Standard exam writing advice posits that you follow “IRAC.” I.e., identify the Issue, state the applicable Rule, Analyze, Conclude. You may want to attempt a response before looking at the models. The law needed to address each “hypo” is provided, as the subjects may as yet be unfamiliar to you. Following are models of the LEEWS approach to breaking fact patterns down into units corresponding to relevant issues, as well as fully developed written responses corresponding to our format of concise paragraphs, roughly one per issue. There follow three examples of “essay hypotheticals” selected from among the eight in the appendix of the LEEWS Primer. Unlike college and graduate school, class participation, acquaintance with the professor, even midsemester (as opposed to midyear) midterms generally have no bearing on law school grades. Ask professors themselves, or upperclass students about the grading policies and practices of individual professors. Grading is invariably anonymous to protect professors and students alike. Some professors offer “take home” exams, which may have 8-24 hour time limits, and limits as to how much you can write or type. Open or closed book, the law you need to know should be in your head. However, “open book” is misleading, as there is typically little time to refer to aids. Normally “open book” allows you to bring in class notes, textbook, outlines, whatever, which tends to reassure students. The entire grade (!!) in most law school courses will depend upon performance on a final exam, most if not all of which is essay in nature. (You are basically asked to identify and analyze so-called “issues” generated in a hypothetical and usually complex fact pattern, much as a lawyer might.) Most exams are 3-4 hours in length, and either “closed” or “open book.” The former means you bring nothing into the exam with you (save the “code” in a course based on a code of rules ). Actual law school exam (civ pro), and A+ response by LEEWS grad used as a model for the class (with professor comments).Sample exam - wills (with relevant legal principles and model response).
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