Raise Your MEE Score With Five Simple Stylistic Tips

Raise Your MEE Score With Five Simple Stylistic Tips

If you are like many students taking the multistate essay exam (MEE), you may be looking for simple tips to implement to raise your MEE score. Here, we give you five simple style tips that will make a positive difference in your MEE score. Note that these tips are not a substitute for actually learning and applying the law. Rather, they are stylistic tips to help make your answers easier for a grader to read and to give you a score boost!

Note that many of these tips are based on the fact that MEE graders generally “scan” answers rather than reading them word-for-word. They are searching for specific rules and keywords. You can make it easier for them to search (and as a result, easier for them to give you points!) by using these five simple stylistic tips!

1. Use a simple structure.

Write in IRAC format. Your answer should look like this:

Issue #1:

Rule

Analysis
Conclusion

Issue #2:

Rule

Analysis

Conclusion

By keeping a simple IRAC format, your answer will be easy to follow. The grader will be able to instantly see you have addressed all critical aspects of a question. If you have not been writing MEE answers in IRAC format, one great way to raise your MEE score is to begin utilizing this format right away.

2. Use paragraph breaks.

In addition to using IRAC, you should also separate each portion of your answer with a paragraph break. So you should have an issue heading then a paragraph break. Then state your rule. Then use a paragraph break. And continue doing this.

This will make your answer look cleaner, clearer, and longer.

White space is easy on the eyes too, so you will be doing the grader a favor.

3. Underline your issue heading.

We recommend using an issue heading rather than an issue statement (e.g., we recommend you say “battery” rather than “Did Paula commit a battery when she punched Vince in the nose?”). Headings are simple. They suffice to alert the grader to which issue you are discussing. And all of the facts that you may put in a traditional statement will come out in your analysis.

When you write an issue heading, you should underline it to draw attention to it. Then proceed to state the rule, analyze the law, and conclude.

4. Bold keywords.

As graders scan your answer, they are looking for specific keywords and phrases. For example, in a Corporations question they may be looking for the phrase “pierce the corporate veil” or “business judgment rule.”

By bolding, underlining, or otherwise emphasizing keywords, you will make it easier for the grader to find what they are looking for. And easier for them to give you more points!

5. Number issues according to questions asked (when applicable).

 For most (but not all) MEE questions, there will be a specific call of the question. For example, at the end of the fact pattern, you may see three questions to address. It is helpful to address each question clearly in your answer.

You can even number your issues consistent with the headings (and you should discuss the issue in the same order it is asked about in the call of the question).

By doing this, the grader will be able to instantly see you have addressed all issues. Your answer will also appear organized and complete.

We hope these MEE tips help you to raise your MEE score! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

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