47 Essay Exams
Essay exams are much more challenging than other types of exams such as multiple choice, true or false, and matching concepts. Most likely you will encounter this type of examination in U.S. universities, so we want you to be prepared to succeed.
What is an essay exam?
An essay exam asks you to write answers to questions based on your understanding of topics covered in class. These topics, or units, could have been addressed directly by the professor during lectures, and reviewed by your TA during discussion sections. These topics are likely complemented by class materials such as handouts, textbook chapters, academic readings, audio-visual materials, or anything uploaded to Canvas or given in printed format. Therefore, preparing for an essay exam involves studying from several sets of materials and reading academic articles.
Effective writing in essay exams.
Essay exams have a significant written component that you must do in a limited amount of time. Both short-answer and longer essay questions ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of course material by relating your answer back to concepts covered in the course. Since this is done in writing, the challenge is to write and communicate your understanding of the knowledge effectively (clearly and accurately).
We understand that essay exams are even more challenging if English is your second language. ESL 116 writing exercises, quizzes and exams will allow you to practice effective short-answer questions and then apply the same strategies in future courses.
Objective and subjective essay exam questions:
1.Objective essay exam questions are very straightforward. They require the memorization of definitions and key concepts and provide examples. These types of questions often have a grading structure.
|
Example: Explain one difference between a covalent and an ionic bond, and give an example of each.
|
In this scenario, the question may be worth two points: one point for explaining the difference and one point for each correct example.
2. Subjective essay exam questions are more demanding and commonly chosen by professors. These questions may ask you to define key concepts and ideas and go beyond the course material and use it in a meaningful explanation, usually by connecting different ideas, synthesizing information, and/or draw conclusions.
Example:Based on the key concepts of leadership and authority explained in class, would you define Gandhi as a leader? Why or why not? |
What to strive for in any essay exam:
- Show what you know about the course content and communicate this knowledge effectively in writing. Communicating effectively means being precise, concise, and direct, avoiding unnecessary wordiness.
- Be analytical and critical. You should step beyond the topics and contribute with meaningful opinions.
- Integrate and apply what you have learned in lectures, readings, and discussions.
- Articulate connections among different topics in complete sentences and paragraphs.
The content on this PB page has been paraphrased from the websites below. Ideas have been blended to configure this information. For specific details, and to learn more about these topics, visit:
