Every high school and college student is probably aware that doing well on essay tests is a key component of academic success. If you are presently a student, then it is extremely important to learn how to write good essays, not just on one test but again and again. If you are looking for some tips that will help you to become a better essay writer, then read on, and I will give some guidelines for essay writing.

1. Begin each exam with a close look at the test and make a plan. Instead of writing at once, it is very important to read all of the questions and make a careful note of how many questions there are and whether there are any choices that you can make. Without a careful look at the test and without an idea of what you have to do there is a chance that you could even leave out a question or two. I know because it happened to me once!

2. Budget your time and make an outline of your essay. Once you know how many questions there are and which ones you have to answer, then it is crucial that you allocate your available time for each part of the test. Carry a watch with you because you may not get a seat with a good view of the clock. Besides time budgeting it is also a good practice to plan what you are going to write by creating an outline of the points that you are going to cover. When your outline is ready, then start writing and stay within the allotted time for each question.

3. Write a strong introductory paragraph The introduction sets the entire tone of the essay. In your opening sentence or sentences it is a good practice to state the question that is being asked and then say how you are going to answer it.

4. Show that you know something about the course. The paragraphs that follow the introduction and precede the conclusion are the places where you can show that you have read the books, listened to class discussion and have understood something about the course. Use these paragraphs to answer the question, and wherever possible back up your opinions with references to authors, articles, books and class discussion that supports your arguments. Emphasize what you know about the subject and don’t try to hide your knowledge gaps with “hot air.” Make every word count.

5. Write in a Concise and Clear Style. Knowing the material is not enough, in order to do well on an essay exam you have to express yourself clearly. Use a simple sentence structure, rather than rambling, run-on sentences. Stick to terms that you are familiar with and can use properly rather than trying to use vocabulary that is unfamiliar. Do your best to make your essay readable and remember that the person grading the exam has to go through many essays besides yours.

6. Finish it off with a good concluding paragraph. Summarize everything that you have said in the last paragraph. You can point to items you were setting out to accomplish in your introduction, and tie it all up with a sentence or two that demonstrates your mastery of the subject.

If you follow these tips, and work on developing your writing skills you will not only do well on your essays in school, but will have acquired a valuable skill that will help you throughout your entire life.

Andrew Carson is a newspaper columnist who produces articles on scholarships, online colleges, financial aid, college search tips, and adult education.