I just did my 3rd performance test. I thought it would become better, but I took 45 mins extra and still could not finish it. I was following flemings PT method, though I did some chnages because I have a very slow typing speed. In 65-75, I wont be able to write more than 4 pages. (I know this because that how I tried last time). I m not sure what to do?

I would appreciate if you can email me that PT. My email id is lee.mona@ymail.com

65 to 75 wpm is not slow. You need to check the time your taking to read.

On Tue, Jan 19, 2010 at 4:16 PM, <

I am sorry, I meant 65-75 mins to write at the end is not sufficient(thats what Flemings method suggest). My typing speed is 40-45 wpm.

People handwrite the PT and they do fine. Four pages is not bad. You keep thinking more words is better. Actually, the reverse is true. An economy of words... but better words. Write to the point. Also, do not give yourself extra time. Review your test.

Are you taking too long to read?
Are you taking too long to outline?
Are you spouting a lot of junk that should be cut?

If you can afford it... there are tutors out there. Contact Barbri or your law school for the names of some tutors.

what to do?

KEEP AT IT

I never finsihed one in three hours, EVER.

I also used Flemings PT and used the 90 minute ones to practice as well as the 3 hour ones

I also type very fast - work on your speed - by taking pages of text and typing to get up your speed.

That's pleanty of time to write the exam. Are you outlining?

On Tue, Jan 19, 2010 at 8:51 PM, <

It took me 6-7 practice perforamnce exams to (1) become comfortable with the Flemings process and (2) wrap it up in the time needed.


Sorry, but with Performance, it only comes faster by doing more and more of them... you'll be able to spot the good stuff faster..

It's a pain in the ass, I know, but it's worth 4 exams.. and in theory, if you have a 70 on the performance and a 135 on the mbes, you can get 55 on the essays and still pass.

Thanks guys for your response. Yes, I do outline, but somethings which I know I will use, I just type them out. I need to practice little more and try writing to the point answers.

Can anyone share the steps of Flemming's PT method? Is it any good? Barbri PT course only teaches "you can make it!" without much details. I hope to find some clear, concret and useful method to deal with PTs. Thanks!

I found using the Flemings method overwhelming. It is good if you don't write a lot of notes and are able to write your library connected to your fact in the outline. I found that hard. I have done a modified version which I reviewed with my tutors I have now (who used to work for Flemings).

I read call to associate twice. Then read letter to associate twice - second time I mark it up.

First page of outline paper I put case, jurisdiction and parties in top left (always mark who you are representing.) Then in center I put my task, the tone (persuasive etc) and anything I am NOT supposed to do.

On subsequent pages I have 3 columns. One for facts, second for laws and third for cases. Next to laws and cases I may put a number circled which refers to the task.

I also read the library before the case file. It helps me get an idea of what I am looking for.

One think my tutor told me is to use more facts from our case file and use the exact language used. don't paraphrase. Also use lots of short paragraphs and centered, underlined bold, headnotes.

Always write the word conclusion at the end in bold center, underlined. If you are running out of time. Go to your conclusion and write something...one or two sentences. The graders will be looking to see if you finished. If you cannot do a full analysis of some issues due to time constraints headnote it, put in the library info and a short statement on how it does or does not apply and move on.

Always make your beginning as strong as possible...that is where you hook them.


I hated PT's until my tutor. Then I found them fun and interesting.
Hope this helps.

Can we rely on the kinds of answers and the format of the answers that are provided by Barbri in their NY testing book?

Is this the way that the bar people enjoy reading 'our work'? :)
If so, I guess... I will try to teach it to myself.
Thanks very much.