Essay-type exams. Most people hate them; sadistic professors love to give them. They’re not like multiple choice-type tests where any lucky guess can get you the points. It’s what they would lovingly describe as “something that would test what you really know and understand.”

Sure it matters if you’ve studied a whole lot to prepare for one. But some people, even if they could practically quote the textbook, would even choke during exam day. The reason? Oh plenty. Not following instructions. Lack of time. Missing out on the more important parts.

As like any other test, there’s a way to handle essay-type exams. Here are steps to make sure you’d turn in a winning exam. Well… provided that you’ve studied well beforehand.

1. Read instructions carefully

   Many student have fallen prey to FFI (failure to follow instructions) syndrome. Read instructions carefully. Twice. Check if you need to answer on a separate booklet, or where to place your name, or whether or not pencils are allowed. You’ll be lucky enough to get deductions for carelessness. Some evil professor may not even award you any points at all for FFI.

2. Manage your time

   Never forget to wear a watch. You may not be lucky enough to be assigned in a room with a clock. Or get one with a clock’s that’s located at the back of the room. Looking around may constitute as cheating.

   Check how many items there are and how much time is allotted for the test. Subtract 10-15 minutes from the total time for your review time. If the questions are weighted the same, just divide the remaining number of minutes by the number of items to get your time limit per question.

   For example a 60 minute exam with five questions merits you 10 minutes per item. Make sure you don’t exceed those 10 minutes. If you reach 10 minutes just leave a some space for you to add some more during your review time.

3. Read and make sure you understand the question

   Some guides would say “Put it in your own words” to make sure you understand what’s asked of you.

   Make sure you pay attention to the imperatives like define, describe, or enumerate. These would guide you into choosing which details are needed to answer them like: terms and definitions, sensory details, or lists.

   For a comprehensive list to these key imperatives, click here.

4. Outline then answer

   Remember that any essay should have 3 parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Outline your points so that you’ll be able to weave a seamless discussion.

   Use your first sentence in the introduction to state your main point. A good body should have at least three supports to your point. Elaborate on these supports using examples, quotations, or statistics.

   Outlines help you not to go around in circles in your discussions.

5. Read and review

   Use the remaining time to go over each and every answer that you have. Patch those that need a bit more discussion. Check for misspelled words. Make sure that every answer delivers the points asked.

6. Make the most of the exam time

   Never hand in your paper any sooner than the end time. If you have paced yourself well, you’ll just end right on time.

Remember, exam techniques can only get you as far as what you know and understand about the subject matter. These steps would just help you show your understanding the best way you can.