Answering Essay Questions

1. Read the question carefully. Underline keywords. They are the clues to what is required in your essay. Try to use these keywords in your introduction, conclusion and wherever necessary.

2. Understand what the question is asking.

Example: By referring to specific incidents in the story, explain clearly how the writer portrays Monica as an untrustworthy person.

3. To help you organise your thoughts, jot down points or underline material you want to include in your essay.

4. Be clear and focussed. Use the T,E,A,Q, method in each paragraph

T – State the point in a Topic Sentence

E – Explain or elaborate on your point or give paraphrased evidence

A – Analyse

Q – Quote evidence from the text

T,E,A,Q in each paragraph

· Start each paragraph with a point that answers the question.

· Support your point with a quote / paraphrased evidence from the text.

o Explain or elaborate on how your quote / paraphrased evidence links to the point you have made [its significance].

A common mistake:

Simply narrating incidents / events without linking them to the question

· Your essay must be relevant to what is asked in the question. If you are asked why you sympathize with a character in the story, do not smiply narrate the story. You must explain why each incident caused you to sympathize with the character.

How to avoid this common mistake:

a. In your introduction, include words or phrase[s] from the question so that you are reminded to be focused on what is asked. Indicate clearly how you wish to address the question.

b. The middle paragraphs – Each should be devoted to a point you want to make, supported by the relevant evidence. Where appropriate, use a word / phrase from the question so that you keep on track [not necessarily in every paragraph].

c. A good conclusion is just as important as a good introduction. BRIEFLY summarize the key points. Use a word / phrase from the question, especially if you haven’t done so in the preceding paragraphs. You could also have a short personal response in it.

Answering Essay Questions

1. Read the question carefully. Underline keywords. They are the clues to what is required in your essay. Try to use these keywords in your introduction, conclusion and wherever necessary.

2. Understand what the question is asking.

Example: By referring to specific incidents in the story, explain clearly how the writer portrays Monica as an untrustworthy person.

3. To help you organise your thoughts, jot down points or underline material you want to include in your essay.

4. Be clear and focussed. Use the T,E,A,Q, method in each paragraph

T – State the point in a Topic Sentence

E – Explain or elaborate on your point or give paraphrased evidence

A – Analyse

Q – Quote evidence from the text

T,E,A,Q in each paragraph

· Start each paragraph with a point that answers the question.

· Support your point with a quote / paraphrased evidence from the text.

o Explain or elaborate on how your quote / paraphrased evidence links to the point you have made [its significance].

A common mistake:

Simply narrating incidents / events without linking them to the question

· Your essay must be relevant to what is asked in the question. If you are asked why you sympathize with a character in the story, do not smiply narrate the story. You must explain why each incident caused you to sympathize with the character.

How to avoid this common mistake:

a. In your introduction, include words or phrase[s] from the question so that you are reminded to be focused on what is asked. Indicate clearly how you wish to address the question.

b. The middle paragraphs – Each should be devoted to a point you want to make, supported by the relevant evidence. Where appropriate, use a word / phrase from the question so that you keep on track [not necessarily in every paragraph].

c. A good conclusion is just as important as a good introduction. BRIEFLY summarize the key points. Use a word / phrase from the question, especially if you haven’t done so in the preceding paragraphs. You could also have a short personal response in it.