Some Tips in Answering Essay Questions

1. Read each question carefully and fully, and pay attention to the instructional words used in each question. Examples of instructional words are: explain, argue, compare, contrast, define, decide, and distinguish.

The answers should respond to what these words exactly require. Reading thoughtfully and thoroughly is a requisite skill in the legal practice and examinees must read the question with utmost care, and focus on responding to what each question is actually asking.

Do not answer your own questions. As well, see to it that you understand the question and respond to it in the context of the subject matter under which it is being asked (e.g., do not answer a civil law question with a political law answer).

2. Ensure that your answers demonstrate your ability to analyze the facts, apply the pertinent law and jurisprudence, and arrive at a sound and logical conclusion.

A mere “yes” or “no” answer, without any corresponding explanation or discussion, will not be given full credit.

Thus, examinees must always briefly but fully explain the basis of their answers. Effective communication is another core competency for lawyers, and examinees must endeavor to convey their ideas through legal reasoning that is correct, concise and as clear as possible.

3. When a question asks for the resolution of a specific legal problem, your task is to provide the resolution called for by the question, with sufficient explanation as to how the conclusion was arrived at. Note that in each question, the examiner can give partial credit if the answer is well-written and logical even if the conclusion is not accurate. Take caution, however, that the use of the “shotgun” approach in answering questions may not be the best strategy, as it may indicate a lack of specific knowledge about the questions.

4. After reading and understanding each question, and to aid the organization of your answers, we suggest that your first draft an outline of proposed answers on the scratch paper provided or in the digital boxes in Examplify. However, please make sure that the Essay Editor box contains your final answer.

5. To help the examiner assess the answers, you can provide transitional devices to structure your answers, including: first, second, next, finally, on the other hand, consequently, furthermore, and the like.

6. Always proofread your answers. Since the exams also test the examinee’s writing ability, you should spend sufficient time reviewing your answers, editing mistakes in grammar and punctuation, checking for misspelled or missing words, and omitting needless ones.

7. Please make sure that no distinguishing marks are made, and that no extraordinary formatting is used in your answers. The FAQs on the

Digitalized Examinations for the 2022 Bar Examinations and the 2022 Bar

Examinations Examplify Manual already provided to you include instructions to ensure that the prescribed type format—Times New Roman at size 14—is followed. Do not use any specific name when it is not called for in the question. Do not write a mantra, motto, religious or spiritual prayer, special plea

addressed to the examiner or the Bar Chairperson, or any other such extraneous text. This will be classified as cheating, and may be a ground to disqualify the examinee from the entire Bar Examinations.

8. Take a deep breath before starting. Calm yourself. Focus.

©️

OFFICE OF THE 2022 BAR CHAIR

BAR BULLETIN NO. 9, S. 2022

GUIDELINES AND RULES OF CONDUCT FOR THE 2022 BAR

EXAMINATIONS

RELATED|