Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

 GI      $

TAKING EXAMS 265

WHAT STRATEGIES CAN I USE FOR ANSWERING ESSAY QUESTIONS?

The following strategies are helpful in answering essay questions.

Read the Directions Carefully and Do Exactly What Is Asked

Often students are given a choice of questions to answer, such as

three out of four. If a student answers all the questions, only the first

three would count. The following is an example of a question that

needs to be carefully read:

Explain one effect of the Industrial Revolution on each of

three of the following:

a. Transportation

b. Capitalism

c. Socialism

d. Population growth

e. Scientific research

Read Each Question Carefully to Determine What Is Expected in the Response

Circle key words (i.e., list, describe, compare, etc.) in each question

and take notes as you read. Many questions require more than one

type of response, and to receive full credit, the complete question must

be answered. Observe the multiple responses required in each of the

following questions:

List several categories of speeches and describe their pri-

mary functions and uses.

For the U.S. invasion of Panama, discuss the (a) causes,

(b) immediate effects, and (c) long-term political implications.

Discuss how the Equal Rights Amendment was developed

and explain why its passage has aroused controversy.

Another difficulty is that some students do not understand key terms

in essay questions, and as a result, fail to do what is asked for in

the question. The following list of key words and their meaning will

be helpful in responding to essay questions (adapted from Jefferson

County Schools, Colorado, 1983). Also, when you predict essay

questions before exams, use the list to write different type of

questions: