Introduction to a Blue Book
Welcome to the world of the blue book essay exam. You have probably seen one before, maybe even used one. An actual blue book is a test booklet allowing students to write answers to an exam. They are typically used in courses where students must give longer answers than multiple choice or short answer formats. This is often done in humanities classes such as history and English literature. Some science classes require a more thorough essay format than the typical multiple-choice test.
The most common size of blue book is 8×10″, but other sizes are available, such as 7×9″ or 9×11″. The number of pages inside varies according to how much information writing your professor expects, so it could be ten pages or 30 (which is not as intimidating as it sounds).
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What to Expect in Blue Book Exams
You’ll have various questions, from multiple-choice to essay answers.
Because there are only so many blue books, you and your classmates will take turns writing in the same book for each exam. You’ll have about 45 minutes per question, with one or two questions total. Bluebook exams are usually graded on a pass/fail basis, with an A being the highest grade possible.
The grading policy varies from class to class and may differ if the exam is proctored by someone other than your professor (e.g., those who teach graduate-level courses). If you’re unsure how yours will be administered, ask before sitting at your desk!
Purchasing Blue Books
Knowing how to obtain the necessary Blue Books is crucial to earning a high score on your exam. If you were not given a Blue Book at the beginning of the testing session, immediately check with a proctor. You may need to travel to a different building to find one. Be sure to bring your ticket stub to prove you are enrolled in the class and designate your course.
If you run out of pages while taking the test, don’t panic! Raise your hand and ask a proctor for another Blue Book.
Before purchasing Blue Books, it’s important to consider how many tests or assignments you need them for and how many pages each assignment will take up. Ensure that everyone in your study group has a copy of each book to keep track of their work in one place.
If you lose or misplace your book for whatever reason, let someone know immediately so they can keep an eye out for it and get it back into your hands ASAP.
However, if all else fails, there are plenty of places online where you can purchase used books from fellow students who have completed the course or even those who have opted not to use theirs after all!
Why Colleges Use Blue Books
Every year, more and more students are taking up writing exams. Many schools use blue books to ensure students receive in-depth feedback on their writing skills. Blue books are short papers written by first-year high school students, who receive these papers back periodically throughout the school year. They’re an invaluable part of the college curriculum and help shape student writing ability into collegiate form.
History of Exam Books
We have all heard of the famous blue book for exams, but you may not know where the tradition came from.
In the early 20th century, students were expected to bring their papers to exams. Some students were better prepared than others—the more privileged students would show up with a stack of papers and a binder they could use to keep their papers organized. Students who didn’t come prepared brought loose-leaf papers, omitting any way to keep them together or ensure they got turned in.
The college administration at Harvard University wanted a solution that would allow all students equal opportunity on exam day. They decided to sell booklets containing collated sheets so anyone who wanted one could participate equally. At first, these booklets were just bound stacks of loose-leaf paper available for purchase. Still, eventually, the school began filling the pages with their questions and selling them as prep materials for specific subjects (hence why some call blue books “exam books”).
The blue book is a staple of the American educational system.
If you’ve ever been to school in the United States, the chances are that you’ve used a blue book. A blue book is a small booklet with blank pages inside; it is used in schools and by educators nationwide.
Since their invention, blue books have been an essential part of the American educational system; they are used from elementary school through college and beyond. They are also used in standardized tests; according to Kaplan Test Prep, most tests use white or blue paper and require test takers to write answers.
Through my engaging and informative blog posts, I aim to provide helpful tips on topics such as essay writing, research skills, and academic planning, empowering students to thrive in their academic pursuits.
