The document provides 10 tips for students to follow when taking a writing test: 1) carefully read and follow instructions, 2) make sure to understand the question being asked, 3) do not guess or write unrelated information if the answer is not known, 4) get straight to the point by directly answering what is asked, 5) write in a simple and concise manner, 6) check for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, 7) use formal written language, 8) include transition words to connect ideas, 9) do not include personal messages, and 10) take care to write legibly.
3. • You want to be on good terms with your prof.
• Don’t make them angry or go crazy because of
your answer.
4. When writing that answer…..
• You can’t avoid writing tests at a university
level. There are a few things you need to keep
in mind before you write down your answer.
• Here are ten tips you should consider before
taking a writing test.
6. Make sure you do exactly
what you are told
• Read instructions before writing your answer.
• If they ask you to write a few sentences, don’t
go over 2-3 sentences. Don’t write words.
• If they ask you to write in pen, don’t write in
pencil.
• If they ask you to write in the answer sheet,
don’t write in the exam.
8. Make sure you clearly
understand the question
• Nothing is worse than saying something that
wasn’t asked.
• If you don’t ask for a clarification, your prof
would assume you understand.
• Remember: ask questions. No one will kill you
if you don’t understand. A simple raise of
hand and polite “I’m not sure what you mean
by this” will make your life a lot easier.
9. # 3
If you don’t know the answer,
don’t try to guess.
10. • When you just guess or write whatever it is you
can think of, you are actually wasting your and
your professor’s time.
• If you don’t know the answer, be honest. Say “I
honestly forget what it is.” or better yet, leave it
blank and move on.
• DO NOT WASTE YOUR PROF’S TIME. THEY DON’T
APPRECIATE THAT.
• They have 100 papers to grade and if you write
something unrelated to the question, you will
LOSE A LOT OF POINTS.
12. GET TO THE POINT
• If they ask you to explain A and B, you explain
the concepts of A and B.
• If they ask you to compare A and B, you say “A
is ___ while B is ____”; or “A is ______ but B is
________”.
• If they ask you why you like A more than B,
you say “I like A more because _________.”
• If they ask what you think about A, you say “I
think that A is _______”.
14. • Don’t try to be fancy with long sentences and
difficult words.
• Be concise.
• Be precise.
• Be clear.
15. Example
• Too complicated
– The world is full of inequalities. One such inequality is
witnessed in the education system where poor
students do not have the opportunity to study
because they lack financial support from their family.
As a result, school should provide scholarship to
students who are less fortunate.
• Simple
– School should provide some funding and scholarships
so that poor students can afford their education.
16. # 6
Look for grammatical errors and spell
checks
17. • Although grammatical mistakes are not as
serious as content mistakes, an answer with
no mistakes and typos is preferred.
• When you recheck your answer, it shows the
grader that you care. It shows that you take
this seriously. Professors appreciate careful
thoughts and actions.
19. • An examination is not a conversation with your
friends. You need to be clear and straightforward.
• Use “such as” or “for example” instead of “like”
• Do not use “like” in a sentence. (People are like
trying to do their best.)
• Do not ask questions in your answer. (Wouldn’t
you agree that SWU is the best school?) (Who
wouldn’t do that, right?)
23. • “Please do not fail me.”
• “This is too hard, please be easy on me ”
• “I don’t want to be kicked out of school,
please help!”
• Such messages WILL NOT HELP. You won’t get
any higher scores for begging.
25. • Nice handwriting automatically gets good
impression. Good impression makes good
feelings. Good feelings leads to being kind. Being
kind is related to giving a student a high score.
• As a result, nice handwriting is always
appreciated.
• Put yourself in your prof’s shoes, do you want to
read something that is microscopic and has little
space? Have mercy. Write nicely.
26. Summary
1. Follow the instruction.
2. Understand and answer the question.
3. Do not write unrelated answer.
4. Get to the point.
5. Make it simple.
6. Check your grammar and typos.
7. Use formal language.
8. Use transition words.
9. Don’t add personal messages.
10. Write nicely.
