10 things your profs want you to know

Part 1: writing test

Marking 300 writing exams / essays is actually not fun.

• You want to be on good terms with your prof.• Don’t make them angry or go crazy because of

your answer.

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.

# 1 Read the instruction carefully.

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.

# 2 Read the question carefully.

Make sure you clearlyunderstand 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.

# 3 If you don’t know the answer,

don’t try to guess.

• 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.

# 4Get to the point.

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 _______”.

# 5Write a simple sentence.

• Don’t try to be fancy with long sentences and difficult words.

• Be concise.• Be precise.• Be clear.

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.

# 6Look for grammatical errors and spell

checks

• 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.

# 7Use formal, written language

• 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?)

# 8Use appropriate transition words

• Each sentence must be logically related. • ………… but…………..• ………… and…………• ………….. However……………• ……………. Therefore,………….• In addition,• Moreover,• Besides,• Although……………………, ………………….• In conclusion,………………• First,……………………. Second,………………… Third,….. Finally,…..

# 9Do not add a personal touch.

• “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.

# 10Pay attention to your handwriting.

• 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.

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.