How to Get an “A” on Your Next Essay Test

One of the biggest challenges facing high school and college students is how to write essays that earn the highest grades possible. Learning how to deal with an essay test and learning how to write clear and intelligent essays is perhaps one of the most important academic skills that you can acquire. I would like to share a few tips that I hope will help you to “ace” your next essay test.

1. Begin each exam with a close look at the test and make a plan. Instead of writing at once, it is very important to read all of the questions and make a careful note of how many questions there are and whether there are any choices that you can make. Without a careful look at the test and without an idea of what you have to do there is a chance that you could even leave out a question or two. I know because it happened to me once!

2. Plan what you are going to do and allocate time accordingly. Once you know how many questions there are, then allocate time for each question. Bring a watch with you because it may not be convenient to look at the wall clock which may not be in a convenient position, or may not even be there. One of the best ways to plan your answer is to make an outline of the points that you are going to cover. After you make your outline, then start writing and make sure that you cover all of your points while staying aware of how much time you are taking to do the essay.

3. Open with a well-written introduction. Your first paragraph is very important. A good technique is to start by restating the question and then give a brief idea of what you are going to say that will answer that question. An introductory paragraph will not only give the examiner a better idea of what is coming, but it will also guide you as well.

4. In the main section show what you have learned in this course. Here is your chance to demonstrate that you have read the course material, understood discussion in the classroom and have the ability to use this knowledge to answer the questions. This is the section where you have to answer the question and the best way to do it is to back up your statements, opinions and ideas with a reference to books, authors and authorities that you have read about or discussed in the course. Stick to what you know rather than trying to fill up the essay with rambling words that don’t have much weight.

5. Write in a Concise and Clear Style. Knowing the material is not enough, in order to do well on an essay exam you have to express yourself clearly. Use a simple sentence structure, rather than rambling, run-on sentences. Stick to terms that you are familiar with and can use properly rather than trying to use vocabulary that is unfamiliar. Do your best to make your essay readable and remember that the person grading the exam has to go through many essays besides yours.

6. Conclude your essay with confidence. Sum it all up in the end. You can refer to your introductory paragraph and then show how your answered the question. Your final sentence or sentences should be clear and give the instructor an idea that you know what you are talking about.

If you follow these tips, and work on developing your writing skills you will not only do well on your essays in school, but will have acquired a valuable skill that will help you throughout your entire life.

Andrew Carson is a newspaper columnist who produces articles on scholarships, online colleges, financial aid, college search tips, and adult education.

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