How to answer essay questions

Understand Direction Words. The first step in answering an essay question is to correctly interpret the meanings of direction words. Give the type of answer that the direction words instruct you to give. Direction words such as describe, compare, discuss, contrast, list, show relationship of, evaluate importance of, etc., are critical if you are to answer what is being asked.

Answer all Parts of Questions. Failure to answer all the parts-of essay questions is a major reason that students receive lower grades on essay test's than they should. Many essay questions are really asking you to respond to more than one question. If you cannot understand an essay question, ask the instructor for clarification. If you are unclear about the question, your answer is almost sure to be equally unclear.

Write well-organized answers. Plan the major points you should include in your answers by:

-outlining the major points in the margin and numbering them before you begin writing

your response.

-restating the question as part of your topic sentence.

-including only one main idea in each paragraph

-using facts and examples to support your answer

-using transition words to tie your ideas and/or paragraphs together

Develop your essay from a strong opening sentence. Starting your first sentence with a full or partial repeat of the question is the most important step you can take to keep your answer on target. This approach forces a natural organizational pattern in your writing. For the rest of your response, expand on the first sentence by putting down ideas, facts, and supporting details.

Write Complete Answers. It is almost always better to include too many facts and details than too few. If you are uncertain whether to include a relevant piece of information or example, include it. If you tend to write responses that are too short, write them thinking that they will be read by a person who is uninformed about the subject. This strategy will help you to write more complete answers and to explain your thoughts more clearly.

Write Easy-to-Read Answers. It is extremely important that your instructor can read your response quickly and easily; your professor may give you a lower grade if your response is difficult to read. Follow these guidelines to write neater essays:

-Use an erasable ball-point pen so you can erase mistakes and correct them.

-Write answers only on right-hand pages of bluebooks (or on one side of sheet only) this allows for additions and changes on the blank sheets when you proofread.

-indent each new paragraph, and leave margins that are at least one inch wide at the top, bottom, left, and right of your response.

End with a Summary or Conclusion. The final sentence or two in your response should summarize or repeat the points made in your opening sentence or paragraph. The transitional phrases "to sum up" or "in conclusion" clearly label that sentence as a concluding statement. A last strong, concluding sentence tells the grader that you are in control right to the finish line.

Proofread Your Answers. Plan for time to proofread answers after you write them. When you proofread, correct any errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and add additional relevant information if you can. Any improvements-you make when you proofread will benefit you when your answers are graded.