Writing Tip #18: Essay Tests

The thesis paragraphs for an analytical or argumentative essay, if written efficiently from a solid knowledge base, probably fits neatly into the time slot for writing a response to an essay test question. In a typical hour (actually 55 minutes) exam, you will most likely have three questions with approximately 15 minutes allotted for each question. Taking roll, passing out exams, and giving instructions usually absorb about ten minutes, leaving 45 minutes for your responses.

Suppose your instructor asks you to "explain why" some event occurred, or "discuss the reasons why" some person or experiment performed in a certain way. The "explain why" calls for analysis, and it may call for presentation of a perspective other than yours. Assuming of course, that you know the material, practice compressing your reasoning into a "thesis paragraph" should serve you well. Aim for 150-200 words, which is about the number you can comfortably write in 10-15 minutes. In the time and blue book space that others may use to provide just a list or a lot of opinion, you will be able to state a counterargument if appropriate, state a carefully qualified thesis claim, and outline several points to support your claim.

Your professor may be interested in some details; if so, you can most likely generate a second paragraph that covers, in order, all of your supporting points, but with some details to bolster each point. Wrap your answer up with a clear, concise concluding sentence (for a one-paragraph answer) or a short paragraph (if you're in the multiparagraph mode). You can always expand the answer, given the necessary information, to several pages if you have the time and space. But whatever the time frame, the issue-thesis-reasons form will provide the underlying structure to help you present your ideas and knowledge efficiently-and in a shape that makes your exam grader-friendly. Your professor will appreciate the help!