What is one important tip for writing essay questions?

Choosing to ask respondents to explain or discuss a topic is a fundamental aspect of crafting essay questions. This approach encourages deeper critical thinking and comprehension from students. By prompting them to engage with the material, they have the opportunity to express their understanding in a more comprehensive manner. This not only assesses their knowledge but also their ability to articulate their thoughts, reasoning, and insights on a given subject.

Encouraging students to elaborate on their answers helps teachers evaluate their students' mastery of concepts rather than simply recalling facts. This method aligns well with educational goals, which often emphasize understanding and analysis over rote memorization. When students explain or discuss a topic, they can weave together various ideas and demonstrate connections, showing a richer understanding of the material covered in the course.