BEFORE THE TEST:

1. Predict about 6 – 10 likely essay questions, using your textbook, your notes, and
any other course materials. Predicting pushes you to think about and analyze the
material, rather than simply review it.

2. Make informal outlines for each of these questions, and memorize them. If
necessary, use mnemonics. For example, if you were studying "Agricultural
Advancements in the Middle Ages," you could write the list below, and use the first
letter of a key word from each item to make a silly sentence.

Agricultural Advancements in the Middle Ages

Caution: When you memorize "Frank Is Coming Home Sunday Afternoon," be sure to
memorize it with the heading "Agricultural Advancements in the Middle Ages."

3. Practice answering the questions that you predicted. This pushes you to express
the information in written form.

DURING THE TEST:

1. When you receive the test paper, immediately turn it upside down, and do a "Memory Dump."

2. Read over all the questions first, to get an overview of the test. Beside each question, jot down the possible answers that occur to you.

3. Budget your time. Write down how many minutes you will devote to each question (remember to allow time for editing).

4. In each question, circle or underline the verb (because it’s the direction word).

5. Begin with the easiest question, to build your confidence.

6. Before you start each essay, quickly prepare a brief, informal outline, but watch
your time. An outline can also help if you run out of time.

7. If the question has two or more parts, number each part, and circle the word "and" :

"Discuss why the Brady Bill was proposed in Congress and why there was
opposition to it."

8. When you write the essay itself . . .

• Before you begin writing on your paper or in your "blue book," draw a line at the bottom of each page to reserve 2 – 3 lines. When you want to add an additional point, put an asterisk (*) in your paragraph, and write the point in this space at the bottom. (Alternatives are writing on only one side of each page of the blue book, which also eliminates ink "bleeding" through to the other side, or writing on every other line.)
• A few cross-outs are fine, but don’t squeeze additional points in the margin or between the lines. Instead, put an asterisk in your text, and add the point in the space at the bottom of the page or on the opposing blank page.
• Answer the question directly in your first sentence. Don’t bother with elaborate introductions. Let that first sentence guide your essay.
• Write shorter paragraphs, generally discussing just one idea per paragraph. Separate paragraphs help you keep track of your points and help the professor locate them readily. Also, if the question asks for examples, be sure to give more than one. In general, the more examples you give, the better.
• Use transitional phrases liberally, such as "First," "Another," "Next," and "Finally."
• Don’t write any extraneous ideas; it will be obvious to the professor that you don’t really know the answer. Also, don’t "pad" your essay by repeating points already made.
• If time permits, write a brief conclusion.
• Skip at least 4 - 5 lines between each essay, to allow room to add points that may occur to you later.
• Proofread and revise carefully. Be especially careful to notice missed words, phrases, or concepts. Also, correct any spelling and grammar errors.
• Write legibly.
• Don’t recopy; it wastes too much time.
  

AT THE END OF THE TEST:

1. If you don't have time to complete an essay, use your outlines. Quickly but as accurately as possible, list the points that you wanted to write about; you may get partial credit.

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