advice on resources to pass the PT's Forum

[rcharter1978]

My problem with PT's is that I didn't do much writing in law school (besides exams). I externed for a judge, so I pretty much only worked on writing opinions. So, when I'm faced with a PT, most of the time I don't even know how to format it, or really the nuts and bolts of how to format it, what should be in each type of PT, etc. I know that everyone says that everything you need is in the instructions, but there are things like introductions and conclusions and what not that aren't really covered. Or just how it should look.

Is there any resource that anyone knows of that can really help break it all down for me? Like step by step. Starting from the ground up?

Thanks in advance. Feel free to mock me, as long as you have some advice to go along with it.

[corpora_delicti]

My school had a class that I took in the last quarter that was devoted solely to the MPT of the UBE. Granted, its geared to the 1.5 hour performance tests - so its not directly relevant to state specific PTs, but most of the skills learned directly cross over. The book we used was http://www.barristerbooks.com/perform-y ... lfABXarSUk

On the california PT's, I didn't directly apply the strategies taught in this book but I created my own strategy based on the principles learned. The most useful thing taught is time saving strategies that allow you to outline your answer while your reading the problem. For example, while reading through the problem, I began typing specific holdings from the case that would likely be relevant in my answer, and then while writing the answer I was able to copy/paste a lot of the information already typed out.

Knowing how to craft an answer and understanding the relevant issues in a performance test, however, is a skill that you are supposed to be building during the 3 years at school.

[rcharter1978]

My school had a class that I took in the last quarter that was devoted solely to the MPT of the UBE. Granted, its geared to the 1.5 hour performance tests - so its not directly relevant to state specific PTs, but most of the skills learned directly cross over. The book we used was http://www.barristerbooks.com/perform-y ... lfABXarSUk

On the california PT's, I didn't directly apply the strategies taught in this book but I created my own strategy based on the principles learned. The most useful thing taught is time saving strategies that allow you to outline your answer while your reading the problem. For example, while reading through the problem, I began typing specific holdings from the case that would likely be relevant in my answer, and then while writing the answer I was able to copy/paste a lot of the information already typed out.

Knowing how to craft an answer and understanding the relevant issues in a performance test, however, is a skill that you are supposed to be building during the 3 years at school.

My issue is more format than understanding the actual issues presented. Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad my invitation to mock was well received.

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

Do you have a BarEssays subscription? There are many PTs on there that scored 70+. I am reading them and following their format. Biggest surprise for me is the number of high scoring PTs that contain regurgitation of the facts/statutes/case law.

[RaiRai]

IMHO, the sure way to success in the PT (as well as the essay) portion is to write out fully the past PTs under timed conditions, compare your answers to the model answers, learn why your answers differ and adopt their style of writing. Make sure you answer and review at least 5 PTs calling for different tasks. Good luck.

[Arbinshire]

My issue is more format than understanding the actual issues presented. Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad my invitation to mock was well received.

You don't need to go in there knowing how to format. You just need to know how to follow the directions set out in the MPT question. Do that and you'll be fine. Deviate from the MPT directions in the file, and you'll set yourself up for a low score.

[corpora_delicti]

My school had a class that I took in the last quarter that was devoted solely to the MPT of the UBE. Granted, its geared to the 1.5 hour performance tests - so its not directly relevant to state specific PTs, but most of the skills learned directly cross over. The book we used was http://www.barristerbooks.com/perform-y ... lfABXarSUk

On the california PT's, I didn't directly apply the strategies taught in this book but I created my own strategy based on the principles learned. The most useful thing taught is time saving strategies that allow you to outline your answer while your reading the problem. For example, while reading through the problem, I began typing specific holdings from the case that would likely be relevant in my answer, and then while writing the answer I was able to copy/paste a lot of the information already typed out.

Knowing how to craft an answer and understanding the relevant issues in a performance test, however, is a skill that you are supposed to be building during the 3 years at school.

My issue is more format than understanding the actual issues presented. Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad my invitation to mock was well received.

There was no mocking involved. And the book I provided you also gives tips for formatting. Perhaps the issue you are having on PT is reading comprehension.

[rcharter1978]

My school had a class that I took in the last quarter that was devoted solely to the MPT of the UBE. Granted, its geared to the 1.5 hour performance tests - so its not directly relevant to state specific PTs, but most of the skills learned directly cross over. The book we used was http://www.barristerbooks.com/perform-y ... lfABXarSUk

On the california PT's, I didn't directly apply the strategies taught in this book but I created my own strategy based on the principles learned. The most useful thing taught is time saving strategies that allow you to outline your answer while your reading the problem. For example, while reading through the problem, I began typing specific holdings from the case that would likely be relevant in my answer, and then while writing the answer I was able to copy/paste a lot of the information already typed out.

Knowing how to craft an answer and understanding the relevant issues in a performance test, however, is a skill that you are supposed to be building during the 3 years at school.

My issue is more format than understanding the actual issues presented. Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad my invitation to mock was well received.

There was no mocking involved. And the book I provided you also gives tips for formatting. Perhaps the issue you are having on PT is reading comprehension.

Wow, its one thing to consciously decide to be patronizing, I can respect that. Its another to have no concept that you're doing it. You must be a delight to be around. Thanks for the information. Since your feedback is no longer substantive, goodbye and have a great holiday.

PS - you're on my ignore list, so respond if you'd like, but I won't be able to see it. Happy holidays!

[rcharter1978]

My issue is more format than understanding the actual issues presented. Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad my invitation to mock was well received.

You don't need to go in there knowing how to format. You just need to know how to follow the directions set out in the MPT question. Do that and you'll be fine. Deviate from the MPT directions in the file, and you'll set yourself up for a low score.

Thanks

[rcharter1978]

Do you have a BarEssays subscription? There are many PTs on there that scored 70+. I am reading them and following their format. Biggest surprise for me is the number of high scoring PTs that contain regurgitation of the facts/statutes/case law.

Thats a good idea...thanks

[rcharter1978]

IMHO, the sure way to success in the PT (as well as the essay) portion is to write out fully the past PTs under timed conditions, compare your answers to the model answers, learn why your answers differ and adopt their style of writing. Make sure you answer and review at least 5 PTs calling for different tasks. Good luck.

I think thats a good strategy for the essay portion, I think my issue is that for the essays, I know how to IRAC but for the PT's they are mostly things that I haven't done before. But I still think I'll have to do PT's under timed conditions and compare them, so thanks for the idea.