Learning how to answer questions in the form of paragraphs or essays will help you as you progress through your high school career. Here are some strategies for answering these types of questions.

• Always start by reading the entire question carefully.
  • It can help to underline or highlight the main points of the question, especially if the question has multiple parts. That way you’ll be sure not to miss any points because you forgot to answer something.
• It can help you plan what you’re going to write before you write it, even coming up with a quick outline or diagram.
• Make sure to express your thoughts in an organized way. Extra information for the sake of length will only serve to water down your answer. Use transitions and make sure your key points are obvious.
• Be as technical as you can, but also be sure the terms you’re using reflect the subject matter.
• Make any connections (cause and effect, compare and contrast) obvious instead of implied.
• Supporting your statements with evidence from the class, book, or subject matter at hand will make your answer more thorough.

 

• Mistakes to avoid
  • Don’t write too much – answer the question directly without adding everything you’ve ever heard that relates to the question.
  • Don’t veer from the topic of the question.
  • Don’t make the reader make connections or read between the lines.

 

• Key Words in Essay Questions
  • Compare and Contrast
    • Compare means to explain the similarities.
    • Contrast means to explain the differences.
    • Use specific examples.
  • Describe, discuss, explain
    • These words indicate that a good amount of explanation is expected.
  • Define
    • This word does not usually indicate that a large explanation is expected, but rather a definition like you would find in a dictionary or textbook glossary.
  • List
    • Again, this indicates less explanation and more just knowledge of terms or concepts.
  • Interpret
    • This word usually accompanies a figure, a chart, or some other data. Explain it in words.
  • Diagram, draw, illustrate.
    • A simple drawing with labels is desired.