Many students find essay tests difficult. These tests in history classes can be particularly difficult, but can be aced. Success on history exams depends on using the facts that you know to answer the question, using specific examples, writing a coherent essay and avoiding discussing topics that you know little about.
Facts you know
There are always multiple ways to answer a given essay question. When starting a test, jot down the information, people and dates that you know, then work on fitting those together to answer the question. While tangential facts can show, or create the illusion of, mastery of the subject, be sure to tie them firmly into the essay’s narrative.
Try to avoid errors, like the students who wrote that “the Mesopotamians imported raw iron ore that they made into bronze,” or discussed monumental architecture such as the “great Pyramids of Egypt, the Zodiacs of Mesopotamia” etc.[1] If you are not sure of something, it is better to stick to generalities.
Use Specific Examples
When studying for a test, be sure to memorize specific examples of historical trends. While writing “through the Middle Ages the Papacy frequently interfered with secular affairs” is correct, it is better to write “Pope Leo II’s endorsement of Duke William’s invasion of England is just one example of the Papacy interfering with secular affairs.” The second example doesn’t take much studying or memorization but has much more authority. Always use phrases like “one example.” This implies that you know many more examples, but that space is limited.
Writing Coherent Essays
Before beginning to write your essay, take a few minutes to plan it. List what you know, break down the question and be sure to answer it in full. If you are asked about the accomplishments of Rome, writing pages about the road system is an incomplete answer. Be sure to write about politics, architecture, culture and the economy as well.
When writing an essay, do not write a story. One student in a BYU history class wrote about the development of the Indus river valley civilization by “traveling in a time machine” to India along with Steve Irwin. Steve’s concluding monologue that “this planet might give older men the opportunity to wear short shorts, high socks and talk in cool accents. What a beauty!” was unprofessional and detracted from the effectiveness and grade of the essay.
Know What to Avoid
While packing facts in is good, always keep the outline of your essay and your argument in mind. Throwing in examples and facts needs to be done to legitimize and help your essay and at least some conclusions should be drawn from them. Most importantly, if you do not know the name of a thing, civilization or person, do not discuss them at length. Avoid the error made by one student who, when asked about the greatest accomplishments of Medieval Europe wrote about “that big Roman structure where they had all the gladiators fight. It amazes me that they could build such a big/sturdy structure like that with the lack of technology that they had.”
While not as damaging to your grade as ignorance, do not wax poetical or literary in your essay tests like the student who wrote that “Civilization might as well have a ‘HAZARD WORK IN PROGRESS’ placed upon it’s magnificent body.” This does not help your test or your grade.
By using what you know, specific examples of trends, planning ahead and avoiding pitfalls you can write an excellent, and well graded, history essay. If you do not, at least you'll be remembered by your graders.
[1] All students quoted were students in a History 201 class at Brigham Young University during the Winter 2007 semester. Their tests were graded by the author when he was a TA for the class.
