Any exam is a dreadful experience for every student. But essay exams are even more petrifying, terrifying, and nerve-racking. Unlike an objective test, essay exams are not checking to see if you have learned certain pieces of information, they ask for your understanding of the main concepts, ideas, and theories of the course presented in a smoothly written form. Quite an annoying combination…

And since essay exams are more demanding than the rest of exams you sit in your student’s life, they call for greater preparation. Here are some tips that will help you pass your essay type exams with flying colours.

1. Writing Identifications

Usually essay exams comprise of two tasks: writing the identification of a term and composing an essay. In both cases you must present your own knowledge on the topic and present it in correct and plain English.

Identifications are short essays that give precise definitions on the name or a term in a single paragraph of between three to five sentences. Make sure that your identifications have:

1. the names of the individuals involved in events;

2. their notable accomplishments;

3. a precise identification of the time frame for the identification;

4. the appropriate geographic reference relating to the term;

5. historical significance of the term identification.

With these features your identifications will be fully-developed, precise and smooth.

2. Taking the Essay Type Exam

When writing an essay type exam, it is advised to follow the set procedure of essay writing. It will help you organise your thoughts, tune for essay writing, and write a well-structured and well-thought essay.

So, first, look through the list of the questions you will need to answer in your essay. It is often advised to start with questions you can do readily. As you read, make tentative choices of the questions you will answer, and jot down the ideas that cross your mind.

Do not worry, if you don’t have a definite answer on some question. Focus on what you do know about the question, not on what you don’t. Postpone the question you feel dubious about, and the answer will come all by itself when you expect it the least.

Secondly, make sure you understand what you are asked to do in your essay. Try looking closely at what the question is directing you to do, and try to understand the sort of writing that is required. For example, “analyse” suggests summarising fully with detail in accordance with the selected focus, considering composing parts of the idea and their interrelationships.

Along with “analysing”, you may be asked to classify, define, discuss, illustrate, outline, etc. Be sure you know definitions of these words by heart. Otherwise, you may become flustered, lose concentration, and even go blank.

Once you have chosen the topic and know how to take your stand, write down at least three supporting sentences you are going to build your essay around. Make sure they are followed by convincing supporting evidence in form of quotations, facts and figures you came across in the course.

When writing essay answers, you should favour a direct, concise, and precise writing style. Do not waste time trying to compose a graceful lead paragraph, instead, get to the point quickly and directly. State what you intend to discuss and develop those ideas with well-chosen examples.

Finally, your conclusion paragraph should embrace no more than three sentences, in which you restate your thesis statement and summarise your essay and supporting evidence.

3. Other Hints for Your Essay Type Exam

Other than knowing the general principals of essay writing during the essay type exams, you also need to know some tricks in order to stay focused on the essay during the whole exam. Here they are:

 keep track of time! Allow a set time period for each question, but keep in mind that a question worth 50% of the grade should probably take 50% of the allotted time;

 Take all the time you are allotted! Do not walk out of the exam room if you still have time on your hands. Instead, reread, rethink your answers. Use every advantage you are given!

 Don't pad your answer with irrelevancies and repetitions just to fill up space. Within the time available, write comprehensive and specific answers.

 It is also advised to double-space. This way you will leave room for additions, and strike through errors or changes with one straight line. Remember to keep things as clean as possible, for you never know what will earn you partial credit.

You may be sure that with these tips in mind you will know how to write an essay that: 1) demonstrates your knowledge of the subject; 2) has a theme clearly stated in the beginning; 3) recognises the central issue of the question; 4) has specific examples; 5) is not vague. Moreover, these tips will help you turn scaring essay exams into stress-free and enjoyable process.