Answering the Short Answer Questions

Hello class!

Just to write down some of the things we discussed in class.

For midterm exam you should focus on the content and organization of your answer. This is what I suggested:

Write 3 paragraphs looking at the before, during and after effects of the event in question. This is just a suggestion.

For example, we looked at the
1. background of the Declaration of Independence
2. the writing of the Declaration
3. the after effects of the document

This is only a suggestion!

Perhaps you would prefer to write about (in detail) 3 of the main issues of the event in question.

But you could also focus on 3 reasons for the document
1. to form an independent government
2. to dissolve the relationship with Britain
3. to state to the King the colonies intentions

However you decide to organize your essay, be sure that you include details about the events you write about. Explain some of the events as if the reader has little idea of what you are talking about. The more you can say, the more details you can provide and the more you can show me your understanding of the event, the better.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Here are some suggestions from this webpage for attacking the short answer question.

1. Jot down a quick answer for every part of the question (A, B, and C) directly in your test booklet.
2. Gather more support than you think you need. You need to know general details and major highlights of the topics presented as well as basic cause and effect. You do NOT need to know obscure facts.
3. Think about how each part of the question and your examples fit together. This will help you formulate a brief topic sentence to make sure that your answer is structured and succinctly communicates your ideas.
4. Put it all together into a direct, well-supported short answer. Resist the urge to list all of the examples you recall. Make sure your support proves your point, that it all relates clearly, and that you have directly answered all parts of the question.