An essay test measures your knowledge of the subject, your ability to communicate and your organizational skills. Study for an essay test the same you would study for any test. It may help to write out summaries as you study.
When you get the test, look over all the questions and set up a time frame to answer them. Give priorities to questions that carry more credit. Time yourself as you do each question, so you will answer some of every through. Read the question carefully and answer what is asked. Make sure that you follow the instructions and watch for words such as compare, criticize, and define. Put the question in your words in order to give yourself an idea of how to answer it.
Think about what you need to write. It may help to jot down a broad outline. Make sure that your main point is easily visible to your instructor. Write with clarity and with brevity. An essay test does not need to be cluttered with extra information or useless adjectives, adverbs or prepositions. State your point and your answer clearly.

Make sure that each paragraph in the essay test has a point and a clarification of that point. Use transitional devices to connect the paragraphs to each other. Be sure to have a summary or concluding paragraph wrapping up your main points.

Give yourself enough time to read back over your answer. Make any corrections that are needed. Check your spelling, punctuation, grammar, dates, formulas and tabulations.