Writing

Essay Writing Starting Out 

Question Analysis

Before answering an essay question, it is best that you understand the type of question you have picked. Properly identifying the instructions and keywords will help you answer the question in the most appropriate way.

When approaching a question, consider the following:

• What is being asked?

• What is the topic?

• What is the required task or command?

Question analysis will help you identify whether the essay question is one of the following:

• Descriptive

• Narrative

• Discursive

• Informative

• Argumentative

• Open-ended

• Factual

• Expository

• Creative writing

Look at the questions below and identify which category it falls under.

1. Describe an exciting sports day at your school. [30]

2. Write a story based on one of the following statements:

either

(a) That day, my parents were so proud of me! [30]

or

(b) As he stepped into the office, fear gripped him. [30]

3. Private schools offer a better education than government schools. Do you agree? [30]

4. The thief. [30]

5. What would you consider to be the attributes of a good community library?

6. Fashion. [30]

7. What should be done to improve the living conditions in your area? [30]

To successfully answer a question, you will first need to identify the essay type; this will help you determine the most appropriate essay structure to follow.

Many students are comfortable with narrative and creative writing, however, those types of essays present some challenges which are costly. Gardiner Tutorial Services prepares students for all types of essays. We want our learners to be confident in the exam and to be able to answer any essay question of their choosing.

Question 1 is a descriptive essay question. The keyword is 'describe' and the topic is 'a sports day at your school.' Naturally, you are expected to use descriptive language that is vivid and appeals to the senses. The description should centre around the event, which is the sports day and the setting which is at your school. The descriptive nature of this composition can be weaved into a narrative.

Question 2 a is a narrative composition question. The narrative should be in the first-person point of view and the theme or plot should centre on events or achievements that made your parents proud of you.

Question 2 b is also a creative or narrative composition. The keyword is 'fear.' The composition should be in the third person point of view and it should incorporate descriptive elements to express the fear that gripped the character.

Question 3 is a discursive essay question. This essay type requires you to present an analysis of an argument by offering opposing perspectives. You can identify such questions with the key phrase, "Do you agree" or similar phrases.

Question 4 combines both the narrative and descriptive essay style of writing. The descriptive essay should centre on the thief and since there are no further instructions, you can make the best use of the essay techniques you would have mastered.

Question 5 is a factual question. You will be required to outline the features and attributes of a good library. Avoid outlining too many features; focus on the main attributes and develop your body paragraphs on them.

Question 6  is an open-ended topic. You can develop the essay on your opinion on fashion. Do not be tempted to write everything on the subject, instead pick one area or theme on the topic and focus on it. Organise your essay clearly.

Question 7 is an expository topic. Outline what can be done to improve the standard of living in your neighbourhood, city or town.

After analysing your question,  and identifying what is required of you, you can begin planning your essay.