Written Exam with Open Questions
Content
Open questions/essay questions/case study questions ..................................................................... 1
How do I prepare for a written exam of open questions? .................................................................. 1
‘Think before you start’ to write down your answer .......................................................................... 1
How do I write a clear answer? ........................................................................................................... 2
How do I structure my answer? .......................................................................................................... 3
Which aspects of written open questions should I be aware of? ....................................................... 3
How should I finish the written exam? ............................................................................................... 3
Sources ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Open questions/essay questions/case study questions
A written exam containing open questions is an exam that requires written answers to the
questions. This type of exam is referred to in different terms: essay exam, exam of essay questions or
a case study exam. A case study exam is a specific exam, as it presents a real problem from
professional practice which you have to solve or discuss by drawing upon your knowledge and skills.
How do I prepare for a written exam of open questions?
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Ensure that you know the learning content in-depth.
Whilst studying, do not waste any time writing down the entire course. However, do practise
spelling difficult words. We also recommend that you write down formulae, dates and
names.
In the case of language exams, it is important that you practise the grammar rules and new
words.
Answer model exam questions and take a look at the model answers. These will already give
you an idea of what the lecturer is expecting of you.
Check whether there is any information available about the written exam: How many
questions can you expect? Are these short answer questions or essay questions? Essay
questions usually require a longer answer.
Do you have equipment available, e.g. dictionary, atlas, calculator, etc.?
How much time are you allowed to answer the questions?
Check how your lecturer will assess your written answers, e.g. by looking at model
questions and answers. Check whether any marks will be deducted for specific things. E.g. if
you exceed the maximum allotted space for the reply, or for making spelling errors.
Ask your teacher if you have any questions.
‘Think before you start’ to write down your answer
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First read all of the questions. This will give you an idea of how much time you will need for
the longer or more difficult questions.
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Identify the different types of open questions. How much space is there to answer the
question? Do you have to provide a short answer or are you expected to provide a long piece
of free writing? The length of the answer can vary from 1 word to a lengthy reply.
o In the case of fill out questions, you only have to fill in 1 or several words.
 Example: In which country is the source of the river Maas?
o In the case of short answer questions, you simply have to provide a short answer.
These type of questions often start with ‘who, what, when, where, which, name,
state, etc.’
 Example: What is the definition of the concept ‘democracy’?
o In the case of an essay question, you must reply in greater depth. These questions
often start with ‘describe, explain, argue…’
 Example: Describe the two main reasons of why the second world war...
Check the allocation of marks/weighting per question: How many marks can you get for
each question? In doing so, think about how to divide your time.
For each question, write down a few notes or structure on your rough copy of what comes
into your head.
Do also check whether there are any questions on the reverse of the question sheet.
Start with the questions that look easy to you. Afterwards you can concentrate on the more
difficult questions.
How do I write a clear answer?
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Read the question carefully, so that you know exactly what is required of you. Do you have
to explain a concept? Do you have to give your own example? Are you asked to give your
opinion or an objective statement of facts?
Highlight the main words in the question. For example, key words, signal words such as
‘not’, ‘no’, etc.
Proceed step-by-step:
o Step 1: Extract the main elements from the question. Brainstorm. Think about the
connections that the question is generating: e.g. key words, ideas, connections, etc.
Which course modules does the question relate to? Can you give an example, or add
an up-to-date fact?
o Step 2: First outline your reply on your rough copy. You can restrict yourself to key
words and diagrams. Do not write out your answer in full on your rough copy as
there is not enough time for that.
o Step 3: Read the question again. Have you said everything there is to say?
o Step 4: How can you combine all the various ideas into one? What is your general
conclusion?
o Step 5: Now construct and structure your answer. Write down your answer on your
answer sheet. Demonstrate your knowledge to the lecturer. Underline the key
words. Read everything one last time.
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How do I structure my answer?
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Make sure that your answer is structured logically. For example, when discussing a problem,
the problem is first explained and only then will the causes be explained. In order to achieve
a logical structure, it is best to write an outline to structure your thoughts on your rough
copy.
Emphasise key words. Underline them. Do not force your lecturer to search for the main
parts in your answer, but highlight these clearly yourself. The lecturer will compare your
answer to the model answer that is already available. A clear structure and key words can be
helpful in this process.
Write in paragraphs. Paragraphs should not be too long or too short. A paragraph should on
average be 6 sentences or 10 lines long. Divide your paragraphs using blank lines so as to
create small sections of text.
The paragraphs and sentences must be linked by copulatives or linking words, such as firstly,
besides, moreover, in contrast to, etc. Those words clarify the overall context.
Which aspects of written open questions should I be aware of?
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Write clearly and legibly. Pay attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation. Make sure
that the lecturer does not have to decipher your hand-writing.
Give the question careful thought. Consider your answer carefully and do not answer too
quickly. A reply to an open question should not be written down in haste.
Keep to the space provided for the answer.
Keep an eye on the time. Divide your time between the questions. Also allow time to read
everything through.
Demonstrate that you have mastered the learning content; link to relevant concepts and
theories from your course.
Do what the lecturer requires of you. If he/she requires a concise answer, then do not
elaborate. If he/she requires an outline, then do not write in full sentences.
Do not write the entire exam on your rough copy, as there is not enough time for that.
Answer briefly but confidently. Do not beat about the bush. You will not get any extra marks
for superfluous clarification. Simply answer the question.
How should I finish the written exam?
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Carefully read through the exam, both for content and language.
o Content: First read the question again. Is everything answered? Only change your
answer if you are sure that you are improving it.
o Language: Spelling errors, grammatical errors and other linguistic errors always leave
a bad impression and can have a negative effect upon your marks.
Check whether you have answered all of the questions and sub-sections.
If there is something you do not know, then hints of knowledge or reasoning may yield extra
marks. However, certainly do not write any nonsense and avoid any answers that are beside
the point.
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Sources
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http://www1.katho.be/page.aspx?smid=2280
http://www.leidenuniv.nl/ics/sz/so/psy0603.html
http://www.score.hva.nl/s_essaytoets.html
http://faber.kuleuven.be/DSO/tipsexamens.php
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