Friday, January 05, 2007
Trouble With Essay Exams
Dear Guidance Guy,
I'm constantly thinking about my future. As far as careers go, I hate science and social studies of any sort. Math is alright; I understand it. However, English is my real passion. I love writing, reading and editing. And it isn't only one form of writing; I like formal, creative, journalistic.
The problem is that I can't write essay tests. I'm a good writer when I have the time to think about logical and in depth thoughts. How am I supposed to take English courses when I can't write a single essay test? It's extremely frustrating because essay tests are in other classes, too.
Breathless,
*** *** ***
Dear Breathless,
The first piece of good news for you is that most of the essay tests you will take in college are extended time. May college courses last between 90 minutes and three hours, and many exams are take home, so you're not under time pressure to finish.
Do the teachers give you an idea of what to expect on your essay tests? I'm sure you know at least a little about the topic, so you can start to organize your thoughts ahead of time. Essays are supposed to measure what you know and how well you can communicate it, not how quickly you can do it. Try talking to your teachers and explain the challenge you have. I doubt they would give you any special treatment, but it might make them think about how they give exams.
One final suggestion: take the word "can't" out of your vocabulary. There's no such thing. There are only things you don't know how to do. See How To Juggle (and Change Your Life Forever) for a really good story on the topic.
All The Best,
The Guidance Guy
I'm constantly thinking about my future. As far as careers go, I hate science and social studies of any sort. Math is alright; I understand it. However, English is my real passion. I love writing, reading and editing. And it isn't only one form of writing; I like formal, creative, journalistic.
The problem is that I can't write essay tests. I'm a good writer when I have the time to think about logical and in depth thoughts. How am I supposed to take English courses when I can't write a single essay test? It's extremely frustrating because essay tests are in other classes, too.
Breathless,
*** *** ***
Dear Breathless,
The first piece of good news for you is that most of the essay tests you will take in college are extended time. May college courses last between 90 minutes and three hours, and many exams are take home, so you're not under time pressure to finish.
Do the teachers give you an idea of what to expect on your essay tests? I'm sure you know at least a little about the topic, so you can start to organize your thoughts ahead of time. Essays are supposed to measure what you know and how well you can communicate it, not how quickly you can do it. Try talking to your teachers and explain the challenge you have. I doubt they would give you any special treatment, but it might make them think about how they give exams.
One final suggestion: take the word "can't" out of your vocabulary. There's no such thing. There are only things you don't know how to do. See How To Juggle (and Change Your Life Forever) for a really good story on the topic.
All The Best,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 12:54 PM
