Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 2

The George Washington University Law School

October 18, 2011

Midterm Examination In CONTRACTS I (Course No. 6202-21; 3 credits) Professor Gregory E. Maggs

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Content of the Examination . This examination consists of 6 short-answer problems of equal weight. Each problem is based on cases covered in Parts I-III of the course syllabus. 2. Time for Completing. Absent special arrangements, you have one hour to complete this examination. You may divide your time among the problems as you see fit. I suggest that you devote approximately 10 minutes to each problem. 3. Answer Length. The expected length of the answer to each problem is 1 or 2 paragraphs. Your answers for all the problems may not exceed a total of 1500 words. 4. Answer Format. You must write your answers using complete sentences and proper paragraphs. Do not compose lists, outlines, or bullet points. To make your answers easier to read, you must indent the first line of each paragraph and include a blank line between paragraphs. 5. Materials You May Use . This is an open-book examination. You may consult any written materials that you have brought with you. 6. Ambiguities. If you find the problems ambiguous in any sense, identify the ambiguity in your answer and make reasonable assumptions for resolving it. 7. Retention of Examination . You may retain this copy of the examination at the end of the examination period.

Page 1 of 3

Purpose of the Midterm Examination : On the final examination in December, you will be given a set of facts and you will be asked to "write an essay identifying and discussing any claims and defenses that the parties might assert, and any remedies that they might seek." The purpose of the midterm examination is to help you assess several specific skills you will need for writing successful essays on the final examination. These skills include properly identifying and discussing claims, defenses and remedies. They also include avoiding common problems such as overlooking claims and defenses, forgetting to apply the law to the facts, and misunderstanding the legal rules. Tips for Writing Good Answers When identifying and discussing claims, be very specific about who might assert them and what they might allege (e.g., "X might sue Y for breach of contract, claiming Y made a promise to do ... and broke it by doing ...."). When identifying and discussing defenses, describe in detail what the parties might argue based on the relevant facts and applicable law (e.g., "Y might defend on grounds that the promise is too indefinite to enforce. Y will assert that there is no basis for determining the existence of a breach because ... and no basis for giving an appropriate remedy because .... X might respond ...."). When addressing remedies, identify the type or measure of relief that the parties might seek (e.g., "X might seek damages, equal to ....") and any possible reasons for denying or limiting the relief. As the instructions say, you must write your answers in essay form, using complete sentences and proper paragraphs. Do not compose lists, outlines, or bullet points, or attempt to replicate the format of grading guides used to score previous final examinations. In addition, as on all examinations, you should plan before writing, budget your time, and consider all the facts. You should not waste time discussing subjects not at issue. Good luck!

Page 2 of 3

Вам также может понравиться