Tips for essay exams
Essay exams are designed to test your ability to synthesise information and organise your thoughts on paper.
Consider the following points when you prepare for essay style examinations or other assessments which require you to write under time.
Before you start writing
- Take time to read the exam paper thoroughly. Not reading instructions and questions properly is a common mistake that can cost you a lot of marks.
- Ensure you understand exactly what the question is asking. If the question is ambiguous or unclear, write down your interpretation of the question.
- Write a quick point-form plan to get started. Don't write your essay off the top of your head – your writing will likely end up disorganised and incoherent. Think about how you will answer the question and note down the main information in point-form. Jot down your ideas in the margins or on any spare paper.
- If there are multiple questions, allocate a set time to complete each one. For example, if you have two essays to complete in two hours, aim to spend an hour per question.
Be familiar with essay question terminology
Make sure you understand the question and what it’s asking you to do. like compare, trace, illustrate and evaluate all have different meanings and require a different style of answer.
See also
Write as legibly as possible
- Print your answers instead of using cursive writing.
- If you’re using exam booklets, write on every second line.
- Be aware of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- If you have time at the end, proofread your essay.
- Leave space in between answers in case you want to go back and add more information.
If you have to write more than one response, always indicate the question number so it’s clear what you’re answering.
Starting with the easier questions and leaving the hardest for last reduces anxiety and keep your mind clear to think.
If you feel like you’re running out of time, answer in point form. Markers will often give you some marks for this.
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State your answer explicitly in the starting sentences of your introduction, using the language of the question. For example, if the question is "How do the goals of liberal and socialist feminism differ?", you could begin your essay with:
"The goals of liberal and socialist feminism differ in three main ways . . ."
The introduction is also a good place to signpost how you’re going to organise the essay. For example:
"The goals of liberal and socialist feminism differ in three main ways. The first is that . . . The second is . . . and the third main area of difference lies in the . . . This essay will argue that although these differences exist in approaches, the practices of liberal and socialist feminism have become very similar".
This approach ensures you answer the question and makes the exam easier to mark.
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Make sure you structure the body of your essay as indicated in your introduction. The body of your essay should include an appropriate, detailed argument for your answer with supporting material, e.g. evidence, quotes or data.
Use transitions to tie your ideas together and make your essay flow. If you feel you are losing the plot, go back and reread the question and your introduction.
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In your conclusion, re-answer the question and refer briefly to the main points in the body. Show how you have answered the question. For example:
"In conclusion, it is clear that although liberal and socialist feminism originally held differing views on how to attain their goals, a realistic assessment now shows that their practice has become very similar. This is most clearly illustrated by . . . [your best example]”
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