IrishJohn Wrote:I'm taking a class at TESC, which starts today, and for the tests I know that I'll need to answer a couple of essay questions. I'm embarrassed to say it but it's been YEARS since I've done that and I wanted to know if there is a certain way that it's supposed to be done? Perhaps a writing style website or something that can help? Thanks.
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OK, for exam essays, you will not be using APA style. Exam essays are just that-essays- they are not research papers. So, forget that part.
Typically, you are either going to have short answer essay questions or long essay answer questions. Your instructor will indicate what he wants. For example, a short answer essay will be about 1 paragraph. A paragraph is 5 sentences. (I'm old school, I'd never write 4, but sometimes 6 is OK)
A long essay is going to fall under 5 paragraph essay style. Why 5 paragraph? Because it's what people are taught in English 101. It's considered the standard format. It is my opinion, that they will rarely ding you with mechanics if you use a 5 paragraph essay and have reasonable legibility (remember, these will be hand written) only a few spelling errors, and can remember to use a period.
I did have a TESC instructor give me a 99 on an essay once. He deducted a point for a misspelled word, and didn't say a single thing good or bad concerning the 4 pages I just turned in. But what can I say, lazy anal teachers are everywhere.
For 5 paragraph essays, these are going to be found in exams that require a long-well constructed argument or explanation about a topic. I had a few at TESC. They will allow you a page or two, and expect you to answer a question that they provide. Look for clues in the question as to what approach you take. Here is an example:
Blah blah blah, which differs from blah blah blah, which do you think is the stronger argument? *they want your opinion, but presented with hard facts as to why one argument is stronger than another.
Compare and contrast blah blah blah. *this is not an opinion, this is simply comparing 2 things. For example, comparing democrats and republicans.
Explain the 5 levels of blah blah blah. *Again, not opinion. The teacher is asking for you to regurgitate what you memorized and throw in an example of each level.
So, the structure of a 5 paragraph essay is an opener (paragraph 1) supporting paragraphs (2-3-4) and a closer/summary (5). You can google "5 paragraph essay" and you'll land a million hits.
A short essay, in my opinion, can follow the same concept, but with sentences rather than paragraphs. For instance, an opening statement (sentence 1) supporting sentences (2-3-4) and a closing sentence. If you google how to write an essay, you'll get more than you need. In my opinion, practice the 5 paragraph essay. If you can do that, you can do a single paragraph.
Good luck to you!!
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