the average response to a short answer question should be approximately 7 – 10 sentences. The average response to an essay question should be approximately 4 – 6 paragraphs. Throughout all of your responses, make sure you provide specifics and details and draw explicitly on the course readings. Also, you will often be asked to explain the importance or the significance of the topic or make connections to current events. You may use your class notes and books. Though you may use your class notes and books, you may NOT access any other outside resources (e.g. the internet, a friend, etc.) In order to receive full credit on the essay or short answers, you need to do more than be correct. Depending on the question/context, do one or more of the following:

• Make an argument
• Be insightful
• Explain the significance (explicitly!)
• Draw heavily on the readings
• Bring in current events/real world examples
• Make clear, convincing connections between class concepts and current events