What should you do first when answering a 9 mark essay question?

• A. Re-read the context/case study to understand what the project is about.
• B. Review the marking rubric to plan your answer.
• C. Begin by drafting an introduction before reading the context.
• D. Memorize a generic template answer.

Answer: (A)

The first thing to do is re-read the context or case study to understand what the project is about. This grounds your answer in the actual task, showing you the topic, aims, audience, and any constraints. With that understanding, you can tailor your response, pick relevant evidence or examples from the context, and avoid wandering off topic. After you’ve grasped the task, you can plan and structure your answer so you meet the marks you’re aiming for. Checking the marking rubric is still important, but it’s most effective once you know what the question is asking. Starting with an introduction before reading the context can lead you to write about something that isn’t asked, and memorizing a generic template won’t fit the specific task.