read the test questions carefully and plan your answers accordingly. Before you start writing on any particular question, look at the entire exam and find out the following: How many questions do you have to answer and is there a choice of questions? Find out, and then keep it in mind. This sounds elementary but it is important. On my first college test I got so carried away that I wrote for one hour on one question and forgot about the two other questions. I got a "D." So, don't make that mistake!
2. Plan what you are going to do and allocate time accordingly. Once you know how many questions there are, then allocate time for each question. Bring a watch with you because it may not be convenient to look at the wall clock which may not be in a convenient position, or may not even be there. One of the best ways to plan your answer is to make an outline of the points that you are going to cover. After you make your outline, then start writing and make sure that you cover all of your points while staying aware of how much time you are taking to do the essay.
3. Open with a well-written introduction. Your first paragraph is very important. A good technique is to start by restating the question and then give a brief idea of what you are going to say that will answer that question. An introductory paragraph will not only give the examiner a better idea of what is coming, but it will also guide you as well.
4. Show that you know something about the course. The paragraphs that follow the introduction and precede the conclusion are the places where you can show that you have read the books, listened to class discussion and have understood something about the course. Use these paragraphs to answer the question, and wherever possible back up your opinions with references to authors, articles, books and class discussion that supports your arguments. Emphasize what you know about the subject and don't try to hide your knowledge gaps with "hot air." Make every word count.
5. Write simply but intelligently. In order to do well on any essay test it is important to prepare and assimilate the course material, but it is also important to be able to communicate clearly and efficiently. It is not a good idea to use or misuse terms that you are not familiar with. Make it easy for your instructor to read your essay, and remember that she might have 40 other essays to read as well!
6. Conclude clearly and strongly. Your closing paragraph should restate what you set out to do in the opening paragraph and it should summarize what you have said in the body of your essay. Conclude your essay with clarity and with confidence.
If you follow these tips, and work on developing your writing skills you will not only do well on your essays in school, but will have acquired a valuable skill that will help you throughout your entire life.
1. Read the test questions carefully and plan your answers accordingly. Before you start writing on any particular question, look at the entire exam and find out the following: How many questions do you have to answer and is there a choice of questions? Find out, and then keep it in mind. This sounds elementary but it is important. On my first college test I got so carried away that I wrote for one hour on one question and forgot about the two other questions. I got a "D." So, don't make that mistake!
2. Plan what you are going to do and allocate time accordingly. Once you know how many questions there are, then allocate time for each question. Bring a watch with you because it may not be convenient to look at the wall clock which may not be in a convenient position, or may not even be there. One of the best ways to plan your answer is to make an outline of the points that you are going to cover. After you make your outline, then start writing and make sure that you cover all of your points while staying aware of how much time you are taking to do the essay.
3. Open with a well-written introduction. Your first paragraph is very important. A good technique is to start by restating the question and then give a brief idea of what you are going to say that will answer that question. An introductory paragraph will not only give the examiner a better idea of what is coming, but it will also guide you as well.
4. Show that you know something about the course. The paragraphs that follow the introduction and precede the conclusion are the places where you can show that you have read the books, listened to class discussion and have understood something about the course. Use these paragraphs to answer the question, and wherever possible back up your opinions with references to authors, articles, books and class discussion that supports your arguments. Emphasize what you know about the subject and don't try to hide your knowledge gaps with "hot air." Make every word count.
5. Write simply but intelligently. In order to do well on any essay test it is important to prepare and assimilate the course material, but it is also important to be able to communicate clearly and efficiently. It is not a good idea to use or misuse terms that you are not familiar with. Make it easy for your instructor to read your essay, and remember that she might have 40 other essays to read as well!
6. Conclude clearly and strongly. Your closing paragraph should restate what you set out to do in the opening paragraph and it should summarize what you have said in the body of your essay. Conclude your essay with clarity and with confidence.
If you follow these tips, and work on developing your writing skills you will not only do well on your essays in school, but will have acquired a valuable skill that will help you throughout your entire life.
About the Author:
Andrew Carson is a newspaper columnist who produces articles on scholarships, online colleges, financial aid, school search tips, and adult education.
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