How to Write
the Essay Test
essay
Ideas
- Answer all parts of the question
Organization
- Do not include unnecessary information
- Use a logical, easy to follow order
Voice
- Academic rather than informal or
“chatty”
Word Choice
- Avoid DEAD WORDS
- Use sophisticated, scholarly language
and vocabulary from the text
Fluency
- Shorter, more concise sentences
- Make each statement clear
Conventions
- Avoid commonly confused words
(to/too; there/ their/ they’re;
then/than;
its/it’s;
definitely/defiantly)
- Use correct grammar
- Use correct punctuation
- Use MLA format
- Do NOT use personal pronouns
I, me, you, we, us
- Do NOT use contractions
(ex. can’t should be cannot)
How to make your answer
specific:
- Express simply and in concrete, factual
terms
- Use shorter sentences
- Avoid wordy introductions
How to make your answer
specific (2):
- Do not over-punctuate (instead of
compound sentences, make two sentences)
- Avoid careless spelling errors
- Use shorter paragraphs
How to make your answer
specific (3):
- Use vocabulary from the text
- Answer the whole question and
nothing but the question
- Make sure you have a beginning,
middle, and end
The Steps to Follow:
- Read the directions carefully
- Answer in a minimum of three body
paragraphs
- Check your essay:
Answered all parts?
Correct punctuation & grammar?
Avoided DEAD WORDS?
An ideal essay shows that:
- You understand the prompt
- You know the necessary facts
- You can present material in an
orderly manner
- You can make clear what you
have to say