kmn wrote:Neilt001 wrote:
Always :
- IRAC
- use good headings
- use an easy to understand format using lots of signposting language
- consider a counter argument
- come to a conclusion one way or another
This is so helpful, thank you! Can you clarify what you mean by use good headings? I find I struggle with this in MPTs too but also with the MEE... I want to give a good issue statement header that summarizes the issue and includes a "because" statement, but then the model answers have headings that are just a couple word issue, for example "Undue Influence" or "Expectation Damages" or whatever the issue may be.
Also, maybe this is a stupid question, but what is signposting language?
Headings
Great question! I agree that some model answers use full sentence-style headings, and others just use single words. I think you can use both. Use single words for the higher up headings, like "Undue influence". Then underneath use subheadings for the elements that are more descriptive and which use that "because" type of language. Alternatively, you can play it safe by always using the full-sentence headings. That's fine too.
What I also meant by good headings is to use them often so that your answers are nicely broken into easy-to-digest parts and not slabs of text. And finally, use the formatting features in Examsoft which allow
bold,
italic and
underlining. Use the formatting for headings and to make your answer look pretty. It goes a long way and helps your examiner when grading. Esp important in those long MPTs.
Signposting
You probably already do this without thinking, but it's VERY important. Signposting is what people latch onto when they're quickly reading your answers so that they know what you're arguing at all times. It allows them to easily understand your argument without sitting there scratching their heads wondering what exactly you're trying to say. You should write assuming they are stupid and busy and don't care, (ie make it dead easy for them). You should scatter signposts throughout your answers. Examples of signposts include:
- "First, it can be argued that..."
- "However, although the defendant may argue X, the plaintiff can actually argue Y"
- "Therefore..."
- "On the other hand..."
- "The second issue to be considered is..."
- "Finally, it is important to note that..."
- "In addition..."
- "Further..."
- "The issue is whether..."
- "In particular..."
- "For example..."
- "In relation to/with respect to..."
- "Conversely"
- 'The reason the plaintiff is unlikely to be liable is because/for the following three reasons..."
As you can see, the above wording will always alert your reader what just happened, what's about to happen, whether you're making a counterargument, whether you're making an additional point supporting your argument, or whether you're about to make a concluding remark. Don't just write in a rambling way without signposting language because a grader will assume you're wrong and move onto the next exam. They won't sit down and take the time to give you the benefit of the doubt. Just make it super easy and obvious. I would say, just to be sure, almost every sentence should start with a signpost, and certainly every paragraph.
By the way, this is the sort of language that computerized grading programs look for, which are in use in some standardized tests.