b'ARE OPEN-BOOK EXAMS EASIER THANWHAT DO I DO IN THE EXAM ROOM?CLOSED-BOOK EXAMS? Once you get the panic out of your In open-book exams, you can take certainsystem, read the question carefully. Twice. materials into the exam room with them,Underline key phrases that suggest such as an annotated unity of studycertain issues or evoke the facts of outline, your summaries and/or textbook,particular cases. Then plan your response whereas in closed-book exams, yourein the form of bullet points outlining what equipped only with your memory. your issues will be, supported by cases, Its a misconception that open-bookwith a conclusion. Plan again if need be. exams are easier than closed-book exams.This should not take longer than 5-10 Do not spend less time preparing forminutes. Write your answer, applying the them! The problems in open-book examslaw to the facts, not repeating them. Use usually test a deeper understanding withheadings. Highlight your authorities. And the material, and involve more familiarityif youre short on time by the very end, with the factual context of the cases -write in bullet points: its better to have not just the principle derived from thesomething down on paper than nothing case, but how judges arrived at it. Theyat all.examine contentious issues where the decision on a point of law is either very narrow or unsettled, and could be open to change if decided today.CONCLUSION While law is intense, make sure that it doesnt totally consume your life. Make an effort to switch off and refocus. Your brain will thank you for it, and your studies will improve.PAGE 13'