Should My Answers Look Just Like The MPT Sample Answers?
Should My Answers Look Just Like The MPT Sample Answers?
Should My Answers Look Just Like The MPT Sample Answers?: Students frequently ask whether their practice MPT answers must mimic the NCBE’s MPT Point Sheets. Good news- your answers do not have to replicate the NCBE’s answers! Similarly, student answers do not have to look precisely like the MPT sample answers that you can find on the Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, and Texas websites in order to get a passing score (or even an above passing score!). While the answers do have similarities, none are written exactly the same. Remember that the answers on each state’s website are some of the best in the state during a given administration. You do not need to duplicate these answers to pass the MPT. Rather, use these answers to refine your approach. Below we tell you what to pay attention to when reviewing the NCBE’s MPT Point Sheets and student answers.
Should My Answers Look Just Like The MPT Sample Answers?
1. Did you format your answer correctly?
How you format your answer depends on the type of task you have to complete (e.g., objective, memo, persuasive brief, demand letter, closing argument, etc.) If you are having trouble formatting your answer take a look at sample student answers on the aforementioned states’ websites to get an idea and incorporate some of these strategies in the future (e.g., examples of good headings). The NCBE’s MPT Point Sheets are written more like a memo of all the possible issues examinees could discuss, and therefore we do not recommend solely using the MPT Point Sheets to help you with your formatting.
2. Did you extract as much of the law as possible?
It is important to read the library carefully and pick out the relevant law for your MPT answer. Here, student answers can be a good guide of which rules you should have extracted within the 90-minute time period. Keep in mind that student answers may not pick out every relevant rule statement. So if you include other rule statements, do not assume that you answered the question incorrectly. Here, the NCBE’s MPT Point Sheets can be incredibly handy. The Examiners write out every possible rule statement you could have included in your answer. Take a moment to read through them and see whether you found some or most of the rule statements. It will give you an idea of whether you need to spend more time with the library.
3. Did you apply the law correctly to the facts?
It is a good idea to review student answers to see how they applied the law to the facts. Several states will release one, two or even three high scoring MPT answers. It is a good idea to read through one or two of them to make sure that you applied the facts to the law in a similar manner (and get tips for how you can make your application section stronger in the future). You will see that all of the high scoring student answers take the time to distinguish the key facts from the cases in the library with the facts provided in the file.
You can also see how the NCBE recommends applying the law in the MPT Point Sheets. In fact, the Examiners will note when there are ambiguities in the law and how students could have addressed any gray areas (and where they would have awarded full credit for well reasoned, albeit contrary conclusion).
4. Did you use key facts in your analysis?
It is impossible to use every relevant fact in the file in your answer under the time constraints. To get a realistic idea of which facts and how many facts you could include in your answer it is a very good idea to review the high scoring student answers. As you review your answer, put a check mark next to each fact you included in your discussion of a particular issue that you find in the MPT sample answers and the MPT Point Sheets. Do not be overwhelmed by the long list of facts in the MPT Point Sheets, but see how many of them you used in your answer. There is no magic number. Use as many facts as you can to create a well-reasoned argument.
Christine, one of our bar exam tutors, wrote this post. She has passed three bar exams, including California, New York, and New Jersey. Christine scored in the 95 percentile on the MBE, and specializes in helping students raise their uniform bar exam scores!
Need Expert MPT Guidance?
🔥 Top-Rated MPT Resources
- New MPT One-Sheets: Discover crucial formats and tips distilled to simplicity.
- MPT Private Tutoring: Opt for personalized strategies and guidance to elevate your preparation.
- Bar Exam Crash Course and Mini Outlines: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the big picture.
- MPT Mastery Class: Deepen your understanding and skills for MPT excellence.
- Comprehensive MPT Guide: Navigate the MPT process with our step-by-step guide.
- Targeted MPT Feedback: Refine your approach with structural and organizational insights.
- Real MPT Questions Compilation (2000 to present): Engage in hands-on practice to enhance your readiness.
Plus, don’t miss our Free Bar Exam Resource Center filled with our top free resources and expert insights!
