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Writing ERQs

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  • Writing ERQs
The following guide to writing an ERQ (Extended Response Question - aka, essay) is something that I do with my students throughout the course.  The goal of the guide is to give students some sense of timing and the main components that must be in the ERQ in order to do well.
The word counts and timing are not rigid, but they are a guide to give students a reasonable goal when writing a response.

Step I: Break down the question (10 seconds)

  • Circle/highlight the key words that need to be defined in your essay.
  • Be sure to note the command term.

Step II: Make a quick outline (5 minutes max)

  • List terms that need to be defined.
  • Decide which research you will use. In each paragraph you should have a goal of one theory or piece of research.
  • For each theory or piece of research, brainstorm strategies for evaluation.
  • What are your holistic ideas with regard to the question?
  • Concluding sentence: one sentence that answers the exam question. Conclusions should include reference to the question and the evidence used in the essay.
  • Draw a line through the outline so the reader doesn’t confuse it with the start of essay.

Writing the Essay: (55 minutes)

Exam tips

  • Leave space at the end of each paragraph in case you need to add information.
  • At the end of every paragraph be sure to write a sentence that clearly links the evidence back to the question.
  • Avoid absolutes: never, all, always, everywhere, no one, none.
  • Paragraphs without facts are “dead wood.” Make sure that every paragraph has a single theory or piece of research which is clearly outlined, linked to the question and then evaluated as appropriate. Avoid anecdotal information.

The approach to writing

  • Your introduction should clearly answer the question and outline how you are going to answer the question.
  • Every topic sentence and concluding sentence should link evidence to the question.
  • Start your essay with the best, most exemplary examples to answer the question. Show your best work at the start of the essay to make the best impression of your knowledge and understanding of the learning objective.
  • For each example of critical thinking, clearly explain the link to the research and/or question. For example: This study lacks predictive validity because...
  • Counter-arguments should be clearly indicated. For example, Contrary to the theory by Brown & Kulik, Neisser found that surprising and emotional events may not be remembered as clearly as we think.
  • For "discuss" questions, be sure to use a holistic approach in one of your paragraphs.  For example, in a question on genetic influences, discuss the issues with trying to establish a genetic cause of behaviour; if you are writing about the reliability of memory, have a general discussion of the areas of uncertainty in the research.
  • Conclude your essay with a direct response to the question. Make sure that you have taken a holistic approach to the question and that you have not simply evaluated research.