Common Mistakes and Difficulties in the MPT

Common Mistakes and Difficulties in the MPT
Time Management
Time management is critical on the MPT, and it is one of the most common areas where examinees struggle. Examinees often spend too much time reading and analyzing the File and Library, and not enough time writing their response. It is important to practice your timing and develop a strategy for completing the task within the allotted time.  
Understanding the Task
Examinees sometimes misunderstand the task or fail to address all the issues raised in the task memo. It is important to read the task memo carefully and make sure you understand what you are being asked to do before you start working on the task.  
Identifying Relevant Facts and Law
Examinees may have difficulty identifying the relevant facts and law, or they may include irrelevant information in their response. It is important to be able to sift through the large amount of information provided and focus on the facts and law that are most important to the task.  
Organizing the Response
Examinees often struggle with organizing their response in a clear and concise manner. It is important to practice outlining and structuring your response so that it is easy for the grader to follow.  
Writing Clearly and Concisely
Examinees sometimes use overly complex language or jargon, which can make their response difficult to understand. It is important to use plain language and write in a clear and concise style.  
Proofreading
Examinees may make errors in grammar or spelling, which can detract from the overall quality of their response. It is important to proofread your work carefully before submitting it.  
Difficult Topics
In addition to the common mistakes listed above, there are a few topics that examinees seem to find particularly difficult on the MPT. These include:
Legal Research: Examinees may have difficulty using the legal authorities provided in the Library to support their analysis.
Fact Analysis: Examinees may have difficulty sifting through the large amount of factual information in the File and identifying the facts that are most relevant to the task.
Problem Solving: Examinees may have difficulty developing and implementing a strategy for solving the legal problem presented in the task.
Communication: Examinees may have difficulty communicating their analysis in a clear and concise manner.