Q&A for How to Answer Essay Type Questions in Literature Examinations

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  • Question
    What should you not do when taking an essay exam?
    Tristen Bonacci
    Tristen Bonacci
    English Teacher
    Tristen Bonacci is an English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix.
    Tristen Bonacci
    English Teacher
    Expert Answer
    Don't keep your answer short and simple! Writing about literature is not like math, and your answer shouldn't be something simple like "2+2=4." In an essay exam, there are multiple ways to answer a single question—it really comes down to your analysis.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to make a mind map for my essay?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary, but it may be beneficial for writing your essay.
  • Question
    How can I answer a question asking to what degree is something true in literature?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Compare the event to true facts about everyday life; let that be your argument.
  • Question
    How many types of essay writing are there?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There are four types of essay: 1 Narrative; 2 Argumentative; 3 Expository; and 4. Descriptive.
  • Question
    How can I write a good introduction for a literature paper?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Keep the body of your introduction relatively short. A paragraph in a literary analysis essay should be between eight and 12 sentences long. In the introduction, write three to four sentences generally describing the topic of your paper and explaining why it is interesting and important to the book you read.
  • Question
    How do I refute a counterargument?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Counterargument in two steps: 1. Respectfully acknowledge evidence or standpoints that differ from your argument. 2. Refute the stance of opposing arguments, typically utilizing words like “although” or “however.” In the refutation, you want to show the reader why your position is more correct than the opposing idea.
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