How to Reach Me:
§ You can continue to contact me by email
after our classes end.
Writing Under Pressure
(Those essay exams!)
Writing essay exams -- before the
exam
§ Review the outline, course notes, and your
class notes to identify key topics and themes
§ Memorize some details
§ Anticipate the questions or kinds of
questions
§ Study by making summaries of your notes,
condensing sections of notes
For literature exams . . .
§ Reread the works! If you are really familiar
with the works themselves, you should be
able to approach the exam with confidence.
Before the exam
§ Make up a few questions on your own or
with a study group
§ Practice writing answers as part of exam
preparation
§ Eat properly and GET ENOUGH SLEEP!!
Making sure you’re comfortable
at the exam:
§ Bring more than one of your favorite pens
§ If the professor permits it, bring water to
drink (do not bring glass bottles!)
§ Dress comfortably
§ Sit where you’ll be most comfortable (and
where there are the fewest distractions)
At the exam . . .
§ Write down everything you’re afraid you
will forget
§ Review the ENTIRE exam questionnaire
§ Note any restrictions
§ Plan your time -- and STICK to the plan
§ Choose your questions
§ Answer the easy questions first
At the exam . . .
§ Read the questions carefully; identify the
focus, your task, and the KEY WORDS
§ Make a scratch outline
§ Leave four or five lines at the bottom of
each page
§ Double-space everything!
At the exam . . .
§ Go for content, not appearance  don’t
waste time recopying everything
§ For essay questions, write an essay with a
beginning, middle, and end (PLAN your
essay!)
§ Make sure you have a thesis
§ Include details you can remember
At the exam . . .
§ Double check your answer against the
question
§ Proofread to insert missing words, etc.
§ Make additions in the space at the bottom of
the page . . . just make sure that the
professor can follow and can tell what
should go where!
§ Plan to spend the entire time allotted for the
exam planning, writing, and editing your
essays.
Professors’ Expectations
§ Essays:
l
l
l
l
provide clear, focused,
full discussion
based on wide research
present a logical
argument
presented in standard
format
§ Exams:
l
l
l
l
clear, and as “full” as
exam time permits
based on thoughtful
review of course
materials
looser structure is
acceptable
legible
Exam time!
§ Don’t panic! You
have the resources to
do this -- just
prepare yourself as
much as you can in
advance, and try to
relax when it’s time
to write!
Before you know it,
it will all be over,
and you’ll be
GONE!