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! 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. 

 

Question Words:

Analyze, Compare, Huh? Ever wonder what all those essay words mean. . . just what exactly it is the question is asking you to do? Download this resource that helps explain what various question words mean. Links to an external site.

Special Note - Continuities. You're likely to see this word in several of your questions.

What does it mean?

  • a continuous or connected whole
  • the unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time.

When you are asked to "Describe and explain significant continuities and changes..." you need to talk about things that stay the same throughout a long period of time (continuities) AND what things changed over that period of time.

 

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