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Essay Test Writing Tips
Writing an essay for a test is entirely different from writing a paper. During an essay test, time is limited so the writing process is collapsed into just three stages: prewriting, writing, and revision. In addition, about 90% of the time is spent in the writing stage, whereas the majority of time writing a paper is spent in the revision and editing stages.
Prewriting:
- Look to the essay question for thesis inspiration.
Ex: "Using examples, discuss how English changed from Old English to Middle English. Be sure to discuss phonology, spelling word endings, syntax, and borrowing." (Bing, ENGL 444/544)
- Brainstorm potential thesis statements and outline supporting arguments or evidence.
- Or, if possible, restate the question as a thesis
Ex: "From 1066 to 1500 the English language underwent severe changes in phonology, spelling, word endings, syntax, and borrowed much of its modern vocabulary from its French conquerors.
- Small writing notes from the pre-writing stage can help with essay writing and organization later.
- Spend no more than 5 minutes or so on this stage and keep your outlines, if any, down to 3 words or less. Any notes taken are just to remind you later of the points you want to make.
Writing the Essay:
- In many ways, a good essay is organized like a good speech.
- Introduction Paragraph:
- Thesis Statement- Restate the question.
- Preview of supporting arguments
- If necessary, leave some space and come back to the introduction later.
- Supporting Paragraphs
- Begin with a topic sentence that supports the thesis.
- Ex: "One of the largest changes in English can be seen in word endings."
- Next, cite evidence or examples that support this topic sentence. "Old English had already begun a trend of simplifying word endings due to…"
- Concluding Paragraph
- Restate the thesis and its supporting evidence.
- Ex: "By the 1500's, these changes in phonology, spelling, word endings, syntax, and vocabulary of the English language were so extensive that the first English printer Caxton professed himself unable to understand the writings of previous generation and found them to be more like a foreign language such as Dutch or German."
Revision:
- Re-read the essay and scan it for larger overall problems such as organization, coherence, and the correctness of the information.
- Even on a essay test, don't be afraid to line out sentences or insert words.
- Check spelling last, paying particular attention to important course information like names or specific terminology.
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