The Lighthouse

A short answer question is similar to a short answer question outside of the exam, except you don’t normally need to include references in an exam (though you do need to make sure you get the right names for theorists/theories etc.).

When answering short-answer questions:

• Focus on answering the question by giving a direct answer to it; make the first sentence of the paragraph a direct answer to the question.
• Structure the answer in the same way as the question, i.e. if the question has two parts make the answer two parts.
• Pay attention to paragraph structure: Start with your main point/topic (i.e. your answer to the question) and then follow this with evidence and examples.
• Pay attention to the number of marks awarded for each answer (they can vary).

Also see:

• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/tests-and-exams/exam-short-answer-question.php
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/exam-survival-guide-latest.pdf
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/main/tests-and-exams.php