Essays
Read the directions carefully; pay close attention to whether you are supposed to answer all the essays or only a certain number.
1.
Make sure that you understand what the question is asking you, if not ask your teacher.
2.
Write down everything that is asked of you and be sure to use enough evidence to back up your thesis. If the question is asking for facts, don't give your personal opinion on the topic.
3.
Make a quick outline before writing your essay. Your essay will be more organized and fluid, and if you happen to run out of time, most teachers will give you partial credit for the ideas that you have outlined. Also try to be as neat as possible.
4.
Don't write long introductions and conclusions, the bulk of your time should be spent on answering the question(s) and supporting your thesis. Write your introduction and conclusion last and focus on one main idea per a paragraph.
5.
Budget your time, if you have an hour to write 3 essays, spend no more than 20 minutes on each essay, then if you have time left over at the end go back and finish any incomplete essays.
ALWAYS try to proofread your work and correct any errors at the end.
6.
If you aren't sure about an exact date or number, then use approximations i.e. "Approximately 5000" or "In the late 17th century."
7.
Written Responses
"Mediocracy will never do. You are capable
of something better."
Gordon B. Hinckley
Short Answers
Use flashcards to study, writing the key terms, dates and concepts on the front and the definition, event, and explanations on the back.
1.
Try to anticipate questions that will be asked on the test and prepare for them. Usually what your teacher emphasizes in class will be on the test.
2.
Try not to leave an answer blank, show your work/write down your thoughts, even if you don't get the exact answer, partial credit is usually awarded.
3.
If you don't know the answer, come back to it after you finish the rest of the test and make an educated guess. Other parts of the test may give you clues to what the answer may be.
4.
If you can think up of more than one answer for a question, use the one that you think is more correct, or ask the teacher what to do.
5.
Read the question carefully and make sure that you answer everything that it asks for; some short answer questions have multiple parts.
6.