The following web pages offer strategies to prepare for and take essay exams:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_essay.html

http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/essay.htm

http://www.xu.edu/lac/Essay_Tests.htm

http://www.english-zone.com/study/essays.html

http://www.dvc.edu/english/Learning_Resources/HowToTakeEssayTests.htm