Tips for Answering Essay Questions
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Try to be organized, precise, and concise.
Keep your sentences short and simple. Leave out unnecessary words and phrases because less is
often better.
Use strong and meaningful verbs along with the active voice instead of the passive voice
whenever possible.
The basic subject-verb-object sentence structure is always safe to use in an essay test. Vary the
sentence structure some so it won’t be boring for the instructor to read.
Find the key words in the instructions (such as illustrate, list, compare, contrast, state, or
discuss). The instructor has chosen these words carefully and you should stick as close to the
instructions as possible.
Once you are sure that you understand the question, get organized by outlining your answer.
Decide what points you are going to make and then let the outline guide your answer. This will
help you avoid missing important points (Learning Express, 2007, p.131; Mundsack, Deese, &
Deese, 2003, p.105).
An essay needs to have structure. It will need to be at least one paragraph in length with an
introduction, development of one or more ideas, and a conclusion. If an essay is worth several
points, more than one paragraph is probably expected.
Have a thesis statement which previews the main ideas that you will develop in the essay. Get
several of the key words from the essay question in your thesis statement (Learning Express,
2007, p.131).
If you have more than one paragraph, each paragraph should have a topic sentence which
summarizes the details in that paragraph.
Make sure you have main points and secondary points.
Use signal words or transitions to guide your reader through the essay. Some examples of these
are: to begin with, next, therefore, however, consequently, and in conclusion (Learning Express,
2007, p.132).
Choose your words carefully and say precisely what you mean.
Use the specific vocabulary of your subject (for that class).
Give illustrations and examples.
Refer to authors and other important people by their last names.
Give enough details that it is clear that you know exactly what you are talking about.
Limit your discussion just to what is required by the key words or phrases of the question
(Learning Express, 2007, p.143). Don’t bring in points that don’t apply to the topic, repeat what
you have already said, or be wordy just to make your essay longer. Instructors do not like these
things.
Write legibly and correctly. Instructors cannot grade something that they cannot read.
Use good grammar. Punctuate properly and spell correctly. Poorly written work implies that you
are confused, careless, disorganized, and/or don’t really know the material.
Sources
Learning Express (2007). Test-taking power strategies: Improve your test scores. NY: Learning
Express.
Mundsack, A., Deese, J., & Deese, E.K. (2003). How to study and other skills for success in college
(5th ed.). NY: McGraw-Hill.
This document was compiled by Shirley “Mandy” Sexton, Ph.D.