Doing Well on Essay and Short Answer Questions

1. Read the instructions carefully.  The teacher may give options such as "Answer any 3 of the following questions."

2. Answer the easy questions first.

3. Be sure to have the appropriate writing tool (pen or pencil).

4. Be neat.  Write the final draft in pen or type on the computer.

5. Read all questions and estimate the amount of time you can spend on each.  Note how many points each item is worth when determining how much time to spend.  If you do not know the point value, ask the teacher.

6. Answer everything you are asked.  The words used in the essay question are important.

7. Circle the clue word in the question.  It will tell you what you need to do to answer the question completely. 

8. Decide how much you will need to write to answer the question.  Some questions may require only two or three sentence answers, while others may require several paragraphs.

9. Jot down in the margin or on a blank sheet of paper all the facts, ideas, and details you can remember.

10. Leave space between your answers in case you want to go back later to add more information. 

11. Never leave a question blank.  Your teacher can't give you any credit if you don't write anything.

12. If you can't remember an answer, just start writing.  Rephrase the question to begin your answer.  Look anywhere on the test for hints.  Writing something will usually get you a few points.

13. If you run out of time, list the information. 

14. Use all the test time.

15. Reread your responses.  Check to see that you have answered everything that has been asked.  Look for errors in spelling, grammar, etc.  Be sure what you have written makes sense.