GKT103: General Knowledge for Teachers – Essays

When we write an essay, we want to be sure our readers can easily understand the points we're making. While interesting ideas and strong supporting details are important, none of that matters if the grammar isn't clear. It's important to be able to write clear, grammatically correct sentences to show our readers that we can communicate effectively through writing. This resource reviews grammar rules that improve the clarity of our writing. Once you can identify these rules, you'll be able to find and correct errors in our writing or in writing passages given to you on the exam.

Syntax is the way we use words in a sentence. Syntax follows the rules of grammar but may be altered a little depending on the kind of tone you are trying to convey. For example, your syntax in an email to a friend may differ from a formal letter to an employer. To maintain strong syntax, you need to be able to select and use the correct words for your purpose. The following resources walk you through the importance of clear wording, how to avoid commonly confused words, and making the best word choice for your writing.

Clarity is clear writing, and clear writing is writing that is easy to read. If an essay is easy to read, then the reader can concentrate more on your ideas and less on your grammar. We use clauses and avoid unnecessary word strings or phrases to achieve clarity. This resource gives examples of how to build and maintain clarity in your essay writing.

An essay-writing exam is very different from a multiple choice or multiple answer exam. In an essay exam, you're expected to understand a prompt (the question) and then answer it with well-constructed and thought-out ideas and support. That's a lot to do! Understanding how to best gauge your time is important for success on an essay-writing exam. This resource walks through strategies for preparing for the exam and then managing your time once it begins.