Essay Type Questions – Writing

How to answer the questions?

Answers to essay questions only receive complete credit if they directly answer the question that
was asked.
1. Before planning or writing an answer, read through the whole question first. As you read
through the question, jot down any information that comes to mind.
2. Budget your time. Make sure you allot roughly the same amount of time to answer each
question on the test. First answer the question that you know best.
3. Read each question carefully and determine exactly what you are being asked to do.
Underline cue and key words in the question and any specific writing instructions.
4. Plan before you write. Take a few minutes to jot down ideas and then structure your answer
by creating a brief outline which includes main and supporting points.
5. Stay on the topic. Answer only the question asked; don’t wander off in new areas. Most
instructors prefer clear, well-structured answers. They don’t appreciate filler. Carefully read
each word you have written and neatly make any corrections needed. In the outline, focus
on the main points that should be included in the essay and the specifics that are needed to
support each main point.
Use notes and assigned readings to formulate questions, remembering that essay questions test
more than one’s memory for basic facts. Typically, instructors want students to demonstrate a clear
understanding of major concepts and ideas and to extend and apply that knowledge in the essay
answer.
Please note the following descriptors:
 Analyze means to separate something into parts and then discuss the parts and their
meanings.
 Compare and contrast means to discuss similarities and differences.
 Critique means to support, evaluate and/or argue to pass judgment on something.
 Define means to offer a definition which separates the object from similar objects.
 Describe means to explain or detail the characteristics of something.
 Discuss means to consider an issue or event from various points of view.
 Evaluate means to give an opinion regarding the value of something.
 Explain means to make clear or interpret information.
 Justify means to give evidence in support of your position.
 Prove means to establish the validity of something by presenting factual information or
logical reasons.
 Relate means to demonstrate the connections among people, events, ideas, or things.
 Summarize means to retell briefly the main points of something.

Please follow these mandatory Points:

• Mentally go through your lecture notes before writing anything on your paper. [The
structure and Main points are summerized on your Notes]
• Create an outline of thoughts and related topics in connection with the essay question.
Create a more organized answer from your NOTES.
• Construct an idea in each paragraph. Essay outline is based on your Main point and related
explanatory NOTES
• Use the terminology of the course. Be professional in knowing what type of words to use in
a particular topic or subject.[6 Sigma – DMAIC and Implement]

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Four Phases – Essay Writing – Dr TP Mbhele
Phase One: Main point or Topic sentence or Theme Statement
 The learner/writer has to use the notes provided to create topical/thematic paragraphs in
answering the question.
Phase Two: Using notes under the theme/topic/main point or statement [Discuss and Analyse
material underpinning the main point]
 The descriptive essay strives to communicate a deeper meaning through the description.
The best descriptive essays appeal to the reader’s emotions, with a result that is highly
evocative.
 The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a
topic. In an expository essay, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts, statistics, and
examples. Expository essays are based on facts and deliberated notes synthesising and
applying in realistic way.
Phase Three: Broader understanding and synthesising information after thoroughly applying your
mind.
Phase Four: Practical Examples
Note:
 You can use the SCENARIO from the question paper or CREATE YOUR OWN SCENARIO.
 Introduce the KEY AREAS on the Question asked.
 Structure your ESSAY paragraphs according to the Main Points/Theme Sentences
For Example:
Many Suppliers
It is Commonly used for commodity products. Because the level of value is low on these products.
Purchasing is typically based on price. Firstly, Order going to the Low Bidder, secondly, Common
when products are commodities. Kraljic’s Matrix – it falls under non-critical items as Commodity. It is
also falling under Leverage items – you can leverage your position as a buyer.
It is critical for Suppliers to compete with one another.
For example, Suppliers are pitted against one another to elevate competitiveness. [Example]
 Burden to meet the buyer’s demand
Supplier is responsible for technology, expertise, forecasting, cost, quality, and delivery.
Disadvantage - Long-term “partnering” relationships are not the GOAL.
Practical Example…….