The preparation strategy for open-book and closed-book exams differs significantly.
Closed-Book Exams
- Memorisation: Use flashcards and spaced repetition to commit key cases to memory.
- Mnemonics: Create memory aids for multi-part tests.
- Condensed notes: Reduce each topic to a one-page summary.
- Practice under exam conditions: Write answers without any notes.
Open-Book Exams
- Organised notes: Create a detailed, well-indexed set of notes with clear headings and tabs.
- Understanding over memorisation: Focus on understanding why the law is as it is.
- Application practice: Practise applying the law to novel scenarios.
- Time management: Do not spend too long looking things up.
The Trap
The biggest mistake in open-book exams is over-reliance on notes. Students who spend the exam flipping through pages invariably run out of time. Your notes should be a safety net, not a crutch.