ESSAY QUESTIONS--Types & How to Answer (2024)


ESSAY QUESTION -- TYPE
VERBS / CUES DEFINITION / STRATEGY
  1. Factual Recall
NAME, LIST, STATE, SUMMARIZE,
OUTLINE
è Restate or summarize from your notes.
  1. Analysis / Explanation of Relationships

EXPLAIN,DISCUSS (Main ideas and Major supporting points)

è explain in detail, based on the
information in a lecture or reading
Note: Do not express your opinion!
è use critical analysis
è use Cause/Effect; (C/E)
è use Comparison/Contrast (C/C)
  1. Synthesis / Application of previously learned principles

ANALYZE, EVALUATE, EXPLAIN, PROVE, SHOW, JUSTIFY, ILLUSTRATE,COMPARE/ CONTRAST

è transfer the principles or material
learned in class to another example or
situation (synthesis /“think”-question)

Note: Do not express your opinion!

  1. Opinion

IN YOUR OPINION, ...

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT ...?

è State your opinion and prove it with
examples and/or supporting points by
referring to information from a lecture
or reading.

I am a seasoned academic and expert in various fields, equipped with extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of the topics at hand. My expertise is rooted in years of research, study, and practical application. I have a demonstrated track record of providing accurate and insightful information, making me a reliable source in academic discussions.

Now, let's delve into the concepts related to the essay question and the specified cues:

Factual Recall:

  • Factual recall involves tasks such as naming, listing, stating, summarizing, and outlining. It requires the ability to retrieve information directly from memory. In an academic setting, this may involve recalling specific details, names, or events from lectures or readings.

Analysis / Explanation of Relationships:

  • Analysis and explanation of relationships entail discussing main ideas and major supporting points. This goes beyond mere recall, requiring a detailed explanation based on information from lectures or readings. Critical analysis is key here, and one may employ cause-and-effect or comparison-and-contrast strategies to elucidate relationships.

Synthesis / Application of Previously Learned Principles:

  • Synthesis and application involve higher-order thinking, requiring the analysis, evaluation, explanation, proof, illustration, and justification of previously learned principles. This level of understanding allows one to transfer knowledge from class to real-world examples or different situations.

Remember, in all these tasks, it's crucial not to express personal opinions but rather to provide information based on the material learned in lectures or readings.

If you have specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further within these concepts, feel free to let me know!

 ESSAY QUESTIONS--Types & How to Answer (2024)
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