Essay%20Tests

1
Essay Tests
2
What is an Essay Test? Why do I need to know
about it?

• Essay tests are timed written exams that require
  you to sort through information, decide what is
  important and explain why it is important.

• Demonstrate your ability to
• Understand course concepts
• Interpret specific materials
• Make connections and see relationships
• Think critically and analytically
• Employ specific evidence to argue a point

3
Test Tips Before the Test

• Know your subject
• Read your text(s) several times.
• Complete all assignments associated with the
  text(s).
• Ask questions if you dont understand.
• But dont wait until the day of the exam!
• Use memory tricks such as acronyms, mnemonic
  devices, rhymes, etc. to remember definitions,
  lists, etc.
• Study before bed, but get a good nights sleep.
• Eat a good breakfast and review.
• A Poptart and a Redbull is probably NOT the way
  to go. Consider a sausage and egg biscuit, some
  fruit and milk.
• Make sure you have everything you need such as
  pencils or black pens, lined paper, text(s), etc.

4
Mnemonic Devices

• Acronyms
• Every good boy deserves fudge for the
• E G B D F musical notes in order
• HOMES-to remember the Great Lakes
• Roy G. Biv- to keep track of all the colors in
  the rainbow

5
Test Tips During the Test

• Stay relaxed.
• Take a few deep breathes
• and visualize doing well.
• Believe in yourself.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Be sure you understand
• exactly what is expected. If you
• have questions, ASK.
• Employ the Essay Test Format discussed later in
  this lecture.

6
Essay Test-Taking Strategies

• Review the WHOLE test before beginning.
• Partial answers may be found hidden in later
  prompts.
• Decide which questions will be easier and which
  will be harder. Complete easier questions FIRST.
• Figure out if any questions are worth more points
  than others. Complete questions worth the most
  points FIRST.

7
Essay Test-Taking Strategies

• Jot down any information you need to remember
  specifically such as dates and names.
• Budget your time.
• Each question will have a central idea. Remember
  what was stressed in class and in the text(s).
  Include that information.
• Look for directional terms
• (active verbs).

8
Directional Terms

• Compare Identify similarities and differences,
  pros and cons.
• Evaluate Come to a conclusion based on facts.
• Define Explain the exact meaning and support
  your definition with facts.
• Describe Go into detail. Use examples, verbal
  illustrations, and lists to connect ideas.
• Summarize Give a short account of the topic,
  still using the essay format but sticking to
  facts and excluding unnecessary details.
• Circle any directional terms you find in each
  question to be sure your essay stays on course.
• A list of these terms has been provided for you!

9
Essay Test Format

• Introduction- Tell your reader what youre going
  to tell him/her
• Restate the prompt question(s) as part of your
  thesis.
• Be sure your thesis is clear and adequately
  addresses ALL aspects of your prompt(s).
• Body - Tell him/her
• Support your thesis with several specific
  examples from the text(s), class discussion,
  lectures, etc.
• Use subject vocabulary. (vocabulary, literature
  terms, etc.) Briefly define any terms used.
• Communicate clearly. Write legibly.
• Conclusion- Tell your reader what you told
  him/her
• Restate your thesis and summarize main points.

10
When youre finished

• PROOFREAD!
• Did you address all aspects of the prompts?
• Does your essay follow the standard format?
  (intro, body, conclusion)
• Did you employ subject-specific vocabulary and
  terms? Did you define them?
• Have you corrected conventions errors that could
  distract your grader?
• Does your essay reflect your understanding of the
  topic?

11
When will I see essay tests?

• ECA
• SAT
• ACT
• GRE
• Placement exams
• College classes