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Suggestions for Designing Effective Essay Exams
  • Look for questions that require students to synthesize information rather than simply recite from the text or lecture
  • Don't overload students. Students can reasonably be expected to produce:
In 20 minutes
 2-3 paragraphs that demonstrate mechanical competence and fluency. The question should allow students to begin writing almost immediately by drawing on personal experience or simple description and asking for a straightforward chronological structure.
In 30 minutes A coherent 3-4 paragraph essay of limited complexity, provided that students manage their time with care. Students will be able to spend approximately 5 minutes on close reading of the question and brainstorming, another 5 minutes to organize their ideas, fifteen minutes to write, and 5 minutes to edit and revise. Many large-scale testing programs use this time span.
In 45 minutes A thoughtful, organized and somewhat creative 5 paragraph essay. Students will be able to spend 10 minutes analyzing the question and outlining the response, 30 minutes for writing, and another 10 minutes for revising. Many courses use this time-span.
In an hour or more A longer essay with more complexity, possibly using open-book information. Writing quality will probably not be much better than the 45-minute essay, but the essay can be longer.
  • State the criteria of evaluation plainly before students write--including the criterion that writing quality matters.
  • Use take-home and open-book/open-notes tests as much as possible.
  • Consider announcing topics beforehand.
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