DO's & DON'T FOR WRITING ESSAYS

                                                                (THANKS TO MR. ROBERT TAYLOR)

1. The first thing that you should do is to carefully read the question. The second thing you should do is read the question and the third thing you should do is read the question. Be sure that you answer the question asked and only that question, and that you answer all parts of it.

2. Outline the answer to avoid confusion and disorganization. Thinking ahead helps to avoid scratch outs, skipping around, and rambling.

3. Write an essay. Outlines and diagrams, no matter how elaborate and accurate, are not essays and will not do you much, if any, credit by themselves.

4. Define your terms. Say something about each of the terms that you use.

5. Answer the question parts in the order called for. It is best not to skip around within the question.

The four essay questions do not have to be answered in any particular order, however.

Here are some key direction-words used in essay exams. See if you can write a definition for each word. Then compare your answers with the definitions that follow.

a. compare f. enumerate

b. contrast g. evaluate

c. define h. explain

d. describe i. interpret

e. discuss j. prove or show

	Here are answers to compare with yours.


a. compare: show the similarities between two events,periods,ideas, theories, or the like.  (Some 
   people use compare to mean showing differences as well as similarities, so be careful.)

b. contrast: show the differences between two or more events, periods, ideas, theories, or the like.

c. define: state the meaning of a word or phrase.  Example: Define science.

d. describe: give the characteristics of something.  Example: Describe the functions of the ATP/ADP 
   systems.

e. discuss: give the pros and cons on an issue, event, process, theory, or technique.  Example: 
   Discuss how DNA 	

f. enumerate: list a number of reasons or attributes of something,  Example: Enumerate the stages 
   of mitosis.

g. evaluate: make a judgment or form an opinion, or supply reasons why something is as it is; 
   Example: Evaluate the effects of Jenner"s experiments with cowpox.

h. explain: support or qualify a given generalization with specific facts and ideas.  Example: Explain 
   what is meant by the "scientific method."

i. interpret: analyze critically or explain something  not clear.

j. prove or show: demonstrate the truth or a statement.  Explain the reasons for events turning out as 
   they did,or speculate on what might be the effects of certain causes Example: Show with 
   diagrams how the eye is like a camera.

6. Write clearly and neatly.  It would be foolhardy to antagonize the reader with lousy penmanship.

7. Go into detail that is on the subject and to the point.  Be sure to include the obvious.  Answer the question thoroughly.

8. If you cannot remember a word exactly, take a shot at it, get as close as you can.  If you don't have 
  a name for a concept, describe the concept.

9. Use a black ball point pen with dark ink.

10.Remember that no detail is too small to be included as long as it is to the point.

11.Carefully label your diagrams (they get no points otherwise) and place them in the text at the 
   appropriate place-not detached at the end.  Be sure to refer to the diagram in your essay.

12.Widen your margins a little.  This will make the essay easier for most readers to read.

13.Bring a watch to the exam so that you can pace yourself.  You have four essays with about 22 
  minutes for each answer.

14.Practice outlining your essay answers on your tests during the year.

15.Understand that the exam is written to be hard.  The average will be about 50% correct, or 5 out 
   of a possible 10 on an essay.  It is very likely that you will not know everything.  It is expected, 
  so relax and write thorough answers.

DON'T

1. Don't ramble--get to the point!

2. Don't waste time on background information unless the question calls for historical development or historical significance. Answer the question.

3. Don't shoot the bull--say what you know and go on to the next question. You can always come back if you remember something.

4. Don't use a pencil or a pen with an ink color other than blue. Never use a felt-tip pen because the ink seeps through the page and makes both sides of the paper hard to read.

5. Don't panic or get angry because you are unfamiliar with the question. You probably have read or heard something about the subject--be calm and think.

6. Don't scratch out excessively. One or two lines through the unwanted word(s) should be sufficient.

7. Don't write more than a very few words in the margin.

8. Don't worry about spelling every word perfectly or using exact grammar. These are not a part of the standards the readers use. It is important for you to know, however, that very poor spelling and grammar will hurt your chances.

9. Don't write sloppy. It is easy for a grader to miss an important word when he/she cannot read your handwriting.

10. Don't leave questions blank. Remember that one point on an essay question is the equivalent of about three of the multiple choice questions, and there is no penalty for a wrong guess. Make an effort on every question!

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