How to Study

A Foolproof Action Plan
Here’s a step-by-step way to answer any essay question:
Step 1: On a blank sheet of paper, write down all the facts, ideas,
concepts, and so forth, you feel should be included in your answer.
(If you don’t have extra paper, the back of your blue book or the test
itself will work just as well.)
Step 2: Organize them in the order in which they should appear. You
don’t have to rewrite your notes into a detailed outline—just number
each note according to where you want to place it in your essay.
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Step 3: Compose your first paragraph. It should summarize and
introduce the key points you will make in your essay. This is where
superior essay answers are made or unmade.
Step 4: Write your essay, with your penmanship as legible as 
possible. Most teachers I’ve known do not attempt to decipher chicken
scratch masquerading as an essay and do not award high grades to 
it either.
Step 5: Reread your essay and, if necessary, add points left out, 
correct spelling, grammar, and so on. Also watch for a careless 
omission that could cause serious damage—like leaving out a “not,”
for example, and making the point opposite the one you intended 
to write.
If there is a particular fact you know is important and should 
be included, but you just don’t remember it, guess. Otherwise, just
leave it out and do the best you can. If the rest of your essay is well
thought out and organized and clearly communicates all the other
points that should be included, I doubt most teachers will mark you
down too severely for such an omission.
Don’t set yourself up for a poor grade by making guesses you really
don’t have to. If you think something occurred in 1784, but are afraid
it could be 1794, just write “in the late 18th century.” You probably
will not be marked down for the latter phrase, but will lose a point 
or two if you cite a wrong date.
Remember: Few teachers will be impressed by length. A well-
organized, well-constructed, specific answer will always get you 
a better grade than writing down everything you know in the faint
hope that you will actually include something pertinent. Writing 
a superior essay on the little you do know will usually earn you a 
better grade than knowing a lot and presenting it poorly.
Start out right, with a brief, to-the-point first paragraph that doesn’t
meander or “pad.” End your essay with a clearly written and 
organized paragraph that offers more than just a summation of 
what you’ve already written.
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How to Study for Tests
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