When it comes to answering concise questions that begin 'What' or 'Why', there are a few pointers that will help make this easier:

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5 Things to Remember when5 Things to Remember when
Answering an Essay QuestionAnswering an Essay Question
that Asks 'What' and 'Why'that Asks 'What' and 'Why'

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Tackling an essay question for the first time can be a challenge and
sometimes daunting.
You will come to find, with practice, that the structure of an essay is
usually very flexible, but it depends on whether you are expected to
write a long or short essay answer.
When it comes to answering concise questions that begin ‘What’ or
‘Why’, make it easier by following the tips on the following slides.

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1. Understand the question
It’s an obvious first point, but make sure that you understand the
question by reading it through more than once.
How you answer will depend on the word limit, if you are given one,
and the number of topics you need to cover.
If in doubt about where you are heading with your answer once you
have made a start, go back over the question – are you still keeping to
it?

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2. Identify the 'process' words
‘What’ and ‘Why’ are two of many ‘process’ words – start by picking
these out.
Are you being asked to answer for both of these words or just one? i.e.
Do you need to state what something is and then describe reasons for
something happening?
Be aware that these process words could also be written in other ways,
using imperatives such as ‘define’ or ‘evaluate’. Highlight these words
in the text so you keep referring back to them.

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3. Determine the definition
To help you answer the question precisely:
a) ‘What’ is asking you for information specifying something in
particular. It wants you to describe the true nature of something.
So only define whatever you are being asked to define!
b) ‘Why’ is part of a cause-and-effect question, i.e. what has
happened that caused such-and-such to emerge?
It indicates that you must give reasons for selecting particular points
of similarity and difference relevant to the topic

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4. Remember the 'content' words
Once you know the ‘process’ words, don’t stray from the ‘content’
words as these inform you of the topics you should focus on.
These tend to be nouns but look out for words like ‘important’ and
‘one of’ to help you stick to the questions being asked. Highlight
these if it helps.
Keep thinking of the ‘what’ and ‘why’ at this point and throughout as
the marker will be expecting you to answer according to these!

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5. Keep to essay format
Remember that this is still an essay question so it should generally
contain:
An introduction (how you intend to address the question and key
terms)
A main body (paragraphs outlining your arguments and any evidence
for these)
A conclusion (a short summary of main points and findings that does
not repeat what you wrote earlier)

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Conclusion
Although ‘what’ and ‘why’ essay questions can be very specific, you
should not rush your answer.
Break down the questions and pick out vital words that will help you to
keep focused on the topic.
Remember the style of the question you are answering and don’t start
introducing new topics.
Read your answer again if you have time.
Always check you have answered what is being asked of you.

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