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The well-organized, neat-appearing individual will usually get the nod over another equally capable person who is disorganized and careless in appearance. Although other factors are involved, the analogy to examination writing is a skill. This skill can be improved by instruction. The student would be advised to follow certain steps in writing an essay exam.
Misspell words Omit words or parts Omit parts of questions Misstate dates and figures (1353 written as 1953; $.60 as $60)
It is better to say "Toward the end of the 19th century" then to say "in 1894" when you can't remember whether it's 1884 or 1894, though approximate, may be incorrect, and will usually be marked accordingly. When possible, avoid very definite statements. A qualified statement connotes a philosophic attitude, the mark of an educated man.
Comparisons generally ask for similarities morethan differences. (See Contrast.) CONTRAST: Show differences. Set in opposition. CRITICIZE: Make judgements. Evaluate comparative worth. Criticism often involves analysis. DEFINE: Give the meaning; usually a meaning specific to the course of subject. Determine the precise limits of the term to be defined. Explain the exact meaning. Definitions are usually short. DESCRIBE: Give a detailed account. Make a picture with words. List characteristics, qualities and parts. DISCUSS: Consider and debate or argue the pros and cons of an issue. Write about any conflict. Compare and contrast. ENUMERATE: List several ideas, aspects, events, things, qualities, reasons, etc. EVALUATE: Give your opinion or cite the opinion of an expert. Include evidence to support the evaluation. ILLUSTRATE: Give concrete examples. Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples. INTERPRET: Comment upon, give examples, describe relationships. Explain the meaning. Describe, then evaluate. OUTLINE: Describe main ideas, characteristics, or events. (Does not necessarily mean *write a Roman numeral/letter outline*.) PROVE: Support with facts (especially facts presented in class or in the test). STATE: Explain precisely. SUMMARIZE: Give a brief, condensed account. Include conclusions. Avoid unnecessary details. TRACE: Show the order of events or progress of a subject or event. If any of these terms is still unclear to you, go to your unabridged dictionary. Thorough knowledge of these words will enable you to give the teacher what she/he is requesting. Reproduced with the permission of Gregory Wells, Coordinator, William James Center, Davis and Elkins College, Elkins WV., NACADA Conf. 1987