| STEP 1: Examine the question | Its wording indicates how should organize and write your answer. Some questions features a combination of organizational patterns rather than a single type. |
| STEP 2: Choose a title | Even though you won’t necessarily title the topic asked in the questions, a title helps you focus your thoughts and narrow your subject |
| STEP 3: Outline or map your response before you write | This listing of main points keeps you from omitting details. |
| STEP 4: Have a beginning, middle, and end | Topic and summary sentences make your answer seem organized and completed. |
| STEP 5: Use transitional words | The key words in each question help you identify the transitions you need for clarity. |
| STEP 6: if you run out of time, outline the remaining questions | The show your knowledge of the content, if not your writing style. Partial responses of ten result in partial credit. |
| STEP 7: Proofread your answers | Check spelling, grammar, and content. |
| STEP 8: if confused regroup your thoughts | If a question confuses you, write any thoughts you have about the topic on the back of your paper. This helps you focus attention and increases recall. |
