Thomson Reuters Law Exam Survival Guide
A highly recommended publisher guide to surviving law exams.
Writing in Exams:
A good essay offers a concise answer to the essay question in the form of a logical and well organised argument.
Although writing a good essay under exam conditions is difficult, you can prepare yourself by practising writing essays, using past papers and questions.
What are examiners looking for?
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You must answer the question. Marks are given based on the information you provide, the depth of your answer and supporting evidence.
You need to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, issues, cases, legislation and any other materials that were explored in the course.
Answering a essay question in an exam does not simply involve relaying the information that you have learnt. You are expected to make connections and comparisons between different arguments and evaluate the strength of particular arguments or supporting evidence.
You need to structure your argument in a clear and organised way, supporting any claims or arguments with evidence (e.g. relevant cases or legislation).
Have you reviewed the course materials and resources? Have you read the essential readings, as well as some of the recommended readings? When reading, have you made connections between particular arguments, points of view, cases and results? Each of these things will be evident in your writing.
Your written communication skills contribute to the cohesiveness of your answer. It is important to pay attention to grammar, sentence construction, punctuation and spelling. It is also important that your writing is illegible! If an examiner cannot read your writing, how are they supposed to mark it?
What is NOT expected?
Most essay or short-answer questions contain a clue word, used to indicate how the question should be answered. Clue words are very important as they tell you exactly what to do in the essay.
To successfully answer an exam question, you need to be able to identify and understand the exact meaning of clue words.
Example question: Compare and contrast the Australian Higher Education system with that of China.
Clue words: Compare and contrast
If the question asked you to “Evaluate the Australian and the Chinese Higher Education systems”, a completely different answer would be required.
|
Clue Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
|
Compare / Contrast |
To show the similarities and differences. |
|
Define |
To give the formal/precise meaning of something. |
| Demonstrate / Illustrate | To show make clear by using examples or diagrams. |
|
Describe |
To provide a detailed account. |
| Explain | To make a topic clear by giving a step-by-step detailed account, including reasons for how or why something is. |
| Identify | To state or proivde the information asked for, with reference to its key points and their implications. |
|
List |
Name or identify a number of factors or key points. |
|
Outline |
To describe the main features or general principles and how they are related in an organised way. |
|
State |
To describe the main points in clear terms, without being overly descriptive. Use brief, clear sentences. |
|
Summarise |
To give a short, condensed account of the main ideas. |
|
Clue Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
|
Analyse |
To look further at an issue or topic than simply describing or explaining it. Highlight the main ideas and look at each one in depth, how they are related and why they are important. |
| Apply | To use a theoretical concept or principle and relate it to the information provided. |
|
Argue / Discuss |
To present the case for and/or against a particular idea, perspective or opinion and come to a conclusion. Arguments must be supported by appropriate evidence. |
| Comment on | To give an opinion. Discuss, criticise or explain the meaning of something, using relevant supporting evidence. |
|
[Critically] Evaluate |
To assess the validity of an argument or conclusion and to give an opinion, supported by expert opinions and evidence. Come to a final conclusion, basing the decision on what is judged to be the most important factors and provide justification. |
|
[Critically] Examine |
To look at a topic in detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding the topic. This should be a critical evaluation, with a clear perspective and evidence to support this view. |
|
Interpret |
To explore the meaning of a concept, demonstrating understanding and giving judgment or coming to a conclusion. |
|
Justify |
To give a statement of why something is so, providing justification for this opinion. |
| Review | To consider, analyse or explain the main points. This should be a critical assessment and not just a description. |
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