Knowledge of the law. Your answer should demonstrate your knowledge of legal principles and your ability to repeat them accurately on the examination as they relate to the problem presented by the question. You should state concisely the principle(s) and rule(s) governing the issue(s) presented by the question.

Application and analysis. Your answer should reveal your capacity to reason logically by applying the appropriate rule or principle to the operative facts of the question as a step in reaching your conclusion. This involves making the correct preliminary determination as to which facts in the question are legally important and which, if any, are irrelevant.

The line of reasoning that you adopt should be clear and consistent without gaps or digressions. This is the most important element in your answer and, therefore, carries the most weight in the grading process.

Conclusion. You should address yourself to the task that the question asks you to perform. For example, if the question calls for a specific conclusion or result, such conclusion should clearly appear in your answer and should be stated concisely and without equivocation.

An answer that consists entirely of mere conclusions unsupported by any statements or discussion of the rules or reasoning upon which it is based is entitled to little credit. Clarity and conciseness are important, but make your answer complete. Do not volunteer irrelevant or immaterial information.

• Do not anticipate trick questions or attempt to read into the question hidden meanings or facts not clearly expressed.
• Read and analyze the question carefully before commencing your answer.
• Think through to your conclusion before you begin writing.
• If the question has separate parts, clearly mark your answer accordingly.
• Your answer should clearly indicate:

(1) the relevant facts,
(2) the applicable law,
(3) your analysis and
(4) your conclusion.

Unless specifically called for in the question, it is not necessary to engage in an academic discussion of the applicable law or its historical basis and ramifications.

• After you have answered the question fully, STOP.
• ANALYZE.

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