How Do You Understand What Is Being Asked Of You In An Essay Or Exam?
• Read all of the directions. No matter how many wrong answers you have, as long as you follow ALL the directions, you will get some credit. Re-read the question slowly. In your haste and panic, you may have missed the point. Then, analyze what you have learned and start writing. • Take a pencil and underline any key action words you see. Words like “explain” mean that the question is looking for an in-depth definition. Words like “evaluate” mean the question is looking for you to look at the good and bad points of a topic. • Always use specific examples. No matter how obvious the sentence is, there always should be an example. For example: “During Urbanization in the late 1880’s, many disasters happened in cities, such as Chicago’s Great Fire and San Francisco’s Earthquake”. • Always use correct organization. Your essay should be 5 paragraphs: one introductory, with the thesis stated clearly; three body, supporting the introduction and thesis; and the conclusion, which summarizes the
