SUMMARY

1 The key starting point for a good answer to any problem question is careful analysis of the facts and the law, with particular emphasis on distinguishing between those aspects of both which are relevant from those which are not.

2 The next stage is to apply the law to the facts, following a logical structure.

3 The final stage is to conclude your answer by complying with the specific instruction you have been given, which will often – but by no means always – be to advise one or more people.

4 The content of a good answer will have been meticulously planned but its delivery can still be enhanced if you follow the recognised conventions of grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and referencing.

5 Careful final editing of your answer will pick up most of the oversights and errors which remain.

6 Even if you are reasonably comfortable with writing essays, you may still find problem questions much more challenging, but you will find that preparing properly for, and participating actively in, small group classes will provide excellent opportunities for practising the appropriate technique.

7 As is the case with essays, an answer which is technically sound from a legal point of view can still be enhanced by complying with the usual conventions of grammar, spelling, punctuation and style.