Lesson 12.3: Thirty-Minute Time Discipline and Outlining

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the critical skills needed for effective time discipline and outlining when writing the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) essays. The goal is to equip you with strategies that ensure you allocate your time efficiently within the thirty-minute framework allotted for each essay. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to read, outline, and write a complete response within the time constraints while addressing all relevant issues clearly and effectively.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

Allocate your time effectively to read, outline, and write within thirty minutes.
Create outlines quickly enough to leave ample time for writing.
Manage your time so that every issue is addressed in your essays.
Produce a usable outline in just a few minutes and write according to it.
Explain the main concepts and terminology related to time discipline and outlining for the MEE essays.

Effective Time Management

Managing your time effectively during the MEE is crucial for producing high-quality essays. It is not only about writing but also involves reading and outlining, which are equally important. Let’s break down how to allocate the thirty minutes effectively:

Breakdown of Time Allocation

Reading: 5 minutes
Outlining: 10 minutes
Writing: 15 minutes

Reading (5 Minutes)

The first step is to read the question carefully. You need to identify the issues presented and analyze what legal principles apply. During your reading, focus on key terms and underlying concepts that form the core of the essay question.

Example Reading Strategy

Consider you are given a fact pattern on contracts. As you read:

Highlight or underlined crucial terms like “breach of contract” or “consideration”.
Identify the parties involved and their relationships quickly to provide context for your analysis.
Jot down initial thoughts on potential issues and rules that might be relevant.

Outlining (10 Minutes)

After reading, spend the next ten minutes creating a structured outline. This outline should guide your writing and ensure you stay focused on the key issues.

Outlining Strategy

Formulating the Outline

You can use the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) or CRAC (Conclusion, Rule, Application, Conclusion) format. An outline might look like:

Issue 1 (e.g., Breach of Contract)

Rule: Explain the rule of law.
Application: Apply the facts to the rule.
Conclusion: State your conclusion for this issue.

Issue 2 (e.g., Expectation Damages)

Rule: Define expectation damages.
Application: Apply the facts to determine if expectation damages are available.
Conclusion: Present your conclusion regarding this issue.

Creating this structure allows you to visualize your argument before writing, which can significantly expedite the process.

Writing (15 Minutes)

With a clear outline in front of you, dedicate the last fifteen minutes to writing your essay. This phase is where you expand on the points you’ve noted in your outline.

Writing Strategy

Follow your outline closely to maintain organization.
Start with a strong introduction that previews your main points.
Structure each paragraph to cover one issue clearly and thoroughly.
Use efficient transitions to ensure your essay flows logically.
Leave a few minutes at the end to proofread and ensure clarity and correctness.

Common Misconceptions About Outlining

One common misconception is that outlining takes too long and cuts into writing time. In reality, a well-structured outline saves time during writing because it prevents you from wandering off-topic. Let’s explore this further.

The Time-Saving Benefits of Outlining

Clarity: Outlining forces you to think critically about what needs to be included.
Organization: A clear outline helps draft your essay in a logical format, making transitions smoother.
Efficiency: With a roadmap in front of you, you can focus on writing rather than figuring out what to say.

Conclusion

Time discipline and efficient outlining are synergistic skills that fund your ability to write effective MEE essays within the thirty-minute timeframe. By practicing these techniques, you will not only increase your confidence but also enhance the quality of your essays. Remember to allocate your time wisely, structure your thoughts in an outline, and write concisely according to your outline.

Study Notes

Allocate 5 minutes for reading, 10 for outlining, and 15 for writing.
Use IRAC or CRAC structures for your outlines.
Ensure every issue is addressed in the essay to maximize points.
Proofread your work within the limited timeframe to maintain quality.
Practice efficiently to improve speed and fluency in writing essays under time constraints.