WRITING THE ESSAY

1.	Write a good introductory paragraph in which you refer directly to the question, e.g.,         What are the main premises of Madisonian democracy?         The main premises of Madisonian democracy are ....1,...2,...3. (This is the topic sentence) In this paragraph briefly state the main points of your answer. (These are the sub-topics.)
2.	Write a body paragraph that fully explains one of your main points. Begin it with a topic sentence, e.g.,         The first main premise of Madisonian democracy is.... Write another body paragraph for each additional main point.
3.	In each paragraph, illustrate and support your main premise by specific examples, details, and references.
4.	Summarize your essay answer in a concluding paragraph, e.g.,         The main points of Madisonian democracy were 1), 2), etc.
5.	Use short paragraphs. WRITE LEGIBLY. Answer the question!
6.	Before the examination, practice formulating questions and writing essay answers using the format outlined above. Like any other skill, writing good answers requires practice
7.	Steps to formulating your answer during the examination:         a. Write a quick structural outline of your main ideas about the question.         b. Write out a sentence outline. That is, WRITE FIVE TOPIC SENTENCES, EACH OF WHICH WILL BE THE LEAD SENTENCE IN A PARAGRAPH (introductory, main points, summary). Leave enough space to fill in details.         c. Make sure the sentences address the question. Go back and fill in details to support the main point in each paragraph.