TEST TAKING TIP 5: EXTENDED ANSWER QUESTIONS

Updates: April 8, 2021

Extended response questions or essays are typically one of the hardest type of exam questions for students. The answer is fully open-ended and requires a lot of knowledge on the topic to be able to write a full essay.  However, essays also allow for more freedom and creativity than other questions since there is never only one correct essay.

Planning Your Essay:

  1. Read the exam carefully.
  2. Make sure that you read all of the questions so that you know how much time you have to answer each question.
  3. Plan your essay using a mind map or other quick graphic organizer.
  4. Start with the easiest questions.

Writing Your Essay:

  1. You should have at least 3-4 paragraphs.
  2. Remember to indent each paragraph.
  3. Budget your time and try not to rush the conclusion.
  4. Always remember to answer the question that is asked.
  5. Make sure that you answer each part of the question.
  6. Use facts and logic to make your point.
  7. Try to avoid giving your opinion, unless the essay question asks for your opinion.
  8. Be concise.

Introduction

The introduction paragraph should rephrase the question to prompt. It should also include the topic sentence or thesis. There should be about 3-5 total sentences in the paragraph. It should begin general by rephrasing the task and end specific with the thesis.  It is also important to capture the reader’s attention with a strong hook.

Body Paragraph

There should be at least one body paragraph. It should flow and be organized logically. If there are multiple topics, there should be multiple body paragraphs. For comparisons there should always be at least two body paragraphs.  Body paragraphs should include evidence and explanations.

Conclusion

The conclusion should begin specific by stating the exact conclusion. It should then become more general towards the end of the paragraph. The conclusion should also be 3-5 sentences.  It should summarize the important points in your essay.

Editing Your Essay:

  1. Always proofread your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.
  2. Reread your answer for clarity.

Written By: Stephanie Dunaieff