AAE - Analyzing the Question (Lesson)

Analyzing the Question.

Be sure to always answer the question. It might sound like a silly thing to say, but you would be surprised how many students look at the question, think they know what is being asked, then proceed to write a brilliant essay. . . on the WRONG subject!

Beware the centuries!
When given a timeframe you are expected to make full use of the timeframe. Sometimes this is listed in years, but other times it is denoted by century. Make certain in your hurry, you don't misinterpret the century. So how do you avoid this? Simple, learn how to break down the questions. As you go through this course, take time to look at your questions, and make a list of what tasks you must complete in order to fully answer the question. This will help you be certain that you know what you are expected to do. In time, you'll get faster at this process so when it comes time for the national exam, you'll be able to break it down quickly in the 15 minute planning time and move forward with organizing your full essay.

Want to see what is meant by breaking it down? Let's take a closer look at some previously administered questions in the activity below. If you roll your mouse over various words in the question, you will receive information regarding EXACTLY what was being looked for in essays from these exams.

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