What is a common mistake candidates make when answering essay questions?

Failing to directly answer the posed question is a mistake that can severely affect a candidate's score on an essay question. When responding to essay prompts, it's crucial to focus on the specific issues raised and provide clear and direct answers. Graders look for the candidate's ability to analyze and resolve the problem presented in the question. If a candidate strays from the core question or fails to directly address it, they may miss the opportunity to showcase their understanding and analytical skills, even if they possess relevant legal knowledge. This direct engagement with the question is often critical for a passing score.

In contrast, summarizing legal principles can demonstrate a grasp of the law, but it needs to be tied directly to the question at hand. Writing concisely isn’t inherently a mistake, but clarity must come first; overly concise answers might leave out important details or analyses that are necessary to address the question effectively. While using legal terminology is important for clarity and precision, overuse without relevance to the question can confuse or detract from the overall argument, but it does not negate the importance of addressing the question directly. Thus, the focus remains on ensuring that the answer directly corresponds to what is being asked.