go without saying that you should always start the essay with an introduction which sets out what you intend to cover in the essay and for what purpose. This way the examiner will see that you have thought about the substantive issues in the question you have been asked. 5. Provide analysis and fact Very few essay questions require merely factual descriptions of what the law is; you will almost always be required to analyse the factual content in some way, usually highlighting any problem or gaps in the law and suggesting possible reforms. Your approach should be analytical and not merely descriptive but you are not obliged to criticise every provision you describe. Having said that, even if you do not agree with particular criticisms that you have read, you should still discuss them and say why you do not think they are valid. There is very little mileage in an essay that simply describes the law and says it is perfectly satisfactory. Descriptive essays such as these will provide you with very few marks. Do not be afraid to apply a (relevant) opinion of your own! This is your opportunity to discuss what you think is right or wrong with a particular topic. (However, do not be tempted to go on a personal rant about a particular issue.) 6. Structure However good your material, you will gain marks if you structure it well. Making a plan for each answer will help in this, and you should also try to learn your material in a logical order this will make it easier to remember as well. The exact construction of your essay will – obviously depend on the question, but you should aim to have an introduction, then the main discussion, and a conclusion. Where a question is divided into two or more parts, you should reflect that structure in your answer. A word about conclusions: it is not good enough just to repeat the question, turning it into a statement, for the conclusion. Your conclusion will often summarise the arguments that you have developed during the course of your essay.
go without saying that you should always start the essay with an introduction which sets out what you intend to cover in the essay and for what purpose. This way the examiner will see that you have thought about the substantive issues in the question you have been asked. 5. Provide analysis and fact Very few essay questions require merely factual descriptions of what the law is; you will almost always be required to analyse the factual content in some way, usually highlighting any problem or gaps in the law and suggesting possible reforms. Your approach should be analytical and not merely descriptive but you are not obliged to criticise every provision you describe. Having said that, even if you do not agree with particular criticisms that you have read, you should still discuss them and say why you do not think they are valid. There is very little mileage in an essay that simply describes the law and says it is perfectly satisfactory. Descriptive essays such as these will provide you with very few marks. Do not be afraid to apply a (relevant) opinion of your own! This is your opportunity to discuss what you think is right or wrong with a particular topic. (However, do not be tempted to go on a personal rant about a particular issue.) 6. Structure However good your material, you will gain marks if you structure it well. Making a plan for each answer will help in this, and you should also try to learn your material in a logical order – this will make it easier to remember as well. The exact construction of your essay will obviously depend on the question, but you should aim to have an introduction, then the main discussion, and a conclusion. Where a question is divided into two or more parts, you should reflect that structure in your answer. A word about conclusions: it is not good enough just to repeat the question, turning it into a statement, for the conclusion. Your conclusion will often summarise the arguments that you have developed during the course of your essay.
A%20Guide%20to%20Answering%20Law%20Essay%20Questions%20%282%29.docx