C h a p t e r 2 4
Essay Test Responses
R
equiring essay responses to test questions enables an instructor to find out how
well students really understand a subject. Students can write easily about what
they understand. In test situations, however, you must plan carefully what you will
say. Time limits demand that you structure your response to present your under-
standing in the best possible manner.
tyPes of essay test Questions
Certain clue words identify the kind of response your teacher is seeking. The follow-
ing list indicates appropriate responses.
-^ ANALYZE^ Show parts in relation to a whole. [See Chapter 6, Cause and Effect;
Chapter 14, Process Analysis; Chapter 8,Comparison and Contrast; Chapter 10,
Description; and Chapter 27, Literary Analyses.]
Example: Analyze the relationship between state and local governments.
Other clue words: show the process, explain the means by which, describe
the effects, clarify the causes, criticize
-^ COMPARE^ Show the similarities of two or more things. [See Chapter 8,
Comparison and Contrast.]
Example: Compare two of Shakespeare’s sonnets in terms of their refer-
ences to the Dark Lady.
Other clue words: similarities, resemblances, likenesses, comparison, alike
-^ CONTRAST^ Show the differences between two or more things. [See Chapter 8,
Comparison and Contrast.]
Example: Contrast direct current with alternating current.
Other clue words: differences, contrasting, differ, different
-^ CRITICIZE^ Discuss the strengths or merits of a given topic. [See Chapter 27,
Literary Analyses.]
Example: Write a critical analysis of the structure of the following sonnet.
Other clue words: point out the strengths and weaknesses, critical analysis,
evaluate, analyze