Eleven Keys to Answering Essay Questions

Essay questions require a clear and complete answer followed by concise supporting statements.  Some students struggle to provide a clear answer while others fail to give enough support for their answer.  To avoid these pitfalls, try these suggestions.

1. Understand the Question.  It is important to know exactly what the teacher wants: read carefully so you can answer the specific question.  Ask questions if you don’t understand what is wanted.
2. Identify and circle the verbs and other key-words that describe what your teacher wants.
3. Strive for a complete answer.  Make sure your first statement answers the question completely.   It may be helpful to paraphrase the original question to form the beginning of your introductory statement.
4. Use facts as supporting statements.  Support your answer with facts from the book or lecture.
5. Use logic as supporting statements. Tie the facts together in a logical way. This is especially helpful if the essay involves a sequence or cause/effect.
6. Avoid your own opinions or feelings on the subject. If you can’t support it, don’t include it as a supporting statement.
7. Be concise.  Get to the heart of the matter.
8. Use direct statements. Be direct and straight forward.
9. Don’t include vague or fuzzy ideas. Don’t try to add “fluff” just to have a longer answer.
10. Use transition words.  Use words such as first, then, next, also, another, etc., to make the answer flow.
11. End in a complete summarizing sentence or two.  The last sentence or two should summarize the points made in the opening sentence and how you supported it.

Practice, practice, and practice this important skill!

© 2010, flexiture, monte w. davenport, ph.d