writingshortparagraphanswersandessays

Writing Short Paragraph Answers & Essays

In addressing the issue of writing to answer test questions, we will discriminate between the process of writing short paragraph answers and longer essay answers.

Short Paragraph Answer A short paragraph test answer consists of anywhere between four and seven sentences.

The paragraph is organized like any other basic paragraph:

Step 1

Students should assess the question and determine the type of paragraph response required. Finding the "key words" or "direction words" within the question will guide the student in their response.

The following chart was designed from using King's (1985), section of paragraphs on pages 37-38. You may wish to look at those pages for possible topic ideas for each type of paragraph listed below.

Type of Paragraph
"Key" or "Direction" Words

Example paragraph
Process paragraph
Classification paragraph
Reason paragraph
illustrate, diagram, give examples
trace, summarize, outline, explain, tell how enumerate,
list, classify, types, categorize
prove, tell why, justify

Definition paragraph
Comparison/Contrast paragraph
Descriptive paragraph
Narrative paragraph
define, meaning, identify
compare, differences, similarities
describe, recount, relate
experience, dialogue

Step 2

Students jot down a list of possible supporting ideas and details.

Step 3

Decide which ideas and details to include in the paragraph.

Step 4

Then arrange the details and ideas in order, either chronological, or order of importance from least to greatest.

Step 5

Formulate a main idea sentence. Coordinate the supporting ideas and details into sentences. Finally create a closing, summary sentence.

Essay Answers (See Appendixes A & D)

"If you expect students to write essay answers, spend time teaching your students to write essay answers and to recognize the relationship of the essay answer to the writing process" (Brandvik, 1990, p. 260). An essay is a piece of writing which is longer than a short answer.

Step 1 - (prewriting)

Read the question several times so you know what it is asking.
Circle all direction words.
Underline all key words.
Determine the number of parts to the question.

Step 2 - (prewriting)

Develop ideas.
Jot a brief outline, web, map.
Brainstorm or cluster.
Gather ideas and list.

Step 3 - (drafting)

Write an introductory paragraph which restates the question as the first sentence of the answer.
Write two or more supporting paragraphs using the details you have chosen in a logical sequence.
Write a concluding paragraph which restates the main idea and supporting details.

Step 4 - (revise/edit)

Polish and refine your essay for missing words and punctuation.
Do not recopy.
An additional lesson on strategies for answering essay test questions is available on page 105, Muschla (1993). Also if you are looking to practice essay writing before an actual test you may wish to indulge in a lemon drop lesson (Brandvik, 1990, p. 261). You may find you have to modify the type of candy you use if too many of us try this one! For Math and Science teachers looking for samples of essay questions and responses, you may want to refer to the Wisconsin Student Assessment System:

Performance Assessment Sampler (1995) that the Guidance department gave us.