How to understand an essay question better
Dear Student,
Do you ever get an essay question from a professor or lecturer and feel as if it’s written in a foreign language?
If you have felt like this before, you are not the only one. Markers say that the main reason students don’t get high marks is that they fail to understand the question.
So, we decided to send you this short email to help you interpret essay questions better. This will assist you in appreciating what you need to do in your assignment.
The life hack to understanding a question lies in your ability to comprehend the KEYWORDS. The US-based Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has produced a useful document with tips on how to understand an essay question.
Check out the WPI KEYWORDS here.
Understanding the KEYWORDS in the question makes it easier to organise your answer. It ensures that you know what the question needs you to say, and when you have said enough.
You’ll also need to have an idea of the outcomes the paper wants to address. The marking rubric is a crucial document for this information. Check what the rubric emphasises and the parts that have the most marks.
Be clear about the word count. Many markers will stop marking once you reach the word limit.
If there is a choice between questions, determine the one that you understand best.
Read the question as soon as you get the assignment. Your subconscious mind has a way of preparing you for the task ahead once it knows what you need to do.
Coming up with the correct answer may be a challenge for students whose mother tongue is not English. At Virtual English Teacher, we will proofread, paraphrase, or edit your essay.
Want proof of our effectiveness and efficiency. Ask for a free, no-obligation sample of your text.
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