The first thing to note is that the new MRCOG written does NOT have Essays, but it has SAQs!
This may not be obvious to all. Take note of a query I had from a candidate last week "Could you please send me a sample of essay writing, ie the length, paragraphing, introduction, body and conclusion. I do not know what is required."
It is clear that the candidate is in the old essay writing mode, and not the SAQ mode! Sure, a SAQ may require a brief introduction sentence, it may even have two or more paragraphs, and a concluding statement, but it is NOT an essay. The aim when answering a SAQ question is to get the facts onto the paper inside the short space that is pre-allocated on the exam paper, with as little padding as possible.
However, you still need to obey some important rules! For instance, you cannot give bullet points or lists....it will be well worth your while to see what the RCOG has to say about SAQs at: http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/uploaded-files/Ex-Part-2-Format_0.pdf
Here is an acid test you can apply to see if you are deviating: When you write down a sentence, ask yourself "What is the likelihood this fact/sentence is part of the structured marking scheme?" If the likelihood appears to be zero, then just ditch the sentence; it is taking up valuable space that should be used to gather marks!
Arri