Tips for taking Essay Exams

1.         Read the question carefully to see what approach to take.

2.         Make a quick list of the points you want to make before you start writing your answer.

3.         Have a straightforward thesis or topic sentence that lets the instructor know exactly what you are going to say.

4.         Be very orderly; go from point to point in a specific order.

5.         Give a lot of details, examples, and illustrations.  Fill your answer with specifics.

6.         Be sure your answer communicates to the instructor that you know the material.

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