4 step examination technique for long answer questions
In most exams that ask essay type questions, each question will carry equal marks.
It is therefore crucial that you use the time properly by spending an equal amount of time on each question.
what to do:
Before the exam: make sure you know exactly how much time you will have (include any extra time you have been allowed).
Before the exam: make sure you know how many questions you will have to answer.
In the exam: divide time EQUALLY between questions of the same value (you should already know this calculation).
In the exam: select and attempt the ‘best’ question first. This will give you confidence. Don’t leave the best until last.
In the exam: attempt all the questions you are required to answer – even if you think you can’t answer a question.
For essay type questions, adapt and use the 4 stage exam strategy outlined on the sheet below.
why this
approach Knowing clearly how you are going to tackle an exam will reduce your anxiety and, as a result, help you remember.
might be In this 4 step approach, answering a question is broken down into 4 clear steps which are repeated for each question.
helpful for
students: Students can focus on one task at a time and each step makes the next one easier.
This strategy is designed with longer essay type questions in mind but it can also be used (with adapted timings) for shorter questions.
Although answers in exams are often referred to as essays, they are, strictly speaking, not essays. They do not, for example require a
note: Reference List. They don’t even demand formal introductions or conclusions. In fact, they are best thought of as written answers and
the form is flexible. You can, for example, use headings or add diagrams if you think it will help the marker understand your ideas or
information. Don’t become anxious about trying to produce a formal essay; just write a good answer to the question being asked.
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Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor: Disability Advisory Service: KCL
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2
3
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READ THE
QUESTION
PREPARE
THE
ANSWER
WRITE THE
ANSWER
CHECK THE
ANSWER
Even though you have already
looked at and selected the
question, read it again.
Make sure you understand the
specific question. You need to
identify the focus of the
question, not just the topic the
question refers to.
Look for a ‘relationship’ or
‘causal link’ between two or
more elements.
In proofreading something
that you have just
composed, you are unlikely
to detect many errors. You
will tend to read what you
think you have written.
Before you start the exam, ask for a second answer
book and use this for notes in preparing the answer.
Open the book so that you can spread your ideas over
2 pages (equivalent of A3 paper).
Focus this step on checking
topic sentences or
important paragraphs.
Write a concise introduction. Simply list the
main points in the order in which you are
going to deal with them. For example:
Look for contrast or conflict
(advantages/disadvantages,
disagreement, different
perspectives etc).
Having clearly understood the question, jot down
relevant ideas and information, Spread them across
the paper and try to group similar ideas. At this stage,
don’t write sentences, use abbreviations and don’t
worry about the order you will write your answer.
Does the question require
description, analysis or both?
Try to remember relevant and subject-specific
TERMINOLOGY that you covered in the course.
Refer to and work with your prepared
notes and deal with one point at a time.
Break down the question to see
if there are different parts to it
(often a question asks you to do
2 or 3 different things).
When you have finished, number the main points in the
order you are going to present them in your answer.
Use block paragraphs – leaving one line
between them. Write clear topic sentences
at the start of paragraphs or use headings.
Refer to these notes as you write. Tick what you have
covered and add new things as you remember more.
Write the question number next to your notes and
submit this rough work with your exam script.
2
Peter Lia: Learning Support Tutor: Disability Advisory Service: KCL
In order to answer this question, four
factors will be discussed. These are A,
B, C and D.
If you need to add something, put an
asterisk (use red or green) in the
paragraph and write further down the page
where there is room.
Check your notes to see if
you have included
everything.
If you have forgotten some
information, but are running
short of time, add it to your
answer with bullet points.