Any tips on how to answer a legal question?

[ReganM]

I know the content, but for some reason my answers aren't structured right or something, I always drop marks. ): I think part of it is that my answering technique must suck, because I fill up the lines but still manage to miss a point or something. x__x

Does anyone have question answers that I could analyse? haha.

[Zafaraaaa]

This is my problem as well I think it'd be good to just do heaps of practice questions after you finish the course content and then once you finish writing an answer, get your highlighter and highlight the exact points needed to secure the mark; to see where you're writing unnecessary information- also check if you're rambling on in some of your answers; if so, then practice writing concise answers that say the same thing but don't beat around the bush as much. Maybe also use subheadings for some of your answers; this will prevent you from writing long paragraphs that may potentially cause you to ramble on and miss something

[eeps]

Structure. Make sure your points are clear and concise, especially with the bigger mark questions worth 8 or 10 marks. Have a clear idea of what your points are and don’t over complicate things. Plan if you have to. As an example, if you’re asked to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Parliament as a law-maker - have one strength and corresponding weakness per paragraph. This makes it clear to the person marking your exam. You’ll get more marks if the marker(s) can clearly see what your points are. Look at previous VCAA exams and external exams made by the various companies, especially for the big mark questions. You’ll see that the 10-mark questions don’t change that much from year to year in what they ask. It’s really about refining your response and making sure you’ve addressed the whole question.

[ReganM]

Should I attempt to link the paragraphs?

[eeps]

Should I attempt to link the paragraphs?

I'd say not to. Generally, a new paragraph would mean a new argument or idea, hence I don't really see any point in linking your paragraphs to each other. Continuing on with that example previously; if you’re asked to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Parliament as a law-maker - in the first paragraph, I would have one strength and one corresponding weakness of Parliament (i.e. It's a democratically-elected body/however MPs may sometimes vote according to party lines which goes against their role to represent the people/electorate). Then in the second paragraph, I would just begin with 'Another strength of Parliament as a law-maker is...' and so on. That's as much 'linking' as I would do (if you can call it that). In regards to these big mark questions, keep your structure simple. Hope I make some sense.

[Zafaraaaa]

If you wanted to really get a know-how on the way to answer legal Q's, then this lecture might be helpful http://www.commercepresentationsandpublications.com/6622/7243.html

I'm considering going to it as well

[eeps]

Does anyone have question answers that I could analyse? haha.

See attached. It's a collection of questions from past exams and whatnot; it covers all AOS's.