I haven't been able to read all of them. I've checked one-timers a month ago but only 3 model answers were available. They are indeed interesting but no way do they wholly reflect what a bar examinee would write in actual testing conditions. I read one-timer's model answers for July 2010's exam and although there were many similarities regarding the topics analyzed, there were quite a few deviations between their answers and mine.
JDA: I agree. Most of the model answers I've read over the years have borne little resemblance to what I produce, especially if I'm writing under pressure. Most model answer authors have unlimited time and access to reference material. But then, I suppose that's the idea behind a model answer - to show us something as close to a perfect answer as possible (taking into account, of course, the difference in styles of the various model answer authors.)
Personally, I've not had much use for model answers in the past. However, I now think they could be useful before the Bar releases its "selected" answers. And then, depending on one's study regimen, they could be useful to compare against the selected answers to try to anticipate what the Bar is looking for.
But then, it's probably my micro-analysis bad habits that have gotten me into the fix that I'm currently in. I definitely need to learn to generalize more, in a specific sort of way (or maybe just see a Shrink!)
Just started reviewing the materials, and I've got to say, my biggest worry is memorizing all the material by February. I hope I can still remember how to do a proper essay analysis - and I'm sure the bar review is going to over this ad nauseam, so I'm not that concerned with the mechanics.
I don't know if it is because I'm getting older, but learning material is a lot harder this time around.
FloridaBarTaker -- I sat for the CA bar exam this past February, and hadn't taken a bar exam in almost 8 years. I was definitely older, and the amount of material was huge. But I put together a steady study schedule, and I started early (in August). By January I think I'd done close to 2000 MBEs and then I really started writing essays, 2-3 per day. I passed (it was my fourth bar exam); it can be done.
Do we have to spot all the issues as reflected on Jason Tolerico's answers to get a decent 65?
I was feeling really good about my property essay and then I read his model answer, I'm sure I"m not getting the 70 I anticipated because I failed to discuss adverse possession even though I discussed Ouster. everything else I got.
Then, Contracts, totally missed discussing unilateral offer and acceptance by performance, How could I miss this?
and the list goes on. Well, except for Crim law that I spotted all the issues, but most likely everybody else did!
to flingundertheradar: were you working full time, did you just focus on MBE's. I was 5 point from passing this past Feb. I am so shocked I didn't. I just need to come up with a better plan in case my results are not as I expect them to be for July 2011 CBX.
Anon 4:49: I think it's one of those issues that should be discussed, even if it's summarily dismissed, as it's typically one of the things you consider when analyzing those situations.
It's kind of like mentioning emotional distress in a defamation analysis. It's not always there, but it's something you should show the grader that you thought of.
But that's just my opinion (and we know how much that's worth!)
With regard to the mailbox rule in the contracts answer, isn't the following contrary to the answer "A letter is regarded as "posted" only when it is in the possession of the Post Office; this was established in the case of Re London & Northern Bank [1900] 1 Ch 220. A letter of acceptance is not considered "posted" if it is handed to an agent to deliver, such as a courier."
Instead of relying on the various model answers that are posted throughout the web including the one's on the state bar website, this past July, I relied heavily on reviewing essays on baressays.com. On that site, you can truly see the differences between a 55, 60, 65 and above instead of guessing the scores that the model answers received or various bloggers. I highly recommend using that as a valid source.
12 comments:
I haven't been able to read all of them. I've checked one-timers a month ago but only 3 model answers were available. They are indeed interesting but no way do they wholly reflect what a bar examinee would write in actual testing conditions.
I read one-timer's model answers for July 2010's exam and although there were many similarities regarding the topics analyzed, there were quite a few deviations between their answers and mine.
JDA: I agree. Most of the model answers I've read over the years have borne little resemblance to what I produce, especially if I'm writing under pressure. Most model answer authors have unlimited time and access to reference material. But then, I suppose that's the idea behind a model answer - to show us something as close to a perfect answer as possible (taking into account, of course, the difference in styles of the various model answer authors.)
Personally, I've not had much use for model answers in the past. However, I now think they could be useful before the Bar releases its "selected" answers. And then, depending on one's study regimen, they could be useful to compare against the selected answers to try to anticipate what the Bar is looking for.
But then, it's probably my micro-analysis bad habits that have gotten me into the fix that I'm currently in. I definitely need to learn to generalize more, in a specific sort of way (or maybe just see a Shrink!)
Just started reviewing the materials, and I've got to say, my biggest worry is memorizing all the material by February. I hope I can still remember how to do a proper essay analysis - and I'm sure the bar review is going to over this ad nauseam, so I'm not that concerned with the mechanics.
I don't know if it is because I'm getting older, but learning material is a lot harder this time around.
FloridaBarTaker -- I sat for the CA bar exam this past February, and hadn't taken a bar exam in almost 8 years. I was definitely older, and the amount of material was huge. But I put together a steady study schedule, and I started early (in August). By January I think I'd done close to 2000 MBEs and then I really started writing essays, 2-3 per day. I passed (it was my fourth bar exam); it can be done.
Do we have to spot all the issues as reflected on Jason Tolerico's answers to get a decent 65?
I was feeling really good about my property essay and then I read his model answer, I'm sure I"m not getting the 70 I anticipated because I failed to discuss adverse possession even though I discussed Ouster. everything else I got.
Then, Contracts, totally missed discussing unilateral offer and acceptance by performance, How could I miss this?
and the list goes on. Well, except for Crim law that I spotted all the issues, but most likely everybody else did!
to flingundertheradar: were you working full time, did you just focus on MBE's. I was 5 point from passing this past Feb. I am so shocked I didn't. I just need to come up with a better plan in case my results are not as I expect them to be for July 2011 CBX.
Good stuff man! We've all got until February, so time to start studying up! :)
Like FloridaBarTaker above, I'm now getting a bit older as well, but it's still well worth the effort. :-)
Not sure if you saw the model answers here! Pretty intersting -www.ndcalblog.com. A little more "realistic" compared to One Timers model answers
How can ouster apply if "Andy and Mona have never taken any action against Chris’ possession of Blackacre"?
Anon 4:49: I think it's one of those issues that should be discussed, even if it's summarily dismissed, as it's typically one of the things you consider when analyzing those situations.
It's kind of like mentioning emotional distress in a defamation analysis. It's not always there, but it's something you should show the grader that you thought of.
But that's just my opinion (and we know how much that's worth!)
With regard to the mailbox rule in the contracts answer, isn't the following contrary to the answer "A letter is regarded as "posted" only when it is in the possession of the Post Office; this was established in the case of Re London & Northern Bank [1900] 1 Ch 220. A letter of acceptance is not considered "posted" if it is handed to an agent to deliver, such as a courier."
Instead of relying on the various model answers that are posted throughout the web including the one's on the state bar website, this past July, I relied heavily on reviewing essays on baressays.com. On that site, you can truly see the differences between a 55, 60, 65 and above instead of guessing the scores that the model answers received or various bloggers. I highly recommend using that as a valid source.
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