This document outlines a 7-step process for answering essay questions effectively: 1) Read and understand the question, defining key terms. 2) Identify key terms and concepts. 3) Develop a clear thesis statement that addresses the prompt. 4) Create an outline to organize ideas. 5) Gather evidence and examples to support the thesis. 6) Write an introduction, body paragraphs with evidence, and a conclusion. 7) Edit and revise the essay thoroughly before submitting.

1. ANSWERING
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Prepared by: Ailhine V. Ogoc
Do you find yourself struggling in answering essay questions?
This presentation is beneficial for you.

2. STEP 1
7 STEPS IN ANSWERING
ESSAY QUESTIONS
STEP 7
STEP 6
STEP 5
STEP 4
STEP 3
STEP 2

3. Read the question
carefully.
Step 1: Understand the
Essay Question.
Define key
terms.
Reflect on the
question.

4. STEP 2: IDENTIFY KEY
TERMS AND CONCEPTS
Look for a word or phrase that forms the basis of your
prompt and provides focus for your essay.
KEY TERMS
Identifying the key concepts is central to answering the
essay prompt and formulating your thesis statement.
CONCEPTS
This will help you to grasp difficult areas, connect to
your prior knowledge and provide the foundation of
your essay.
CRITICAL THINKING

5. Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement
1 Brainstorm Ideas
After understanding the question
and identifying key terms,
brainstorm ideas for your essay.
2
Formulate Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the roadmap
of your essay. It should be a clear
and concise statement that
summarizes the main point or
argument of your essay. Make your
thesis statement strong, engaging
and thought-provoking.
3 Review and Revise
Ensure that your thesis statement
addresses the prompt and covers
everything you plan to discuss in
your essay. Revise the statement
until it outlines a cohesive and
comprehensive content.

6. Step 4: Create an Outline
Use visual aids.
It can make essay writing a lot
easier than using traditional
outlining techniques.
Use mind mapping.
This will help you
understand the order of
information to be covered in
your essay.
Organize your thoughts and ideas
effectively with an outline. Ensure
that the outline is clear, concise and
detailed. This will act as a roadmap
for your essay writing process.

7. Step 5: Gather
Evidence and
Examples
Collect evidence.
Collect quotes, statistics,
or other evidence that
supports your argument
and use them as
building blocks for the
body paragraphs of your
essay.
01
Add examples.
Examples provide real
world context to support
your claims. Use
examples that are
relevant, concrete, and
specific in nature.
02
Conduct in-depth research on
the essay topic. Identify credible
sources, like academic research
papers or books, to back up
your ideas and arguments.

8. Step 6: Writing the Introduction,
Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion
1 INTRODUCTION
The introduction sets the
stage for your essay. Start
with an interesting hook,
provide necessary background
information, and introduce
the thesis statement.
2
BODY PARAGRAPHS
The body should elaborate
your thesis statement by
breaking its argument into
manageable chunks. Each
paragraph should focus on a
single idea and should contain
evidence supporting the main
argument.
3 CONCLUSION
The conclusion should
summarize your main points
and thesis statement by
offering closure. Include final
perspective or solution. Avoid
introducing any new
information that may confuse
your reader.

9. STEP 7: EDIT AND REVISE THE
ESSAY
Use editing strategies like reading
aloud, asking for feedback from peers
or editing partners, and focusing on
one aspect of the essay at a time.
Revisit the essay several times and
focus on refining grammar, spelling,
formatting, and logical coherence. Be
concise, clear and persuasive to craft
a final product ready for submission
or publication.

10. THANK YOU!