Short Answers / 365STEP 1: Prewriting—Analyzing the Question
Before you begin writing, be sure you understand what to include. Look for clue
words in the question or statement. The following are typical clue words:
summarize (give the main ideas)
outline (give the main ideas and show their relationships)
explain briefly (make clear)
give reasons (show why)
complete the sentence (finish the idea)
when (give date, historical period, or other time relationship)
why (give reasons)
how (explain the steps or stages)
where (give place)
who (identify person by name or position)
what (name the items)STEP 2: Prewriting—Planning Your Answer
Brief responses of a word, phrase, or sentence need little planning; brief responses of
several sentences take more.
In responding to a test question, use this quick line of questioning:
What are the key ideas? Write them in a list.
In what order should they be presented? Place them in order.
Is anything essential omitted? If so, what?In completing an application, use the preceding guiding questions as well as the
following ones:
Why is this question on the application? What is the reader trying to learn
about me?
Are my ideas important to the reader or just to me?
As I respond, how can I show myself in the most favorable light?As you develop your short-answer response for an application, you may have diffi-
culty being objective about yourself, being either too modest or too complimentary.
Take every opportunity to discuss your list with someone you trust. Your friend may
have an insight into a qualification or characteristic you have overlooked.
STEP 3: Writing—Completing the Brief Response
As you list your answers to the questions in Step 2 and turn them into a written
response, keep in mind these suggestions: