Geog207 research paper

ANSWERING AN ESSAY QUESTION

Introduction

Answering an essay question is not difficult, although it requires thought. The challenge in an essay exercise is that the question to which you must respond is given, and it is up to you to develop a thoughtful, logical answer that is relevant, accurate, and complete. This handout is designed to help you develop your skills in this area.

Steps in Formulating a Response

In the case of essay questions, there are several generally accepted steps that will help you to organize your thoughts and write a logical answer.

This may seem like an obvious point, but it is critical to success. Take your time to make sure you understand exactly what the question is. Break it down into its component parts, making certain to identify each question and sub-question to which you must respond. Make notes if necessary. Look for specific language used in the question that may give insight into the exact meaning of the question, and therefore clues about the appropriate response.

Again, another obvious point, but one that sometimes is overlooked in the heat of the moment. Take the time to organize your thoughts, including developing a brief written outline of the points you would like to include in your response. Order your points from most important to least important, in case you run into time or length restrictions. Make sure you respond to each part of the question as it is posed.

Take a few moments to organize your thoughts, re-reading the question and your notes. Make sure that your ideas respond to the question. Eliminate irrelevant points, add newly-remembered relevant points. Ask about each point you have listed, “does this help me make my point?” If it does not, eliminate it. Think about the order in which you will present your arguments in order to come to a convincing conclusion. Use examples to support your ideas whenever possible (however, be aware of other examples that may refute your ideas).

Part of the challenge of answering an essay response is in developing a persuasive argument. There are several pitfalls in this area to avoid. First, avoid emotional appeals. Even if you feel strongly about your position, remember that a logical argument is more persuasive than an emotional appeal. Second, examine the issue thoroughly from every side, especially from opposing sides. Know the pros and cons thoroughly. Be able to make a logical case for your position, but be aware of opposing views that may undercut your argument, and develop your response accordingly. Review your notes and modify them as necessary.

After this preparation, begin to write. Begin with an introductory sentence that in some way restates the question to which you are responding. (This is especially important if you are responding to an essay question that is a choice from among several.) State your position clearly, and present your case logically. Again, be sure to respond to each part of the question as it is posed.

Take the time to re-read your response. Make sure that you have responded clearly and completely to the question as it is phrased. Make sure that your spelling and grammar are correct. If you are using a word-processor (as you might in a take-home essay), use the spell-checker, but be aware that a spell checker does not catch every misspelling. (For example, if you’ve written “from” as “form” the spell-checker will not see a mistake.) There are several strategies for editing. If the essay is a take-home, you might read your response aloud to listen for grammatical mistakes, or have someone else read it. However, if you are at all unsure of your own abilities or those of your proof-reader to catch all grammatical mistakes, in the case of a take-home, have someone at your college’s Writing Center proof it for you.

Prepare your finished product

After you have written, re-read and edited your response, prepare your finished product. In the case of a take-home essay, if you are using a typewriter, make sure that all corrections are made neatly and clearly. If you are using a word-processor, produce a clean copy to submit. The product you submit should be of professional quality. In the case of an in-class essay, write as legibly as possible.

Points to remember:

· Keep in mind your course subject as you develop your responses; use themes covered in class to help frame your arguments whenever possible

· Use documented facts, figures, and examples to support your position

· Steer clear of emotional rhetoric

· No filler (this is an all-natural exercise)

· Use citations as needed

Evaluation of essay questions

In general, an essay will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Substance

· Relevance of your response

· Accuracy of facts, figures and examples

· Consistency and clarity of logic

· Consistency of content with course subject

· Thoroughness of analysis

· Absence of filler and emotional rhetoric

Form

· Use of citations where needed

· Correct spelling and grammar (make use of the Writing Center if necessary)

Format

· Follow the format that your instructor recommends