the difference between multiple choice tests and written tests is marked. anybody can simply choose “a”, “b”, “c” or “d”. commandeering the rest of the alphabet into something intelligible poses a far greater challenge.
this summer, i helped a college student fine tune his academic success of both studying and “test taking” techniques. “test taking”, in reality, is a stand alone subject. it is truly worth studying.
one of my lectures was on the art of “test writing”. first, one does not need to be a talented writer to succeed. graders often assign points if topics or issues were covered. thus, the writer needs to highlight the points upon which the essay question raises. simple writing is the best; be a hemmingway and not a steinbeck.
give this notion, test writing should emphasize on giving the grader what they are looking to find. in legal writing, there is the “irac” technique is employed. issue, rule, analysis and conclusion.
for the college student i was giving advice, he was taking non-legal classes. therefore, i “irac” became to “imac”; issue, main concept, analysis and conclusion.
ISSUE
issue, in this writing format, is meant that the writer identify the matter posed by that is posed by the question.
MAIN CONCEPT
main concept is meant for the writer to display their knowledge concerning the topic. this may include providing a definition of the concern. thus, an example of how issue and main concept work together is the following example “this question is about how the economy works within large cities…economics is…”
ANALYSIS
analysis is meant to be the discussion section of the answer. this is the opportunity for the writer to show that not only they know the definition but they understand how it can be applied. thus, the test answer would perhaps begin as follows: “large cities can have many different sources of revenue. there can be a number of industries agriculture, tourism, finance and real estate that all play a role in such economy…”
CONCLUSION
conclusion is the last section. this could be something such as “given x and y, i would conclude z.” in some respects, this section could be akin to telling the reader that “2+2=4”. the reader understands that you master the material.
FORMATTING
making your essays easy to read is also important. the example to follow is this essay. i spent the time to put a bold centered headline to direct the reader through the essay. making things easier for the grader is so important. writing is always done for the reader!
in sum, for those entering this academic year, i wish you the best of luck!
be well!!
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The Ten Commandments Project 