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In many courses an essay exam is the most important kind of in-class writing. Instructors believe that such writing shows that you have examined material critically and can clearly communicate your thoughts about it.

Preparing for the Exam

Some instructors favor an open-book exam in which you bring your books and perhaps your notes to class for reference. For this exam, memory and recall are less important than reasoning and selecting what matters. On the other hand, for a closed-book exam, you need to fix in your memory vital names, dates, and definitions. Either way, prepare by imagining likely questions and then planning answers. If your instructor supplies sample questions, pattern new ones after them. Look for main ideas and questions in relevant textbook chapters. Ask yourself: How do ideas relate? How might they be combined? What can I conclude?