essay question
noun
: an examination question that requires an answer in a sentence, paragraph, or short composition
Examples of essay question in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thousands of students apply every year, and answer a series of essay questions ranging from their personal stories and people who have influenced them, to their big dreams for the future.
—
Megan Dubois, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
For example, colleges don't know how to word their admissions essay questions.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Completing the application required answering five essay questions with between 300 and 800 words.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Officials said the grading engine would score three-quarters of all essay questions, and human graders would continue to handle the rest.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for essay question
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Megan Dubois, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
For example, colleges don't know how to word their admissions essay questions.
—Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Completing the application required answering five essay questions with between 300 and 800 words.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Officials said the grading engine would score three-quarters of all essay questions, and human graders would continue to handle the rest.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for essay question
Cite this Entry
“Essay question.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essay%20question. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share