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Hannum's Reading and
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How to Take Essay Tests ·
Before
reading
Most tests have an essay and a multiple choice, true-false, or matching section. Plan on about 15-20 minutes to write your essay.
Survey the question first. Read it over
and get an idea of what you’ll be writing later. This way your brain
will be working a little on the question while you take the other part of your test.
Don’t write whatever pops into your head, plan your answer. Use a main idea organizer to help
understand the question being asked.
Think through what you want to say and make some notes.
Make
sure that you have answered all of the parts of the question.
·
During
reading
After you finish the short answer part of the test relax for a minute or two. Read the directions and question again. Many students answer the question wrong. Ask
yourself: What is the question asking?
What do I have to do? Look for
key words in the directions and what they tell you about what to write. Example:
list 5 reasons, explain, support with examples, proofread you response and so on.
Look at the verbs! Make sure that your plan answers the question.
Add to your plan. Write! ·
After
reading
After you write the essay, go back and check it over. Revisit your plan.
Did you answer the question? Read
the question over again. Have you included enough supporting details?
Do you have an introduction, body and conclusion? Proofread
for errors, even if you don’t feel like it. | ||||||||||