SQE2 Strategy: How to Structure Answers for Success
Preparing for SQE2 requires more than just legal knowledge—a super important SQE2 strategy is to have a structured approach to answering each assessment clearly and concisely. Many candidates lose marks because they don’t follow the correct SQE2 approach, missing key legal explanations or failing to present their answers logically.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through essential SQE2 strategies to help you maximise your marks, avoid common mistakes, and refine your assessment technique.
Why Structure and Strategy Matter in SQE2
The SQE2 exam tests your ability to apply legal knowledge in a professional and practical way. Unlike the SQE1 multiple-choice format, SQE2 assessments require clear written and oral responses, simulating real-world legal practice.
Many students struggle not because they lack legal knowledge, but because they fail to structure their answers logically or explain legal principles fully in a way that the examiners expect and meets the SQE2 requirements. This results in lost marks, even when they technically understand the law.
By refining your SQE2 strategies, you can tailor your answers to what examiners expect to see—helping you secure the highest possible score.
1. Structure Is Key: Avoid Waffle and Confusion
A well-structured answer makes it easier for examiners to follow your reasoning and award marks. Every response should have clear subheadings and dedicated sections to ensure no key area is missed.
Recommended Answer Structure for Most SQE2 Assessments (particularly on the Written Side):
There will always be exceptions, but most good SQE2 answers follow this or a version of this structure or contain these sections in logical places as a minimum:
• Introduction: Briefly state what the issue is and what your answer will cover.
• Facts: Summarise the relevant facts from the scenario.
• Legal Explanation: Provide a full and comprehensive explanation of the law before applying it to the scenario.
• Application & Advice: Apply the legal principles to the facts, explaining how the law operates in this situation and what advice should be provided to the client in question.
• Conclusion: Summarise your findings and provide clear, concise advice.
💡 Tip: Avoid long, unstructured paragraphs. Use bullet points or numbered lists when appropriate to break down complex points.
2. Do Not Gloss Over Legal Explanations
One of the most common mistakes in SQE2 is jumping straight to application without explaining what legal principle applies. Examiners need to see that you understand the law in full, not just that you can reach a conclusion.
For example, if you are answering a question about easements, you shouldn’t simply apply one type of easement to the scenario. Instead, you should:
1. Set out all types of easements (express, implied, necessity, Wheeldon v Burrows, and statutory under s.62 LPA 1925 etc.).
2. Explain each type concisely.
3. Discuss why certain types of easements are relevant (or not) to the scenario.
4. Then apply the law to the facts and provide your conclusion.
This ensures you pick up all available legal knowledge marks, not just application marks.
💡 Tip: If a question asks you to advise a client, and there are multiple options available to the client, always provide balanced reasoning—highlight potential risks, alternative interpretations, and any counterarguments where relevant.
3. Write Clearly: Precision and Proofreading Matter
SQE2 answers must be clear, well-structured, and free of grammatical errors. If your writing is unclear, it can affect your marks even if your legal analysis is correct.
How to Improve Your Writing for SQE2:
• Avoid overly complex sentences – Keep your writing simple and to the point.
• Pretend you are explaining to someone with no legal background – If a non-lawyer could follow your answer, you’re on the right track.
• Proofread before submitting – Even minor errors can make your response harder to read.
💡 Tip: After writing an answer, re-read it it with fresh eyes after a short break (even if it is just 1 minute). This helps spot awkward phrasing or missing words.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Your SQE2 Approach
Success in SQE2 isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about presenting your answers in a structured, clear, and strategic way that allows the examiners to tick off all required criteria and give you high marks.
By following an SQE2 strategy, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your answers meet examiner expectations:
✔ Use a logical structure with subheadings.
✔ Fully explain legal principles before applying them.
✔ Write clearly and concisely, with a focus on readability.
These small but crucial changes can make the difference between passing and failing SQE2. Stay disciplined in your approach, and you’ll set yourself up for exam success!
Need More SQE2 Preparation?
If you’re looking for additional SQE2 resources, mock exams, or personalised feedback, feel free to explore my study materials or reach out for further guidance.
🚀 With the right approach, you can maximise your SQE2 score and qualify with confidence!