There it sits on the desk. A blank, stapled booklet with a manila cover. It’s unassuming. It’s cheap. And yet, the infamous Blue Book (or "little blue book") has been the source of late-night panic and hand cramps for generations of students.
Do you have a horror story (or victory story) from a blue book exam? Drop it in the comments below! blue book exams
Why that little blue booklet still strikes fear into the hearts of students—and how to conquer it. There it sits on the desk
Practice outlining with a timer. Spend 5 minutes outlining and 25 minutes writing before exam week. Train your hand like an athlete trains for a marathon. 5 Strategies to Ace the Blue Book 1. The 10-Minute Outline (Do not skip this) When the exam starts, resist the urge to write immediately. Turn to the last blank page of the blue book. Jot down your thesis, three supporting points, and a conclusion. This road map prevents you from "painting yourself into a corner" halfway through the essay. It’s cheap
Here is how to walk into that exam room and turn a blank booklet into an "A." A blue book exam typically contains essay questions . You might face two long-form essays (think "compare and contrast the economic policies of Hamilton and Jefferson") or five short-answer identification questions ("Define 'Hegemony' and give an example").
Surviving (and Thriving) the Blue Book Exam: Beyond the Scantron