How do you prepare for essay exams? First, read through all of the essay questions carefully. Budget your time accordingly, and determine which essay questions you will answer earlier in the semester. Write down the key words that tell you what to do for every question, and outline the main idea behind each.
Follow the main thesis statement or theme of the essay question, and use a bullet point system to list your main thesis statements (or main points of your argument). Write them down on the left-hand column of your page, and then type them out (italic letters will be easier to read) on the right-hand column. Then, type these out into your outline, following the order you would normally type them into your answer form. Once you have typed these out, review them thoroughly.
After you have thoroughly outlined your thesis statements, choose which papers you are going to take essay exams for. Each topic should be taught completely and thoroughly. Use your notes to write a bullet-point list of the contents you will need for each section. This will help you remember what you learned in class.
Spend as much time as possible answering practice tests before the real test. These can be found online, and many times there will even be a few helpful hints included with the test that you cannot get a copy of offline. This will help you not only remember the important ideas for the topic, but also any tips or tricks you can find about answering them.
During the essay portion of the test, there will typically be several typical questions that ask you to demonstrate how your argument is based on scientific research and evidence. Some examples are: Do you support or oppose the existence of gods? How about the theory that babies are more adaptable than older people? Is evolution a fact or a theory? There will also be several essays that will ask you to present your research or theory.
Write as many answers as you can for each type of essay question, even listing both your strengths and weaknesses. Do this before you know what the correct answer will be, so that you can make notes or do calculations on your notes. When you take the actual exam, use these answers to help you brush up on your material. After you have gone over all of your information and thought processes regarding each essay topic, only then should you give a response.
By taking these tips into consideration, you should be able to answer the Essay Exam with flying colors. In addition to your procedural knowledge, an essay demonstrates your critical and analytical thinking skills, which is crucial to passing the exam. In fact, there are many times where you can gain information about the topic that you are studying from reading the textbook. If this happens, consider using your procedural knowledge to answer the questions, as well as using the answers to cement your own ideas into your mind.
Make sure that you study diligently but take as much time as possible to prepare. There are three different types of essay tests, so spend the extra time needed to properly prepare. You can purchase textbooks, view practice tests online, or read through prerequisites. Reading ahead and learning the format of the essay will also help you to memorize the information you need to efficiently answer the exam.
You may have heard that practice makes perfect, but this is true when it comes to essay exams as well. Taking practice tests and thoroughly reviewing your prior knowledge will help you not only pass but ace the exam. There are two different types of essay required for medical school: a diagnostic or descriptive essay and a thesis or review essay. The diagnostic essay is generally intended for those who plan on entering a diagnostic-therapy residency, so make sure that you read up on the basics of this field. The descriptive essay is intended for those students who will be writing about their personal experiences in the medical field, so spend some time reviewing your common topics.
While practice tests will help you be better prepared for the exam, nothing will replace the experience of answering actual questions that come from actual professors or residency supervisors. Learn how to properly address Dr. X or another professor when you have a question. Learn how to deal with difficult situations such as having to choose a subject or topic at the last minute, and how to ask for help if you are stumped. By taking the time to review what you have learned in class, you will be able to pass the St. Martin’s Day exam with flying colors.