eyed dictionary definition of one or more of the terms in the question.
Instead, try to wake the examiner up. Try starting with:
- a short controversial statement
- a relevant quotation
- a striking piece of evidence.
The main thing is to demonstrate that you have thought about the question.
A strong ending is important in that it creates the final impression the examiner carries away from your answer:
- save a new, controversial idea until the end
- or finish with a useful quotation.
Illustrate amply with relevant material:
- Do not try to get by on ignorance and waffle – the examiner will spot it!
- Use a good number of brief but relevant quotations, derived from your thorough knowledge of the text.
Think about your style
Develop a fluent style
Give some thought, however brief, to each sentence before you write it:
- Does it say what you mean?
- Does it make the point?
Anyone claiming to be a student of English is expected to have a good knowledge of the mechanics of the language:
- If you have problems with spelling, grammar and punctuation take action before the examination
- You will be penalised for errors
- Examiners award marks for ‘quality of language'
- Try to leave time to read through your paper before handing it in.
- Say what you mean in the clearest and shortest manner
- Leave yourself time to make new points
- Avoid repeating ideas: if you find yourself writing ‘as I said earlier', be sure that it is really helpful to repeat the same point.
Use an appropriate tone and vocabulary:
Most of the exams (and essays) that you will write require a formal register of language:
- Contractions such as ‘don't' and ‘can't', used naturally in spoken and language are not appropriate in this form of writing.
- Also avoid slang or colloquial terms.
- Make use of literary terminology – words like ‘form', ‘structure', ‘style', ‘image' ‘symbol' – where they are appropriate
Make good use of quotations:
- You need to know your text well enough that all its ideas are in your head and that relevant quotations come easily to mind
- When you use quotations, remember to try to blend them seamlessly into your own sentence structure
- When you use quotations, make it work for you: a well-chosen quotation may, for example, enable you to comment on theme, style and character
- Do not use quotations simply because you have memorised them: make sure that they are relevant to your answer.
Organise your time
Divide your time appropriately:
In an examination, you will almost certainly have several essays to write or sections to complete:
- Decide on the order in which you wish to answer them
- Make sure that you answer them all
- Jot down ideas about any of the questions you expect to answer: don't hope to remember things – especially bearing in mind that you may be pressed for time towards the end
- Give each question the appropriate time and don't exceed it: a brilliant but overlong answer is no guarantee of success
- If you are allowed your text in the examination do not waste time in leafing through it in search of ideas: use it only for reference and checking quotations.
Plan your answers carefully
Have the confidence to take time to plan. You could usefully devote up to a quarter of the exam time to this process. It is worth it because:
- you will save time in the end
- it is much more efficient than sitting and trying to think of the next point
- you will have a much more fluent, sharper and more authoritative answer.
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