Taking exams in a law school.

Another good article for exam taking in a law school.

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The Seven C’s of Exam Success
Are you finding yourself confused about the professor’s expectations regarding exams? Tired of IRAC, or IREAC, or CREAC – or any other set of similar type
initials? Perhaps the seven C’s can give you a better sense of how you should
approach exams.

1. Call of the question. The call is really two things – knowing who you are supposed to represent (Court? Lawyer? Policymaker?); and having a sense of what the professor wants (A ruling? A remedy? An argument?) Knowing these points really helps you.

2. Cast of characters.is more than simply dividing up your issues. You also need to think about the purpose of their presence. So you need a plan of action as to how to view your people in the exam question. Ask yourself:

Are they players?
Are they background (in the sense that their presence is in support of someone else)?
Are there a number of pairs arguing against each other?
Knowing the answers to these questions can help you group the issues better and see where the professor finds issues. In a complex, multi-issue problem with a large cast of characters, it is important to know each player’s function – and how they line up against each other.

3. Context. Here is the stuff everyone forgets. Before you get to the specifics, it’s a good idea to give the reader a sense of where you are going. So, if talking about applying an exception – tell the reader the general rule of law. If applying a rule, explain it so that the reader knows the “rules of the game.” Moreover, you ultimately need to get started and giving context to your answer helps organize your answer. Remember, the professor is not going to assume you understand the purpose of summary judgment or the definition of murder in the first degree unless you tell her. If the type of contract it is will color what you do – explain that it is/is not covered by the UCC. If you are deciding to take away the rights of the jury by a directed verdict – or move one case to another place because of a change of venue – give the rationale of what each is supposed to accomplish. The bottom line is that you should not assume anything with respect to what the reader (aka the professor) knows – you must be specific and tell him or her.

4. Conflict. Once you give the context information that you need, you will then need to focus on what the specific problem is. Now your goal is to examine and explain the sides of the conflict. In doing so, it is important to always keep in mind what the diverging parties would argue, even if the call of the question will result in a court decision. Unless you know what each side wants or could want, how can you figure out which position is better? “Bottom line” analysis is not sufficient! Remember the professor is going to grade the process, so show the problems, the conflicts and the maybes! Generally, these conflicts involve four general types of problems:

The pick one (or more) from a series of similar type rules (Could the defendant be charged with murder one? Two? Manslaughter? All? Some?)
Decide whether rule applies (Can the court use parole evidence in this contract situation?)
Assess if what was done was right with respect to the rule, or, the converse of the above. (Was summary judgment properly granted?)
Argue your best position (If you are the defendant’s attorney, how can you get in parole evidence?)
But, no matter what type of question, you will always need to know how to present a thorough discussion of the conflicts that are involved in the question. One way of checking yourself is to use phrases such as:

So, this is the first possible rule because…
It is important to consider this rule because…
It is important to remember that this rule is different from this (other) rule because…
5. Consequences.So if you have applied this rule - so what? What do we get for our troubles? Need to explain the effect of applying the selected rule under these examination facts. So beyond just telling the professor the rules and what they mean, you also need to tell her what happens because of the set of facts in the specific problem. The goal in good exam writing is not to make the professor guess what would happen in the facts that she crafted. So use phrases like, “Here, under these facts of …, the court would determine that this rule would apply because…” to get you started in applying rules to facts (and yes, this is the A in IREAC!)

6. Charms of the professors.Professors are not cookie cutters, which is why study aids are not perfect. So, if available, you should always look at past exams of that professor. And that’s why you need to spend time actually practicing those problems or hypotheticals. You want to do this because you want to be very familiar with anticipating what a professor wants in his answer. So, if they like references to cases, do it. If they like references to the Restatement or the UCC or other code, give it to them. If they like policy, theories, philosophy, alternative dispute resolutions, why not give them what they want? To quote Nike – just do it!

7. Conclusions.Finally, as with all things, you must come to the end of the answer. So, tell the professor your version of “happily ever after,” even if the result is not actually happy. So, what will happen? Who should win? What were the concerns that you took care of? By actually reviewing the question asked, you can guarantee that you gave that professor her answer. So don’t assume the professor can figure out what will happen because of your analysis – tell him!

Plans for my second year

I hope I will read a coupld of times this article
HOW TO CHANGE SECOND SEMESTER: REVIEWING EXAMS AND OTHER HINTS FOR SUCCESS It is late for my second semester as it's almost gone, but I hope I will utilize those advices my third semester.

Soon it will be over

Three days to go, two for preparation and another for exam and then I have my break for two month till summer school. yeyeyeyey

Two done, two to go

I freak out... I am stressed and ready to loose my consciousness. I have submitted paper today for another exam and I think that paper is the worst paper I even had written in my life. I tried to sound funny but at the end it came up really serious. briefly, it was a parody on the paper. Now I have to study for the next final, and I forgot my textbooks in the locker. Did I leave my brain in a locker too??? Anyway, I will be realllyyy happy when I finish this damn fist year!!!

First final??? Gone

I kicked away my first final. Yesterday I have felt good but not today. I feel I could do better and the feeling is not very encouraging for the next exams, therefore, I will keep my mouth shut. BTW, I think I have to take some typing lessons, because on one of the questions I did not have enough time to type everything I wanted. What a pity!

How to be a better learner?

If you strugle with your studying and have no confidence in your learning abilities, read those tips, maybe they will give you some assistance.

How to Become Smarter

Frankly, I did not read, but maybe with time I will look at it. Hopefully.

Top web site about motivation but it does not guarantee that I have it

So my blog continues to hit the ranks on the google search on "how to find motivation." Believe me or not, but a long absence of the posts on this site may tell my reader a lot about my motivation not only to write, but also to study. I quitted writing here, because I was tired of thinking every day about a school - nights and days, the same thoughts. Moreover, I did not (and do not) want to disappointed new arrivals into the law field who got there admission letters and now excited to begin to crack their way through the stone of legal knowledge. At this point I have no idea to where this path leads me. I am afraid my teech got a lot of damage and the school does not seem to me so exciting as it was before I have begun it. Now if you are a prospective 1L student, do not read further because I am going to entrust my view on the school. I hate it! I love law, I love it, but I do not like the way how I am taught and the way how I have to learn. I saw other ways to teach, and I think the ones now just do not work for me. Maybe it is just me, an old grumpy woman who got used to different things, and who does not want to work hard to reach something more than she has. Again, this is my personal view and I hope it caused only by exhaustion from studying. I will not be suprised if in a week after finals, I will sing another song.

I am on the spring break and I do not care about anything

I have finished my appealate brief. Three nights without sleep (well at least 3-5 hours and for me it is not enough). The last night before a due date we spent about 10 hours proof reading, editing, formating. Finally my partner and I with tired voice said, "that's it. DONE!" and with happiness hit Print button. Yes, it was done, but not exactly. Because we finished at 11 pm, all Kinkos around were closed. Actually one was opened, but I did not know about it. So next morning I was running out the house in rush, because I woke up too late and I had an hour to get to Kinko, wait them printing and binding, then drive to the school. Bless God I made it. That Friday, I came home and went to sleep for four hours. Then we went to a bar, and then I had a sleep for another 10 hours. Yes... and now I have a spring break.

Honestly, I do nothing. I am on Internet, I am reading blogs, I am writing blogs (not here), I watch TV. I have some excuse, today I have finished online quizes to pass Lexis certification. At least I am over with this. Now I have to work on cover letter for internship and I have no wish. Maybe I should relax this summer? Take a summer class and go see my parents? I consider this plan. Forget about stress of a law school and go to relax and spend fun time with my friends. I wish I could do this right now :-)))

Guess what I am doing this Monday evening?

I am writing appealate brief yeyeyeyeyey... My trial brief did not go so bad, at least professor said I have a good research and I need to paraphrase a lot of stuff. This is funny how I missed a lot of things and arguments. Interestingly, I had touched on them in trial brief, but worded as I was defendant (but actually I am plaintiff). I had a lot citation problems. I hope I will resolve this in appealate brief.

Ok, I am off to go.

I always told that people are ugly creatures - see the article

I am outraged. Yes, I am a dog lover and I hate this freak who did this:

A Costa Rican artist found himself in hot water with the animal protection people in his home country after using a starving, sick street dog as part of an exposition in Managua, Nicaragua, in August. Guillermo “Habacuc” Vargas allegedly found the dog tied up on a street corner in a poor Nicaragua barrio and brought it to the showing.

He tied the dog, according to furious animal lovers, in a corner of the salon where it died after a day. Habacuc’s exhibition included a legend spelled out in dog food reading “You are what you read,” photos and an incense burner that burned an ounce of marijauna and 175 “rock’ of crack cocaine. In the background, according to reports, the Sandista national anthem played backwards.

According to the artist, his “art” was a tribute to Natividad Canda, a Nicaraguan burglar killed in Costa Rica by two rottweilers guarding property he had entered at night. The incident caused friction between the two countries. Habacuc told the daily La Nacion, “I won’t say the dog died. The importance to me is the hypocracy of the people where an animal is the focus of attention where people come to see art but not when it’s in the street starving to death.”

“The same thing happened with poor Natividad Canda. The people sympathized with him only after he was dead,” the artist added.

The artist apparently is unaware that at least three large, active organizations are dedicated in Costa Rica to the protection of animals and that several persons have been prosecuted for cruelty to animals. They are hampered in their efforts by the old Hispanic customs of disregard for animal welfare and by a lack of funding.

Text found on Costa Rica blogs

And he did this because some idiot, actually even worse because he was a burglar, got illegally at night to somebody's property!!!??? "the hypocracy of the people where an animal is the focus of attention" ????? People are cause of many evils that happen to them! I have not pite to criminals who are punished for their bad deeds. But what this little dog did to you, freak?

But even worse, people watched this and did nothing?

Another thought for today

Actually, I should not be so mad, because just this morning I was thinking that I am not qualified for the job with a large firm. I was not sure whether I will feel ok if I have a big money from them and do a lot of things badly. Whatever! On one of my profiles I said that everything what happens with me is for the best. Just yesterday I talked with one guy online (Yahoo messenger) about this phrase, and funny thing I tired to persuade him that this statement reflects the reality. Now, by writing previous post I rejected my idea (almost rejected). So now I have to think positively and think about benefits I will get from not having an internship.

1. I can take classes and it will be easier then during the year.

2. I can visit my parents, and go to Turkey

3. Perhaps I will find internship with judge or another firm, and even though I will not get as much money, but I will get a good experience.

4. I just will have fun time.

Damn it, I cannot believe that I have found so many good reasons not to be upset.

:-))))

Bad news I have got and now upset

So those f***** interviews did not work out for me. They just did not like me. I am upset, and maybe mostly not because they did not chose me, but because I have spent tremendous amount of time with a huge hopes I will get it. As a result I did not. Now I have to begin my process again and look for something different. I want to apply for judicial internship. I think I am interested in them more. Moreover, it is for free, and I hope judges will like it more.

I am sorry for bad words BUT I am f***** mad.

Referals

Ok, my blog continues to be among the first in the ranking of motivation for a law school and exams, hatred and tiredness to law school and studying too. LOL

An interview with a law student

I liked it.

Politics

I am not much into politics, but those recent events are just hillarious. Governor and prostitutes! Isn't it sweet? Just today I have watched NBC... by the way shame on them to bring those girls (prostitutes or, as they call themselves, escort) for the interview. What was the point of that? To show that empty minded women who hardly can do some logic in their phrases but who earn more than any other intelligent woman? I am not saying that all prostitutes are empty minded. I am not biased about it. Maybe a little. When I began watching that episode I really expected some intelligent women. I thought that if they are paid so much money, they might be more sofisticated than those on the streets. As a result, I was disappointed. Although one of them, the one from Montreal, Canada, pointed out that she is writing a book (yeahh...she meant Kamasutra?), on the question what she think if the NY governor should resign, she answered that of course, "what an example he shows kinds?" I laughed so hard. Girly, and what example you show? Sleeping with hundrends of men for money. Come on! "I feel much better if my client is single." Yeah, right, but you still sleep with him for money. My point is not to scorn profession of the prostitute. No. I am ok with what they do, as long as they use condoms, do not spread STDs and have enjoyment from this. But how can she judge a person while having so low moral standards by herself?

Now Spitzer's wife. I have listen this afternoon a good idea about her. If she insists her husband not to resign, then she probably knew about his adventers. I will not be suprised if she knew. However, what else she has to say in such situtation as her husband's? Moreover, everybody is talking about braveness of those wives, who come to support their husbands in such "difficult" times. Come on, they do not have another choice. They has been living with those horny bastards for many years, having financial support from them and status. If they divorce them at one, it will be worse for them, just because other wives in such situtations did not do that and, then, people will tell that a wife is bad, because she did not support her husband. I guess it is much better for wives to stay with their husbands, at least for a while, because they will look much better if they do. People will tell that they are so goood and sooo generous to support their men, and by staying with them, instead of divorcing, they make men bad but not themselves. My point is that those women are not brave, they are just smart not to jump into hot water, but, instead, just blow on it. By the way, his wife looks really hot!

Another political issue I have a view on is the comment of one of campaign team (or what is the technical name?) of Hillary. I tried to find the name of the person I am talking, but did not find. I am talking about the one who said that Obama has some support in people votes because he is Adrican American. I am not a racist, but I agree with her conclusion. I think his race means as much as Mrs. Clinton's gender. I understand that people want to see in the candidate just a person, a leader. But it will never happen, just because we are a people and look at others through our own glass of opinions and views. I do not want to expand more on this subject, because I have to do my homework, which I am avoding already for more than hour and a half.

I am lazy, although I cannot afford to be

It is Friday morning. I have planned to do some homework, but I cannot do anything because I am sick, and because I just do not want to do anything :-) I have an interview in 3 hours, so I have read about my interviewers and about firm. Wish me luck.

A little about recent events and other things

First of all, I will exclaim, "Wow!!!" I did not know that my blog's link is on somebody's else blog. Thank you, David! Here is the link to David's blog, a person who was so kind to have some interest in my grammatically incorrect and spiritually barren blog. I also happily will post a link to David's blog in my list. BTW, David wrote Life of Alien. For a couple of weeks I am thinking whether I put correctly article "the" in front of "life." Anybody will help ESL student with articles? I do not want to seem unintelligent.

Although I have planned to describe my recent days in more details, I do not feel like to do that, so I will post them in brief order (not chronological) and go to treat myself with hot steam and hot tea, because I am sick. I hate to be sick.

My events:

1. More then a week ago I finally finished my trial brief. It was painful and went not very well. I worked on it Friday's evening, all Saturday and all Sunday, and yes, I was one of those students who did not sleep the night before Monday. Amazing, I was late with my papers in my life, but not as late as it was with this trial brief. I got up from the desk at 6.30 am on Monday and still did not do good job on checking my citations and grammar mistakes. But yes, I have finished it. Today I talked to my legal writing Prof. and she said I have a real problem with my grammar. I decided not to do a drama from this, because then I will not be able to start my appelate brief, which will cause worse problem. Moreover, she did not know that I have finished a half of the brief at night, so even writing on native language would not help me. I hope I will not get C. I will be happy even with B. It is only 30% of the grade, additionally, I do not deserve more.
2. Last week I had 2 interviews with law firms for my summer clerkship. One went quite tough - I saw 7 people and talked without stop. Another one was easier - no questions to me, all questions were from me, and we chatted for an hour. Before I began writing this post I had finished preparation for my tomorrow's interview with the third firm. I have used flash cards to make notes about firm, about the areas of the practice, and my questions. It is amazing how much time I can spend on interview preparation. I will have the result about each interview next week. I keep my fingers crossed, because I want this internship.
3. I got sick. I sneez and my throat is in pain. I think a law school killed all my immune system, because I do not remember days when I got sick so often.
4. People keep hitting my website by searching key words as "tired of law school (studying)" and "find motivation to study." Dear visitors, I am afraid you find yourself in disapointment after reading my stuff here that does not give any encoragment for better studying but only crying about the difficulties of the law school and studying. However, it is not my fault that Google likes my blog for those subjects. I also assume I have to right something marrier. However, I can assure my reader, that you will hardly find my blog by searching something like "happiness in a law school." well, there is a possibility that after two years Google will find my blog from the search of "happiness," but it will be in paralel with a word "graduation" not word "study."

Just some refreshment to my posts

A girl from my class gave me the link to her blog. She said she rights a diary since she was 7 or 10 and it helped her writing skills. Now I am sorry I did not do that. So now I decided I need to correct my situation and renew my writing to my diary or blog. Maybe it will help my poor writing skills? I hope my future employer will not read this post and this statement, or I will never have job with him/her.

I thought about writing short today, because it is almost 9 pm and I am sleepy and tired and empty headed (or heavy headed?). So today I have received that annoying letter from some lady/man from Africa who wants to transfer funds and needs my bank account. I have received many of those recently, so I wonder where the hell those people found my email address. My next question is whether they still find idiots who sends them their information. I think yes, there are still some, otherwise, those spammers would change theme. Actually, they do change it. Anyway, I replied to one of those emails, saying "back off, bustards!!!" I do not think it will stop them, but I had to get rid of my steam.

It is interesting to observe myself, though. When I am not satisfied with myself, when I am behind with my homework, or not successful with job etc, I try to prove myself in other places. For example, I am really misearable recently and I decided that if I cannot be ahead at school, I will try to be on the road. I must say it is very dangerous! You may assume, don't you? So on my way to school, this guy in red Jeep sat behind me so close that I wanted hit him with my pointy shoe in his rear. Then after his maneauvre to pass me, I accelerated to prevent him to get in front of me. I almost did it, but then I relaxed and this bustard cut me off and got in front of me. To my outrage he showed me f***. This made me violant, outrageous and other conditions describing a blond without mind. I hit the pedal and sat on the rear of that red Jeep till the guy turned to the ramp, which happened a couple miles after our burning conflict. What was interesting to observe, that I was not tense. As a rule when I do such bad things I am tense and always think if I should do this. But today, I honestly enjoyed it. Does it mean that lack of sleep and unsuccess in life makes me risky? This is not a good thing.

By the way, I always try to write something smart and intelligent. For example, talking about laws and my opinions. But I cannot come up with a subject. I even begin thinking maybe I really am not interested in the law, if I do not reflect any emotions? Tough question, isn't it? I also hope I am mistaken, because I enjoy law. lol

Shooting in the school again!!

What is going on with those people???!!! Shooting again, this time in Ill. Now I begin thinking how safe it is in my school?

Monday can be hard, but nice too

Finally!... I have brought my hand up and answered on CrimLaw. Even twice. Our professor encourages reponses by adding point to my total on exam. So I am glad I have begun. Now I just need keep moving.