mbe question technique Forum

[E&H]

How do you approach mbe practice questions?
Some bar guru said to read the answer choices first, then read the question. I've always read the call first, then the question, then the ans choices....Just curious what works best for you?
Tia

[QContinuum]

The MBE is really 'just' another test, when it comes down to it. Use the same strategies that have helped you succeed on law school multiple-choice exams - don't try to reinvent the wheel for the bar.

I've always read multiple-choice questions "in order". I don't find reading the answer choices first to be particularly helpful. But, that's just me. I understand there are folks who always read the answer choices first when they take multiple-choice exams, and I'm not aware of any reason why they should adopt a different strategy for the bar.

[SilvermanBarPrep]

Here's my advice though for sure having taught this exam for many years it requires a bit of flexibility. It's a good foundation but it's important to change it up when needed.

First read the call of the question to get an idea as to what you're going to be required to answer when you're done reading the facts. So important to set out looking to answer the question as opposed to reading blindly. Then read the facts. Next, figure out which way you're leaning. Most MBE questions have 2 answers pointed to one direction and 2 answers point to the other. I recommend reading the two answers that go against the way you're leaning and cross them out if they confirm that they are wrong.

Then look at the 2 remaining. Against look to cross out the one that is worse than the other. The key to this test is process of elimination and that should guide every question!

Sean (Silverman Bar Exam Tutoring)

[we'rebothmenofthelaw]

One way that the MBE is not like every other test (e.g. LSAT, essay portions of the bar, or most law school exams) is that time may not turn to be much of an issue. Lots of people around the room seemed to wrap up their MBE sections with 15-30 minutes to spare, if not more. You’ll get a sense over time whether it’s going to be an issue for you, and if it’s not, it may influence how you approach questions.

Looking at call first has much to be said for it, particularly for longer fact patterns where you could get distracted. But I found that I had time to read questions top to bottom and re-read if I realized I missed the relevant facts on my first pass.

[E&H]

Thanks!

[unclejo]

sorry I don't mean to be rude and I hope I don't come across that way but why do you care what works for me? The question is, what works for you?