This is probably the most important but least regarded of all steps and is an area to watch out for.

Why?

It is the most important as it sets up your understanding of the issue and directs how you will plan and subsequently write your essay. Further, if you misunderstand or misinterpret the question, you will not have answered the question properly as your planning and writing is set up on a misunderstanding.

It's terrible to have written out a very well-written piece with great arguments to only then realise that you're not answering the question. You get marks for answering the question.

So how do you do it?

1. Read the exam question once and circle the key words

2. Now ask yourself the following:

   1. Does it require me to make a decision?
   2. What is that decision?
   3. What themes or issues does it touch upon?

3. Read the question again, and given your thoughts in point 2. (a) – (c) above, ask yourself whether your thinking relates specifically back to the exam question and to the key words of the exam question.

4. If so, it's likely that you have understood the exam question correctly. If not, you may have misunderstood the exam question.

Let's put this into action with the following questions of understanding the question correctly and then not understanding the question correctly/misreading it.

A high flying executive stole over $6 million from her employer used a portion of that money to fund clinical trials of a new drug that has helped save the lives of over 12 babies born with severe neurological illnesses, including her own. This former executive has been lauded as both a hero but also hated. Do you think it is wrong to obtain money for a worthy cause at any cost? Why/why not?

There is no space in schools for corporate sponsorship. Do you agree with this statement or not? State your reasons.

Corporate sponsorship in schools can allow mutual benefits such as new equipment for schools and greater recognition for brands. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of corporate sponsorship in schools.

Technology is fast becoming an essential tool for work and play. Should technology be taught in all schools?

Technology is fast becoming an essential tool for work and play. Should technology be a compulsory part of the school curriculum?

Many science fiction stories deal with the possibility of being able to "design" our children by choosing the specific physical and personality traits we would like them to have.No longer is this just fiction, however.Cloning may allow us to weed out genetic disease, enhance desirable traits, even deliver made‐to‐order children.Do you think this is a good idea?Why or why not?Use specific examples and reasons to support your position.

Whales are an important and often endangered part of the global marine environment. Many countries have outlawed whaling. Some countries, however, continue to catch and kill whales for a range of purposes (including for food, traditional reasons, scientific research etc). Write a persuasive piece of writing arguing for or against global laws banning whaling.

Sources:

https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/commrel/aboutschool/selectentry/analyticalwritingpractice.pdf

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/parents/secondary/sepersuasivewriting.pdf

Common errors in Understanding the Question

Not giving an answer to the question

If the question is asking you to form a view, i.e. "Do you prefer cats or dogs?", don't just say "It depends". This occurs because people don't make a decision and bet either way hoping to score points. This is not an ideal answer because (1) the question requested that you form a view, and (2) it's difficult to argue because arguing in essence requires a view on one side against another.

You can prevent this by forming a view on one side if the question asks you to do so.

Not addressing the correct question in your response and therefore, indicating that you don't understand the question

If you base your essay on the misunderstanding, it will show quite clearly to the examiner. To reduce this error from being made, follow the guide in understanding the question as shown above.

Key Rules to remember:

• Read the exam question once and circle the key words
• What is the question asking you to do and how will it influence your planning?
• Read it for what it is – don't make assumptions.

Now it's time to do your assignment.

1. Download the assignment question here.
2. Print it out or if you want to do it electronically, save it.
3. Complete the questions to it.
4. Then check the solutions on the video below.
5. To get the worded solutions/sample essays, download them here.