The Essay Test Taking Strategy

Why is it so difficult??

You try one …

Pick a question

What struggles might students have with this essay question?

Look for Action Words

CompareTo show how two or more things are the same or similar.

“Compare rap and hip-hop.”

ContrastTo show how two or more things are different.

“Contrast socialism and capitalism.”

Critique/CriticizeTo point out both the good points and bad points of something.

“Critique the public welfare system.”

Examples of Key Action Words

Examples of Key Action Words

DefineTo give a clear meaning of something. This usually involves naming the

class it belongs to and how it is different from other things in that class.

“Define the term ‘mammal.’”

DescribeTo provide a “word picture” of something.

“Describe the events related to the Alamo.”

Examples of Key Action WordsDiagram

To organize information in a pictorial or graphic manner,

such as a chart, table, map, or diagram.

“Diagram the water cycle.”

DiscussTo write about all sides or points of view related to an issue.

This may include writing about the advantages and

disadvantages of something.

“Discuss environmental issues related to the timber industry.”

Examples of Key Action Words

EvaluateTo make a value judgment (positive or negative)

based on facts or evidence.

“Evaluate the overall impact of the welfare system.”

JustifyTo argue in writing why something is good or bad.

This involves giving reasons for why something is good or bad and/or writing about

the advantages and disadvantages of something.

“What is your position on capital punishment? Justify your position.”

Examples of Key Action Words

ListTo write sentences about specific elements or examples.

This sometimes requires some form of order or sequencing.

“List the stages of butterfly metamorphosis.”

SummarizeTo present the main ideas of an issue or topic in a shortened way by

providing a few examples or details.

“Summarize the steps of the Essay Test-Taking Strategy.”

Example Essay Questions

• Describe the inside of the eye. Be sure to include all five major

parts in your description

• List at least three types of pollution. Select one of the types and

describe it.

• Choose two literary styles and contrast them.

• Are you warm-blooded or cold-blooded? Explain what that

means.

Example Essay Questions

• Select one of the following simple machines (pulley, lever, or

wheel), and write how you would explain it to a first-grade

student.

• Consider these two contrasting statements: “Look before you

leap” and “He who hesitates is lost.” Select the one you believe

to be generally the best advice. Persuade the reader by using

an example from your own life as well as an example from

historical or current events.

Example Essay Questions

• Select one of the following simple machines (pulley, lever, or

wheel), and write how you would explain it to a first-grade

student.

• Consider these two contrasting statements: “Look before you

leap” and “He who hesitates is lost.” Select the one you believe

to be generally the best advice. Persuade the reader by using

an example from your own life as well as an example from

historical or current events.

SCAN

Step 2: Notice the Requirements

Scan and mark

Change it into your own words (Paraphrase)

Arrange the times

Name your goal

Scan and Mark

This means that you look for

and mark the question’s requirements

• Draw 2 lines under each requirement

• For every action word you underline, you will

probably underline at least 1 requirement

Change it into Your Own Words

This means that you paraphrase the

question into your own words

• Paraphrasing makes you think carefully

about the question

• Paraphrasing helps you better understand

the question

Arrange the TimesThis means that you figure out how much time you can spend

answering the question

Factors to consider:• Total test time

• Number of test parts

• Number of points/part

• Number of essay questions

Example ofArranging the TimesExample Criteria:Total test time: 45 minTest parts: One (all essay)Number of essay questions: One

2 min. A & N Steps

3 min. Outline (Frame)

37 min. Writing

3 min. Review

Name your goalThis means that you state a positive goal for the test.

• “I am going to do well on this part of the

test.”

• “I am going to do a quality job.”

• “I am going to earn all the points I can on

this question.”

Lesson 2Learning Sheet A

Lesson 2Learning Sheet A

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Complete the ‘A’ and ‘N’ Steps for these questions.

2. Underline key action words once.

3. Underline the requirements twice.

4. Based on the testing criteria below each question, figure out how

many minutes to spend creating an outline, writing the answer, and

checking it. Write these numbers on the lines in front of the

question.

Lesson 2Learning Sheet A, cont.

K = Key words underlined R= Requirements underlined N=correct numbers

3 10 2

Lesson 2Learning Sheet A, cont.

Mastery = 80%

Prewrite

Let’s Try a PreWrite

Consider these two contrasting statements:

“Look before you leap” and “He who hesitates is lost.”

Select the one you believe to generally be the best advice. Persuade the reader by using an example from your own life as well as an example from historical or current events.

Let’s do the A & N steps:

Work with a Partner

•Decide how you would best organize your prewrite

•Be ready to share your thoughts

Consider these two contrasting statements:

“Look before you leap” and “He who hesitates is lost.”

Select the one you believe to generally be the best advice. Persuade the reader by using an example from your own life as well as an example from historical or current events.

Start to write your Rough draft

Lesson 6: Learning Sheet AINSTRUCTIONS:

1. Choose ONE question on this learning sheet and read it carefully.

2. Underline key action words once.

3. Underline the requirements twice.

4. Based on the testing criteria below each question, figure out how many minutes to spend creating an outline, writing the answer, and checking it. Write these numbers on the lines in front of the question.

5. Create an outline for your answer on the back of this sheet. Be sure to put the number of the question next to your outline.

6. Write your essay answer on separate sheets of paper. Attach your essay to this sheet when you are finished.

Lesson 6: Learning Sheet A, cont.

ExampleEdwardo GonsalesLesson 6 Learning Sheet AOutline for Question 1: Name the kind of caryou would like to own. Give three reasons

why.

Porsche 1. Classy 2. Sporty 3. Expensive

Example, cont.Edwardo GonsalesLesson 6 Learning Sheet A

Essay for Question 1:

The kind of car I’d like to own is a Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet. My reasons include how it looks and the prestigue that goes with it.

First, it’s a classic car with classic lines.Second, it’s a very sporty car. It’s low to the

ground and it can really maneuver.Third, it’s expensive. If I can afford to own a

Porsche, that means that I will have done well in life. That would make me happy.

Writing your answer …• Introductory paragraph

– Topic Sentence– Main Idea Sentences

• Main Idea Paragraph #1– Topic Sentence

– Detail Sentences• Main Idea Paragraph #2

– Topic Sentence– Detail Sentences

• Main Idea Paragraph #3– Topic Sentences– Detail Sentences

• Conclusion (So What?)

Feedback is critical

Check out the score sheet.

The Essay Test-Taking Strategy …

Improving Student PerformanceWith …