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Different style of writing
◦ Still need good basic: grammar and complete
sentences
◦ BUT…writing should be concise, direct, & to the
point
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Goal of writing
◦ Test whether students can synthesize concepts and
apply them to particular situations

Identify verbs in the question
◦ Identify, describe, & define require definitions or
examples to define the concepts
◦ Explain, analyze, and discuss require applications
of the concepts to the situations within the
question.
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Do NOT parrot the language...extend beyond
the wording of the question
Use line spacing or a separate paragraph for
each concept
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No Intro, No Conclusion (unless specifically
asked for in the prompt)
OUTLINES, GRAPHICS, OR BULLETED LISTS
WILL NOT BE GRADED!
◦ You can use bullets to differentiate between
concepts, but wording after must be complete
sentences
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Use Psychological vocabulary, the proper
theories and proper theorists.
Support EVERYTHING with an example:
preferable from your coursework (not your
personal life)
◦ Clearly State whether your example is supporting or
contrasting

Be clear, concise and to the point…NO FLUFF
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Do not say anything that can be misconstrued
(i.e. no pronouns, no ambiguous concepts,
etc.)
Do not write everything you know about the
topic…stay focused on the question.
Do not begin writing until you have a clear
idea of what you are going to write
◦ Make a short outline first.

Pitfall #1: 2 types of questions: general and
specific
◦ General=lots of related concepts
◦ Specific=fewer concepts but more in depth.
◦ Do not dwell on what you don’t know, focus on
what you do know

Pitfall # 2: Readers cannot infer answers
◦ If the students seems to know the answer, but does
not use proper phrasing, points will not be awarded