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READ THE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY
If there are options, choose them wisely. Start with the questions you feel you can answer the best. Take your time to read the question carefully and make sure you understand exactly what the question asks of you.
Make sure you that you ANSWER THE QUESTION!
When approaching a question that you believe you can answer, do not rush straight into it. Make sure that you answer what is asked, and not just write what you know about the topic. Pick out keywords that tell you exactly what is being asked of you. examples of these keywords are: explain, discuss, give an example, apply, contrast, compare, briefly, summarise, etc.
To answer questions appropriately, make sure that you:
• analyse the question. What exactly is it asking?
• ask yourself what information you have learnt that could apply to this question.
ESSAY-TYPE QUESTIONS
• Remember to underline specific words that relate to your answer and that explain how you must answer the question.
• Make a note of main topics, themes or concepts.
• Pick a few arguments that could back up your answer.
• Make a plan for the layout of your essay. For example, sketch out a mind map of
your essay, giving each paragraph a link to the central idea (the question being
posed or your answer to the question).
• use an introductory paragraph to briefly answer the question and explain your
answer by referring to a number of reasons (evidence). You will give more details
on these reasons in the rest of the essay.
• Make one point or argument per paragraph and end each paragraph with a
sentence that shows how it answers the question. You must always refer back
to the question.
• In your conclusion summarise the arguments and refer back to the question.