In order to SHOW what you know, you must be able to WRITE what you know. This is as true AT YOUR WORK as it is here at John Jay College. So we are giving you an example of a good answer to a short essay question (it really has one part—the italicized sentences—while most essay questions have several parts). After the full example answer, we break down the answer into parts, showing how each part helps build an effective overall answer. This is the path to good grades on your essay exams, and is also the best way to work through the written homework questions you submit each week.

QUESTION: The fifteenth- and sixteenth-century voyages of exploration produced lasting changes in the political and social structure of Western Europe. Would you say that these voyages tended to hasten or to delay the growth of national states? Explain.

ANSWER: The explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries hastened the growth of national states. The reasons have to do with danger, wealth, trade, and pride. One of the prime ingredients for the beginning of national states was a common danger from the outside. Because countries went to war over the right to control certain colonies and trade routes, they had to unite in order to fight off an aggressor.

Other forms of competition between one country and another contributed to the growth of national states. Competition for land and wealth was fierce. The resources of the new lands (such as coffee, spices, minerals) were considered valuable. Each country was eager to gain land because the products of land meant more wealth, as when Cortez conquered the Aztecs. A united country could best succeed in this form of competition.

These resources brought about by the new discoveries increased the power of mercantilism. With the opening of new trade routes, the Northern and Western European states were able to break the Venetian-Arab trade monopoly with the Indies. The colonization led to a system involving a state-controlled market between the colony and the mother country. This permitted the nations of Europe to become economically separate units, with no common market existing.

Another feature in producing national states was the national pride these voyages tended to produce. The voyages were financed by a national government. Any new discovery was associated with the sponsoring government and added to the spirit of nationalism.

BREAKING DOWN THE COMPONENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ESSAY. A GOOD ANSWER . . .

Starts with a direct answer to the question:

The explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries hastened the growth of national states.

Pre-outlines the topics and order:

The reasons have to do with danger, wealth, trade, and pride.

Starts one of the reasons:

One of the prime ingredients for the beginning of national states was a common danger from the outside. Because countries went to war over the right to control certain colonies and trade routes, they had to unite in order to fight off an aggressor.

Transitions between reasons:

Other forms of competition between one country and another contributed to the growth of national states. Competition for land and wealth was fierce. The resources of the new lands (such as

Gives specifics:

coffee, spices, minerals) were considered valuable. Each country was eager to gain land because the products of land meant more wealth, as when

Adds a phrase or sentence to show relevance of the point to the question:

Cortez conquered the Aztecs. A united country could best succeed in this form of competition.

Adds material to make sure the relation of the point to the question is clear:

These resources brought about by the new discoveries increased the power of mercantilism. With the opening of new trade routes, the Northern and Western European states were able to break the Venetian-Arab trade monopoly with the Indies. The colonization led to a system involving a state-controlled market between the colony and the mother country. This permitted the nations of Europe to become economically separate units, with no common market existing.

Amplifies with an example:

This condition fostered nationalism. It is interesting to note that Italy, which did very little exploration, took longer to become a united nation than did the other countries of Europe.

Transitions to a new point which came to mind during the writing of the answer:

Another feature in producing national states was the national pride these voyages tended to produce. The voyages were financed by a national government. Any new discovery was associated with the sponsoring government and added to the spirit of nationalism.

PRINCIPLES OF WRITING ESSAY ANSWERS ON HOMEWORKS AND EXAMS

Outline your answer to the question.

In the opening paragraph, write a direct answer to the question. This will help you organize the rest of your answer.

Begin a new paragraph for each point. Support your points by citing specific names, dates, and examples; noting exceptions; showing relationships; suggesting implications; and ending with a summarizing sentence or paragraph.

Make your answer clear. Lead the reader neatly through the paper by well chosen transitional and directional words.

Proofread your answers.

Start on the easiest questions first.

Answer in outline form if time does not permit a complete essay answer. (On tests only!)

Write something for every essay question, even if you do not know everything you should.

Adapted from guidelines by John Thames of the Counseling Center of California State College, Los Angeles.

Distribution: To Public Administration Introductory classes and NYPD Management Classes, Fall/Spring 2002/3. Modified by Professor Patrick O’Hara, September 18, 2002.