The Essay Exam

Allow adequate preparation time. For a comprehensive test, startreviewing several days in advance. For one that covers a small segmentof the course, a day or two should be enough.
Reread the key points you've marked in your class notes and textbook.Use them to develop a set of basic concepts.
Make up a set of sample questions related to these concepts anddo some freewriting to answer them.
Answer your questions by drawing upon your concepts and supplying detailsfrom your notes and textbook.

Analyze the influences of the industrial revolution.
Discuss the most important causes of the Spanish-American War.
Compare and contrast the status of Michelangelo and Bernini.
Select three different camera shots used in the Batman movie.Identify at least one scene that illustrates each shot; then explainhow each shot functions by describing the relationship between thatshot and the action or dialog.

Jot down specific supporting information from your readings andlecture notes.
Make a rough outline that sketches the main points you'll coverand an effective order for presenting them.
Prepare a thesis statement that responds to the question and willcontrol your answer.

Position your thesis statement at the beginning of your answer.Make sure each paragraph is controlled by the topic sentence tied to thatthesis statement.
Don't become excessively concerned about your wording. Focus on thecontent and, if time permits, make stylistic changes.
Fight the impulse to jot down everything you know about the general subject.The grader does not want to plow through verbiage to arrive at your answer.

(from Strategies for Successful Writing, James Reinking and AndrewHart, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall, 1988, pp. 258-266)