Practical approach to answering essay, problem questions at the Ghana School of Law entrance exams
The Ghana School of Law entrance examination, like most law exams, usually consists of two main types of questions: essay questions and problem questions.
As a candidate, your first responsibility is to differentiate between the two and determine which structure to adopt in answering.
While this distinction may seem straightforward, there are instances where certain questions do not contain the usual “watch words,” making it difficult to know whether they should be treated as essays or problem questions.
Essay Questions
For essay-type questions, the approach that has proven effective for many successful candidates can be outlined as follows:
Introduction
Begin with a short statement demonstrating your understanding of the question.
Example: “This question seeks to test my understanding of the principle of judicial review and how the courts of Ghana have applied this constitutional power to regulate the actions of the Legislature.”
Next, provide a brief roadmap. List the statutes, constitutional provisions, and case authorities you intend to rely on, and indicate what your likely conclusion will be.
Note: Your introduction may be one paragraph or several, depending on clarity and legibility.
Body
In the body of your essay:
1. Expand on your introduction by defining terms and concepts.
2. Support your discussion with statutes, constitutional provisions, and case law.
3. Develop your arguments logically and systematically.
4. Avoid personal opinions; argue only from legal authority.
Conclusion
After exhausting the relevant arguments, conclude by restating your position. Your conclusion should be consistent with the direction you set out in your introduction.
This approach helps you “marshal your arsenal” at the very beginning, giving the examiner a clear sense of your direction, your authorities, and your reasoning.
Problem Questions
Problem questions typically present a set of facts and ask you to “advise the parties” or “discuss the legal issues.”
The best way to approach these is to apply a structured method:
Introduction
Identify and state clearly the area(s) of law involved.
Issues
Outline the issues in question form, beginning with “Whether…” and ending with a question mark.
Rules
State the relevant rules of law, citing statutory provisions and case authorities wherever possible.
Application/Analysis
Apply each rule to the issue it addresses. For clarity and time, you may write: “Applying Rule (2) to Issue (1)…”
Follow with a short analysis and a mini-conclusion.
Conclusion
Provide an overall conclusion based on your analysis of the issues.
Advice
Do not omit this final step. Advice carries marks. Offer practical, realistic steps that the parties should take, e.g., “The claimant should file an action for damages” or “The defendant should cease further interference.” Keep it brief and direct.
