How to Do Well on an Essay Exam Fr. Dennis Tamburello, O.F.M. 1. One marathon study session that keeps you up all night is the wrong way to prepare for an exam. You should develop a study method that spreads out your preparation over several sessions. Follow all directions.
Most students have a tendency to move right to the first question and start writing.
Read each question carefully and be sure you know what it is asking. If you are not sure what a question means, ask for clarification. Look for words that focus the question. Note the italicized words. It is very important that you answer the question precisely as asked .