Preparing For and Taking Essay Exams
Excerpts below from Professor Ken Keith’s Tips for Test Taking: Multiple Choice and Short Answer Exams
By Professor Ken Keith, Department of Psychology
Short-Answer Exams
• What are they? Short-answer test items usually present a brief question that asks for a written response ranging in length from a word or two to several sentences. For example, they may give a definition and ask you to provide the word or concept matching the definition; they may ask you to define a term; or they might ask you to briefly compare and contrast two concepts.
• How do I prepare? As always, the best answer is to know the material. Attend class, take well-organized notes, and try to have a big-picture understanding of the course content.
What strategies will help during a short-answer test?
A few pointers should help you to be more effective when taking short-answer exams:
• Read the question and the directions carefully. Does the question ask you to “define,” “describe,” “name,” “compare,” etc.? This is crucial—If the instructor asks for a description, but you define, you are not likely to do well.
• It is not generally necessary to write a lot of introductory material. It will waste time, perhaps suggest to the instructor that you don’t know what you’re talking about, and it will not show what you really do know.
• Similarly, do not add extra materials in an effort to show what you know. Just answer the question and move on.
• Keep your writing simple and informational. Elaborate writing is usually not necessary; again, just answer the question and move along.
• Read all the questions before beginning. This will often help to jog your memory, and may be helpful on short-answer items.
• Note the point value of the question and the amount of space provided for your response. These factors will often provide a clue to the expected length for your answer.
Excerpts below from Dr. K's Tips for Success on Essay & Short Answer Exams
By Evelyn Kirkley, Department of Theology & Religious Studies.
The first weeks of semester:
• Place exam dates & times in your calendar in big letters
• Know the percentage exams count toward your course grade (usually in syllabus)
• Ask professor what portion of exam content comes from textbooks, lectures, &/or other sources
• Attend class regularly & take notes, highlighting important concepts
• Read textbooks & highlight important concepts
• Pay special attention to material discussed in BOTH class lectures/discussions & textbooks
• Ask professor on any unclear material
1-2 weeks before exam:
• Ask professor for exam format, study guide, & examples of questions & strong/weak answers
• Ask for evaluative criteria & tips for studying
• Ask if answers should be in paragraphs/sentences, bullet points, etc.
• Ask for definitions of directive words: compare/contrast, describe, prove, evaluate, etc.
• Make sure you know what material exam will cover (pages in text, dates of lectures, etc.)
• Read over your notes/highlighted texts & ask questions on unclear material
• Make flash cards &/or retype notes based on study guide
• Form a study group, avoiding slackers
1-2 days before exam:
• Go over your notes out loud–do not simply read them repeatedly
• Take study break at least every 90 minutes
• Share notes with study group, filling in gaps
• Ask professor on any unclear material &/or discrepancies in notes
• Discuss answers to study guide/sample questions with study group
• Make up rhymes, anagrams, jokes, & other mnemonic helps
• Plan your time management strategy, that is, how long to spend on each question
The night before exam:
• Go over your notes, flash cards, answers to study guide/sample questions at least once with your study group & once by yourself
• Make sure you know material without looking at notes
• DO NOT stay up all night
• Get at least five hours sleep
The morning of exam:
• Eat breakfast, including protein & carbohydrates, but do not overeat
• 1-2 caffeinated beverages okay if you usually drink, but do not start drinking coffee that day!
• Get to exam on time or early
During exam:
• Read directions & questions carefully
• Answer the question that is asked
• Illustrate your points with examples/evidence from textbooks &/or class lectures
• Write what you know & do not guess, unless professor says guessing will not penalize you
• Answer questions directly & clearly--most professors do not appreciate bull----
• Use straightforward grammar & syntax
• Be as specific as you can & avoid vagueness
• Stick to your time management strategy
• If you start panicking, put down your pen, close your eyes, & take several deep breaths
• After exam, do something good for yourself–but no mind-altering substances!
When exam is returned:
• Check addition & make sure score is correctly calculated
• Make sure you understand professor’s comments
• Make sure you understand your strengths & weaknesses, why points have been awarded & subtracted
• Ask for examples of answers receiving full credit
• Ask what would strengthen your answers & add points
• Ask what (if any) material will be covered on future exam (i.e. if final exam is comprehensive/cumulative)
• If you believe you have been unjustly penalized, see professor outside of class & present your case calmly--avoid defensiveness or whining
• If you didn’t do well, don’t despair--this is only one exam
• If you did well, don’t get cocky--this is only one exam
If you didn’t do well, don’t despair; if you did well, don’t get cocky. This is only one exam.