Some essay questions may be tough to answer at times, as can the stress you put your brain through while trying to think of the appropriate words to write, making it harder to discover the correct answers to those theoretical questions. However, a thorough grasp of the questions might aid in determining the correct and best replies to write. This article will teach you how to answer theory questions in examinations by following the methods outlined below.
How to answer theory questions in exams
1. Understand the given question
Before you begin writing any answers on your booklet, ensure you have read the theory question twice or more until you understand every detail, including what major areas are demanded in your answers. You can underline the most vital words or phrases in the question. This will help you stay focused on the details that are demanded of you when answering the question.
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2. Take note of keywords
It is certain that teachers and professors use important keywords in theory questions to explain what type of answers they expect and also what they want you to do. For example, a theory question asking you to analyze an issue will be very different from one asking you to argue a position, so it is critical that you understand and identify the keywords in each theory question as you read through. The following are some of the most regularly used phrases:
- Compare: to discuss the differences and similarities of two or more objects.
- Contrast: to illustrate how two or more items are unlike.
- Analyze: to describe what, where, who, why, when, and how, including pros and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses.
- Summarize: to identify the key parts of a topic that might reflect the core concept in order to thoroughly explore them.
- Explain: to provide explanations for why or how something occurred.
- Prove: This is often reserved for more scientific or objective writings that use evidence and study to make a case for a certain set of ideas.
- Discuss: This is often analytical; you must begin by explaining something and then provide reasons for either the downsides or positives of your chosen topic.
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3. By asking questions, you may dispel your doubts.
A good way to write what you are given is to understand the questions, so ask questions if anything is unclear or if you do not understand a particular statement well enough, and always attempt you understand what you are told to do so that you do not end up providing incorrect answers, for any difficult part, wave your hand to the teacher and wait for her to come over to you, or possibly approach your teacher’s desk to ask your questions.
4. Planning your responses
When preparing your replies, pay close attention to the directions on the booklet and make sure to utilize the instructions to choose what to include in your answers, adhering to them to the letter and not improvising non-essential material.
Since most teachers attribute poor performance on essay questions to failure to follow instructions, It is also vital to evaluate the structure of your replies since organization is a key component of the process, and it is much preferable to consider your organization before you begin answering the questions.
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5. Include some relevant facts and figures in your answers.
A good theory question answer should provide a relevant answer while also demonstrating your knowledge of the subject; consider the best way to accomplish this goal with the important details and figures you have studied in your studies; if possible, make a list of important details and figures that you want to include in your theory answers, which you can always refer to as you write your answers.
6. Begin your responses by making a remark on the theoretical question.
By rephrasing the question in the form of a statement, commencing your theory question this way shows the professor that you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you, and it also allows you to remain focused on delivering an accurate and important response to the question from the outset.
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7. Include some vital information in your responses.
Whatever is required of you, make it crystal obvious what your theoretical responses are all about. These vital and significant points in the replies may get you all of the points.
8. Avoid using incorrect grammar and punctuation.
Poor language and punctuation might affect your grade; thus, use perfect grammar and punctuation when you compose your answers to avoid wasting time coming back to proofread since you may not have time to do so. If you must answer the question by hand, make sure your writing is tidy and legible since this might get you extra points.
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9. Keep your cool and concentrate
When writing a theory exam, it is important to stay calm and relaxed; taking a deep breath can help you ease that anxiousness; otherwise, you may have difficulty recalling vital information or end up making mistakes; and if you are too anxious during the exam, put down your pencils, close your eyes, and take a deep breath, imagine some interesting moments, open your eyes, and continue from where you left off.
Conclusion
Finally, make excellent use of your time; although some examinations may indicate how much time you have to spend on each question, making it simpler to manage your time and if the time for each question was not speculated, build your own time budget from the start of the exams; this will allow you to write as fast as possible.