Without question, essay examinations require the most effort, assuming your goal is to present a well constructed and proper answer. Essay examinations require you to recall material (rather than simply recognizing a correct answer), organize it and effectively express your thoughts in written form. On the other hand, they also allow for independent thinking and your unique expression of ideas.

Regardless of whether you are afraid of them or welcome them, I would suggest the following in an effort to improve your performance on the essay exams which you will take in this Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics course, as well as other classes, at Cathedral or in college. You should also note that your success on the Advance Placement Test is directly related to your ability to master essay questions.

Spend a few minutes getting organized - find out what is before you and how you are going to approach it.

a.     Briefly look over the entire test.


b.     If you have a choice as to which questions to answer, make your decision quickly.


c.     Allot your time based on the point value of the questions (if one question is worth half of         the total points, plan to spend half of the total time on that question). Don't get caught         with 2 questions left, but no time!

Assuming you are given the opportunity to have additional pieces of blank paper, begin a mental "memory dump" for the questions you plan to answer. On this separate piece of paper, jot down facts, ideas, concepts, etc. related to each question. There is no need to be organized at this point - you can do that when you begin the actual writing.

Add to these lists whenever additional material pops into your mind - even while answering another question. If you don't get it down, you may not remember it when you need it.

If you have been given the opportunity, ALWAYS answer the easiest questions first. This will increase your confidence, help you relax, trigger your mind to begin working more efficiently, and help to bring back more of the total course content.

Read ALL directions carefully. Ask questions if you are unsure of content or procedure.

Read each question carefully and respond according to what is asked. On the Advanced Placement Tests, the following terms are frequently used in essay questions, and each calls for a DIFFERENT type of answer!

Analyze

examine critically to show essential features

Criticize

point out strong and weak points (evaluate)

Compare

show differences and similarities between two or more things

Define

give a clear, detailed, and precise meaning (who or what--never when or where)

Describe

list physical characteristics. But often means discuss, explain, identify or give account of

Discuss (Comment)

present essentials and their relationships

Elaborate

develop theme or idea in greater detail

Evaluate

appraise carefully, giving positive and negative aspects (critique)

Explain

clarify and interpret details of the problem, theory, etc. Present a step-by-step account of or analysis (how and why)

Illustrate

explain or clarify by giving clear, pertinent examples (give example of)

List

set down under each other a series of facts, names, dates, etc. Write a series of numbered items.

Outline

organize facts by arranging them in a series of headings and subheadings to show relationships

Prove

list all logical arguments supporting the statements

Summarize

present concisely all main points

Before you begin writing, prepare a short outline of the points you intend to cover (from your "memory dump"). This will keep you from "rambling" and help to ensure a complete answer.

Write coherently, using proper English grammar, using one main idea per paragraph, etc.

Make your papers neat and your writing legible. ALWAYS use the terminology of the course.

Don't leave any essay question blank! Even if you are unsure of an answer, write SOMETHING. If you can't recall specifics, give a general answer. Most instructors will give some credit if you try, but will be forced to give a zero if you write nothing.

Try to save a little time for proofreading when you've finished. The omission of an important word could change the whole meaning of your answer.

If time runs out before you've finished, use your outline and expand on it as much as you are able. Even if it is not well written, it will let the instructor know that you know more than you were able to write about in the time allotted and you could be given at least partial credit.

Chief Justice Richard Barajas
Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
Cathedral High School, El Paso, Texas
Last updated: December 17, 1999