28/01/2026
You can be ready for your law exam and still lose marks because of the essay questions. This is usually whyโฌ๏ธ
Your understanding of the keyword.
In law exams, the content is important.
But the instruction word tells you how the examiner wants the answer, which is the direction it should go.
Ignore it, and you lose marks, even with good content.
It's almost exam season for some of us, so let's just try and get these ones right.
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1. "Discuss"
This is the most common, and most abรบsed as well.
How to answer:
โข Explain the concept fully
โข Present different views
โข Support with cases and authorities
โข End with a conclusion
Think: explain + argue + conclude.
DON'T TELL STORIES! YOU DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!!
2. "Examine"
This is explanation + assessment.
How to answer:
โข Explain the concept
โข Show how it operates in law. Based on how you've been taught.
โข Point out strengths, weaknesses, or scope
Key thing:
You are writing for your Lecturer. So, If he took a stand when teaching, follow suit. If not, strike a balance.
3. "Analyse"
This is about breaking things down logically.
How to answer:
โข Break the topic into parts
โข Explain each part separately
โข Link ideas clearly
โข End with a reasoned conclusion
โข Dissect, don't summarise.
4. "Critically discuss / examine / analyse"
This is the Oga of them all!
How to answer:
โข Explain the question and key concepts
โข Show different viewpoints
โข Identify gaps, problems, or controversies
โข Suggest reforms (briefly)
โข Use legal reasoning, not emotional criticism
5. โExplainโ
Simple, but many still fail it.
What the examiner wants:
โข Clear understanding
โข Logical presentation
How to answer:
โข Define terms
โข Explain step by step
โข Use simple authorities where necessary
6. "Outline"
This is not an essay marathon.
How to answer:
โข List the key points
โข Explain each briefly
โข Use headings or numbered points
Overwriting here wastes time.
7. "Distinguish"
This tests comparison skills.
How to answer:
โข Define both concepts
โข Compare them side by side. Use words like "while", "unlike", "in contrast" etc
โข Use cases if necessary.
Do not mix them up.
8. "State"
โข Mention the facts or rules briefly
โข No explanations unless asked
9. "Enumerate"
This one is often misunderstood.
How to answer:
โข List the points clearly
โข Number them
โข Add one-line explanations only if necessary
Do not write long paragraphs or argue.
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Writing plenty is not the same as writing correctly. Follow instructions and you'll be fine. There's a reason your lecturer used the word.
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