Conquering Essay Tests

• Read all directions carefully and reread anything that is not clear to you.
• Know the meaning of directional words.
• Read the entire examination.  Doing so will give you time to think and prevent overlapping answers.
• Budget your time; spend the most time on the question that counts the most.
• For each question, jot down key words or phrases to stimulate and anchor your thought process.
• Star or underline important ideas, terms, and instructions.
• Begin with the easiest question.  Ideas about more difficult questions may occur as you write.
• As ideas about other questions occur to you, immediately jot them down on scratch paper.
• Briefly sketch an outline before you begin to write.  The time spent planning your answers will pay big dividends.
• If you don't know the answer to a question, don't leave it blank unless you have absolutely no idea.  You should save this question for last.
• Use appropriate English and write legibly.
• Leave time to read over your answers.

Directional Words in Essay Questions

• Analyze- take subject apart and highlight interrelationships of parts
• Compare- draw out similarities
• Contrast- draw out differences
• Critique- analyze an idea in detail, then present your judgment
• Define- explain the meaning in concise, clear terms
• Describe- give overview and details in narrative form
• Discuss- give reasons and details, especially about two sides of an issue
• Evaluate- look at both sides of an issue and state your viewpoint, citing evidence to support your view
• Explain- state why or how something happens; state causes where possible
• Illustrate- give examples of how an idea works in different circumstances
• Interpret- describe the subject's meaning and relate it to examples
• Justify- explain why
• List- itemize a set of concepts in brief form
• Outline- sketch the main points, showing the structure of the subject matter
• Prove- present documented facts that support a point of view
• Relate- draw connections between dissimilar ideas
• State- use precise terms to describe rules, laws, opinions
• Summarize- give concise overview that preserves the meaning
• Trace- give historical progression or development