Guidelines for Short Answer & Essay Questions

How should your answers be organized?

Write your answer clearly, so the reader will be able to decode your writing and understand your ideas. Without clearly written words your chances of a good score are severely diminished.

What is the first step when answering an essay question?

Organize your thoughts before you begin to write. A short outline on a separate piece of paper will improve your thinking. There is usually a main idea or issue, several supporting issues and examples to illustrate the issues.

What is the second step when answering an essay question?

Paraphrase the original question to form your introductory statement. This benefits you in two ways. First, it helps you get the question straight in your mind. Second, the evaluator can see how you understood the question.

What should you look for in the essay question or prompt?

Read the essay question/statement with the intent to identify the verbs or words that give you direction. These are the verbs that describe the task you are expected to complete. List, explain, describe, compare, contrast and discuss are examples of verbs often called key instructional words.

What is the last step when answering an essay question?

Remember to write in paragraph form, proofread and check for errors.

Where should the thesis statement belong when answering an essay question?

Use the principles of good English composition when answering all types of essay questions. Form a clear thesis statement and place it as near to the beginning as possible. Provide supporting details to back up the main concept you present. Consider including a brief but adequate summary.