15 Questions
What was the mistake the author made in the essay exam?
The author didn't pay attention to the specifics of the prompt
Why does the author advise against just writing whatever one knows about a subject?
It leads to a disorganized and illogical approach
What does the author mean by 'take some time to pay close attention to what the prompt is really asking'?
Understand the specific requirements of the prompt
Why does the author mention 'even as the seconds tick by during a timed essay exam'?
To emphasize the pressure of time during the exam
What is the main reason the author advises against just writing random, disconnected facts about a topic?
It lacks coherence and organization
When responding to an essay prompt, what should be developed to align with the required approach?
A one-sentence response
What is the benefit of creating an outline of major points at the start of the writing process?
Organizing and structuring main ideas effectively
What can an outline prevent during the essay writing process?
Panic about time constraints
What is beneficial to have for revising already-written paragraphs in timed essay exams?
A plan for revision
What should be constantly referred back to in order to ensure that the essay stays on track?
The one-sentence response and major outline points
What is a common mistake that students make in persuasive papers?
Devoting a paragraph to simply describing the issue with no actual argumentation going on
What should be done if you find sentences or a paragraph that doesn't directly support the main point?
Edit out any information that's not central to the main point
What might be the problem if the essay prompt asked for an argument, but the paragraph only describes the issue without argumentation?
The right approach in the paragraph hasn't been used
What should be done if descriptive information written would provide good support for arguments but lacks argumentative statements?
Add a couple of sentences stating what you think should happen with the issue being discussed
What might be the case if the essay prompt asked for an argument, but the paragraph only describes the issue without argumentation?
The descriptive information written would actually provide good support for arguments
Study Notes
Strategies for Responding to Essay Prompts
- When responding to an essay prompt, identify the approach required by looking for key terms.
- Essay prompts can be nuanced, requiring specific approaches such as analyzing, describing, comparing and contrasting, or making an argument based on source material provided.
- Develop a one-sentence response to the prompt that aligns with the required approach, ensuring it echoes the prompt and sets the stage for the essay's thesis.
- Creating an outline of major points at the start of the writing process helps to organize and structure the main ideas effectively.
- An outline can also prevent panic about time constraints and keep the essay focused on the main points.
- If the essay strays off point, it is important to rein in and answer the prompt as fully as possible.
- For timed essay exams, it is beneficial to have a plan for revising already-written paragraphs, which is easier for computer-administered exams.
- When working on a handwritten exam, it can be helpful to write on every other line, leaving space for revisions.
- Upon realizing that the essay has gone off on a tangent, examine the paragraph to determine the nature of the problem.
- Consider whether the approach is correct but overloaded with irrelevant details.
- Constantly refer back to the one-sentence response and major outline points to ensure that the essay stays on track.
- Developing a brief response to the prompt and outlining major points can help maintain focus and clarity throughout the writing process.
Test your understanding of strategies for responding to essay prompts with this quiz. Explore ways to identify key terms, develop a one-sentence response, create an effective outline, and maintain focus throughout the writing process. Perfect for students looking to enhance their essay writing skills.
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