A Step-By-Step Approach to Answering Any MBE Question

When it comes to answering MBE questions, knowing the material is only half the battle. 

You also need the right approach.

Knowing the law vs. knowing how to approach the question.

First, with MBE questions, obviously you need to know the substantive law. But often people focus too much on studying material and not enough on actual test-taking skills.

It's crucial that you have an effective and consistent approach to answering MBE questions on the bar exam. It will help you get more questions right and move through the exam quicker. We can't emphasize this enough: How you tackle MBE questions can matter almost as much as how well you know the substance of the question itself.

Why you need a consistent strategy to do well on the MBE. 

The MBE is particularly difficult in large part because all subjects are mixed together. On top of that, no single question identifies its subject.

So one of the biggest ways you can help your MBE score is learning how to recognize the subject while you’re reading the question. Being able to do that instantly allows you to focus clearly on the question. Additionally, when you've identified the subject, your mind is ready to issue-spot the question.

The following tips can help you identify the subject of MBE questions without distracting you from the substance of the question.

1. Don't start with the beginning of the question.

When you first see an MBE question, try looking at the call of the question first, before focusing on the beginning of the question. The call is the statement or question following the mini fact pattern in most MBE questions.

It may seem counterintuitive to start reading somewhere besides the beginning of the question. But doing so will actually help you better understand the question, primarily because the call will usually give away the subject, and might even indicate what you're looking for within that subject.

2. Know the answers before you know the question.

If you can't figure out or narrow down the subject based on the call of the question, you can also glance at the answer choices. Together with the call of the question, the answer choices will probably give you enough information to identify the subject, or even the topic within the subject.

3. Read the entire question carefully.

If you can't figure out or narrow down the subject based on the call of the question, you can also glance at the answer choices. Together with the call of the question, the answer choices will probably give you enough information to identify the subject, or even the topic within the subject.

4. Don't get tricked by answer choices.

Be sure to read every answer choice. Even if you think you've identified the correct choice as A or B, read C and D before you move on. Usually you can eliminate one or two answer choices with some degree of certainty.

The MBE is known for getting you down to two answer choices that both seem correct. This is where careful reading comes into play.

Beware of tricky word choice issues, but more importantly move on. It's better to have a 50% shot of a correct answer on a tough question than having a 0% chance on a question you didn't get to answer.

5. Read actively.

Finally, make sure you're engaging actively with each MBE question. This means taking notes, even in the online exam. Use scratch paper if needed. Make a note on key terms or facts. This helps you to stay active as a reader, a critical tool for MBE success.

And of course, you can't answer any MBE question unless you've learned and memorized the material - make sure you've nailed that down!