A Practical Guide to Writing Law School Essay Exams [Paperback]

John C. Dernbach (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0837731275 | ISBN-13: 978-0837731278 | Publication Date: January 2001

Essay exams don't have to be a mystery. With its wealth of visual aids, examples, and practical advice, Professor Dernbach's concise guide enables pre-law and law school students to develop the strong essay-writing skills they need to succeed and feel confident taking essay exams.

The new edition of this book, previously titled A Practical Guide to Writing Law School Essay Exams, now features even more visual aids to facilitate understanding. Writing Essay Exams To Succeed (Not Just to Survive) takes the mystery out of answering exams, with:
Clear and straightforward guidance - written by an experienced law school professor;
A richly visual presentation - that highlights key points;
Plentiful and practical examples - that illustrate strong writing as well as the pitfalls of essay exams;
Sample exam questions in the Appendices - that include several variations on the answer.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 74 pages
• Publisher: Fred B. Rothman & Company (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0837731275
• ISBN-13: 978-0837731278
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,594,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book should get you a B, June 4, 2002

By 

Wayne Schiess (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Practical Guide to Writing Law School Essay Exams (Paperback)

This book offers practical, time-tested advice for performing well on law school exams. I've tutored students on test-taking for years, and this book covers 90% of what it takes to excel on law school exams--clarity of expression, issue spotting, analysis, and organization. But in my experience, those will get you a B or a B+ at best. What you need is that added something, that brilliant insight, that "extra" that gets the professor to say "Wow. This is an A exam."

What is that? To me, it's understanding what the professor is looking for--knowing the professor's approach or angle or idiosyncratic preferences--then using that knowledge to reinforce those preferences or challenge them thoughtfully. You must make your answer not only legally right but intellectually satisfying to the professor.

How do you do that? Some people just have the knack. For the rest, spend time talking to the professor in and out of class. Read what the professor has written. Immerse yourself in the professor's world (as it relates to the course). Probably a book can't teach that, and this one doesn't try.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great For Law School Exam Writing, December 27, 2006

By 

Monica Saylor (West Chester, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Writing Essay Exams to Succeed (Not Just to Survive) (Paperback)

Excelent real world advice for writing under the pressures of law school exams. It is easy to read and has information on scoring and grading as well as sample answers and troubleshooting tips. I highly reccommend!

5.0 out of 5 stars Writing Essay Exams to succeed (Not Just to Survive), November 20, 2009

By 

Viet Tran "Viet Tran" (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Writing Essay Exams to Succeed (Not Just to Survive) (Paperback)

It is a book that you need, especially as First-Year-Student. It will help you to succeed if you follow the advices in book and practice your legal writing skill.
The logic of the author is easy to understand and follow-able.