MECHANICS OF ESSAY TESTS

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 443.

ESSAY

WHAT IS LANGUAGE?

Summing up

– We are entitled to the conclusion that …

– Analysing …, we conclude that …

– As can be inferred from …

– Thus we can assume that …

– Broadly speaking, we may conclude that …

– It is possible to draw conclusion that …

– To sum up …

– The inevitable conclusion is …

– If we probe deep into the matter, we shall arrive at the conclusion that …

APPENDIX 3

ESSAY TEST

1) Is language simple or complex?

2) How can we learn so much from so little?

3) How do we speak? (People don't think when they speak. They just speak).

4) Why are languages filled with rules we all follow without knowing why?

5) What is the most elementary property of human language?

6) What is the mystery of the system of language?

7) What is a word?

8) How do children understand fluent speech?

9) What is grammar?

10) How can we arrange something which is essentially non-linear in linear patterns?

11) Does the form of the sentence depend on meaning?

12) Are there any systems that might communicate thought better than natural languages?

An essay generally is defined as a composition on a specific topic that is three or more paragraphs long.

A formal essay, impersonal and direct, usually analyzes or interprets information.

An informal essay (personal essay, personal narrative) is usually written about the writer's personal experiences.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

An essay question on a test requires you to answer in complete sentences or paragraphs. Essay tests measure your ability to recall, organize, and blend ideas. They also demonstrate how you can express yourself in writ­ing – not only in supplying facts, but also in interpret­ing and applying information. On essay tests you often have an opportunity to express your own ideas or to reach your own conclusions about a subject. Your answers can demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter both in broad terms and in detail.

Read through the entire test. See if any of the ques­tions are related. That way you will not put informa­tion in one answer that would better fit in a different answer.

1. Take the time to read the directions carefully. Make sure whether you have to answer all the questions or whether you have choices. When you are sure that you understand the directions begin to develop your answer.

2. Outline your answer to organize your ideas in a numbered list.

3. As you are writing, new ideas will come to you. Quickly jot them down elsewhere so you will not forget them.

4. Use original examples. Try to use some examples other than those used in your classwork.

5. Do not include unnecessary information. An essay question tests your ability to separate the pertinent information from the irrelevant information.

6. Find a thesis, a controlling idea. A thesis will unify your essay.

7. Try to discuss only one idea in each paragraph. This should be easy to do if you have made an outline. Spend a few minutes roughly outlining each major point and its support. This tactic will help you find a logical organization before you write and prevent you from leaving out anything important.

8. Establish your point immediately. Write your main idea as the topic sentence of the paragraph and then finish the paragraph with details, examples, illustrations, and other informa­tion that support the main idea.

9. Throughout your essay answer, use the vocabulary you have learned in the course. Each subject has its own special terminology. Make a point of using the words that best communicate the subject matter.

10. When you express an opinion, always give reasons for it. Writing with examples telling why you like or dislike something is much more convincing than merely stating that you agree with or like some­thing. Your reasons are the important part of the answer – not your opinion.

11. If you are unsure of an answer but have a hunch about it, try writing out your hunch instead of giving no answer at all. You may be right, or you may be partly right. Getting some credit is better than getting no credit at all.

12. Do not leave out information because you assume that your instructor knows that you know it. Even if your instructor is aware that you know some­thing, you should show how well you can relate that knowledge to other material.

13. Leave some space at the end of your answer to each question. If something occurs to you while you are answering another question, you will have room to write it. You can draw an arrow to show where the new material fits in the answer.

14. Address a general audience, not your teacher. You must demonstrate the extent of your knowledge.

15. When you have finished reread your answer. Make sure you have answered all parts of the question. You may find that you have left out some important information. Check your spelling, and punctuation.

16. Try to make your test as perfect as possible. Your answers will make a better impression if they are written neatly with good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You cannot separate a thought from its expression.

17. Do not equate length and quality. Content is more important than length.

Good luck!