Why Your SQE2 Answers Sound Smart — But Still Don’t Score Well

If you’ve ever walked out of an SQE2 assessment thinking, “That went well,” only to receive a disappointing mark… you’re not alone. One of the biggest (and least talked-about) problems in SQE2 is this: 👉 Your answers sound smart — but they don’t actually say anything. Candidates fall into the trap of writing long, fancy, impressive-sounding paragraphs full of legal jargon, but with no real clarity, no structure, and no actual analysis. And examiners spot it instantly. This single mistake quietly destroys marks across all SQE2 assessments — writing, drafting, attendance notes, case and matter analysis, and even advocacy. Let’s break down why this happens, what it looks like, and how to fix it.     1. The SQE2 Does Not Reward “Legal-Sounding Waffle” In academic essays, you might get credit for sounding sophisticated or demonstrating broad legal knowledge. But the SQE2 is not an academic exam. It tests whether you can communicate as a solicitor — clearly, logically, and with purpose. Examiners are not impressed by: long intros complex phrases unnecessary case law generic paragraphs copying chunks of law without applying them If your answer looks like you wrote it for Oxford, not for a real client or supervisor, you will lose marks. The SQE2 rewards: ✔ clear structure ✔ simple language ✔ direct advice ✔ accurate law ✔ logical application ✔ relevant explanations Clarity > complexity. Every time.     2. You’re Stating the Law Without Explaining or Applying It The number one reason “smart” answers fail is simple: 👉 You state legal principles instead of explaining or applying them. For example: “There may be an easement by necessity.” This tells the examiner nothing. What is the test? Why is it relevant? How do the facts meet (or fail) the test? What does it mean for the client? A high-scoring version looks like: “An easement by necessity requires that the property cannot be accessed without crossing neighbouring land. Based on the client’s description that their land is completely landlocked, it is likely the test is met. This means they may acquire a right of way…” See the difference? One is “smart noise”. The other shows competence.     3. You’re Using Words Instead of Structure Candidates often write: long paragraphs no headings no signposting mixed issues conclusions hidden in the middle This makes your answer look messy, even if you understand the law. Examiners don’t have time to dig for your analysis. If they can’t find it — they don’t mark it. Use structure to save your mark: Example structure for writing: Introduction Issue 1 – Law → Application → Advice Issue 2 – Law → Application → Advice Conclusion A clear structure signal to the examiner: 👉 “I know what I’m doing.”     4. Your Answer Is Too Vague to Earn Marks Many candidates hide behind vague phrases such as: “There may be a claim.” “It depends on the circumstances.” “You might be entitled to compensation.” “Further information is needed.” These are true — but they’re useless unless you explain the why. The SQE2 wants clarity, not hedging. Instead of: “You may have a negligence claim.” Write: “You may have a negligence claim because the contractor owed a duty of care, breached it by failing to follow safety protocol, and caused identifiable loss.” Clear. Direct. Competent.     5. You’re Trying to Impress Instead of Communicate This is the hardest truth: 👉 The SQE2 isn’t about sounding like the smartest person in the room. 👉 It’s about sounding like someone who can help a client. Clients don’t care about complex law. Your supervising partner doesn’t want poetry. They want reliability, clarity, logic, and solutions. If you simplify your language, your marks will improve. Not because you are “dumbing it down” — but because you are showing professional communication.     6. So… How Do You Fix This Problem? ✔ Use simple language If a non-lawyer wouldn’t understand it, simplify it. ✔ Use structures for every assessment Don’t rely on inspiration — rely on frameworks. ✔ Apply the law every single time No marks for stating law without using it. ✔ Keep paragraphs short Readable = markable. ✔ Think like a solicitor, not an academic Your job is to explain, not impress. ✔ After every practice task ask: “Would the reader understand the law and my advice clearly?” If not — rewrite it.     Final Thoughts: Clear Beats Clever You don’t pass SQE2 by sounding intelligent. You pass by being understandable, precise, organised, and practical. If your answer sounds smart but says little, your examiner will immediately see it. But if your answer is clear and helpful, even a simple explanation scores highly. Clarity is competence. Clarity is confidence. Clarity is what passes SQE2.