1L - Let's talk about the FYLSE a little.....
Recently I was attending a class on line, and a student (with an obviously superior intellect) posted the following statement. I swear I am not kidding here.
"I just don't understand all this fuss about the FYLSE. It's not that big a deal".
I almost fell out of my chair. Try telling that to the hundreds of students who have had to tackle this monster two, three, four, or more times in order to get past it.
If you were lucky enough to pass the first or second time, get off this site. You don't need it. But if you are part of the 82% (averaged) that had to repeat that wonderful experience, listen to this short podcast and I'll tell you what I had to do to get over the hurdle.
Of course, this is just my opinion.
By the way, this is what I looked like between re-takes three and four. No kidding, just ask my wife.
Oh well, its OVER!
"I just don't understand all this fuss about the FYLSE. It's not that big a deal".
I almost fell out of my chair. Try telling that to the hundreds of students who have had to tackle this monster two, three, four, or more times in order to get past it.
If you were lucky enough to pass the first or second time, get off this site. You don't need it. But if you are part of the 82% (averaged) that had to repeat that wonderful experience, listen to this short podcast and I'll tell you what I had to do to get over the hurdle.
Of course, this is just my opinion.
By the way, this is what I looked like between re-takes three and four. No kidding, just ask my wife.
Oh well, its OVER!
Played: 1725 | Download | Duration: 00:10:04
Testing
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Nelson,
Thanks for the valuable insights, and now back to the writing of more essays. And the continued finger exercises needed to type quickly during timed tests.
As you know from having spent such a considerable amount of time working on the FYLSX and assisting those of us who are in the process of passing the test...Practice, as you have mentioned is vital. For thus of us not in the legal profession, and who work full time in another profession that does not use legal analysis on a daily basis...the type of writing used to pass the FYLSX is different and requires a different mind set...One has to have the writing in an acceptable format on the first pass...It is not a draft...Drafts are not allowed... other than what is on your scratch paper. The essay is the final document and has to read in an acceptable manner on the first writing. Most of us in a business other than law, have been trained to write drafts and then rewrite to hone the discussion and come up with a final document. Which includes a conclusion in an executive summary type of format...This is a problem on the FYLSX and a stumbling block to those of us who write business memos and other business correspondence.
Why...?
The FYLSX does not give you the option to write in draft mode because of the time constraints.
What works...? I am still working to answer this question. Thus far I have this to add...
The ability to outline is vital, the outline should name the parties, identify their issues, create the laundry list, expand upon it and then state the rationale for how the facts within the given pattern lead towards the majority position or in some instance the minority position and then discuss the probable outcome based on these traditional positions. Thus we are not discussing a conclusion in the traditional sense, but a legal standing...The word conclusion in IRAC is misleading...
There are my two cents in the world of the FYLSX.
Best regards, Bill
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I was just thinking about That Auction and you've really helped out. Thanks!
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I would like to thank you for your great website. Your site was an important resource for me. I completed the baby bar exam this past Tuesday. I would like to discuss reflections on the October 2009 FYLSE with those who took the exam.
Because I am limited to 3000 characters, here are the first two questions as I remember them:
Essay One: The Political Rally
The facts were that, at political rally attended by 1,000 people, the organizer at the event (in support for a challenger to the mayor) made defamatory comments about the wife of the current mayor. Based on "largely false" information he heard from a notorious gossip, he told the crowd that the mayor's wife was a snob and a cutthroat who blocked her personal friend's membership to a private women's club. The mayor's wife had actually supported her friend's membership. The mayor's wife had appeared in public for the first time two days before the event. The call of the question asked (1.) about the claims of mayor's wife and (2.)the organizer's defenses.
Essay Two: The Laptop Theft
In trying to recover a gambling debt, a principal sent an email to his agent friend instructing her to recover the debtor's laptop from the debtor's house. The principal led the agent to believe that the laptop belonged to the principal. In the email, the principal told her where to find the key under the doormat to the debtor's house.
The email was intercepted by a third party, without knowledge of the others. When the agent arrived at the house, the door was open and the third party was ransacking the house. The agent entered through the open door and startled the third party. The third party slipped and fell, banged his head on a table, and ran away.
The agent searched the house, found the laptop, and decided she wanted the laptop for herself. She put the laptop in her purse. The agent called the police. When the police arrived, the agent said that the third party stole the laptop. When the police went to the third party's house, they found him dead.
The call of the question asked us to discuss the crimes and the defenses.
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I am a serious, dependable, and highly motivated person who is looking for an online study group for students taking or repeating the baby bar exam. Such a group must meet at least once a week, and consist of committed members.
Please email me at sdgaynor@yahoo.com.
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I would like to discuss the October 2009 FYLSE.
Here are Questions 3 and 4:
Essay Three: The Luxury Boat
A luxury boat company sent an unsolicited mailing to a prospective customer for an all-expenses paid trip to a hotel next to where a luxury boat was being offered for sale. The customer came and looked at the boat. The salesman claimed that the boat was "state of the art" and at the best available price. He gave her a form to which he had written the name of the boat in the blank. He wrote her name on the form as well. In red italics above the customer signature line, there was a statement such that "This offer is made with the understanding that it is accepted only after the Luxury Boat company approves the sale."
The customer took the unsigned form home. A week later, she searched the internet and found out that the boat was not the best price. She still decided to sign the form and she faxed it back to the company. Another week later, she did more research and found out that the boat was a discontinued model. She faxed a revocation. The same day she received in the mail the form she had signed. It was stamped "approved" by the company.
The call of the question asked what were the Company's claims against her and on what theories.
Question 4: The Loud and Violent Teen
A minor had gotten into trouble for disruptive behavior in school. A psychologist hired by the school assessed the minor and determined that he had a 90% chance of committing violence on someone in the future. The parents ignored the warning and sent the minor to stay with his uncle.
At the uncle's house, the minor loudly played his guitar. The noise disturbed a neighbor who was a therapist counseling patients in his home. The therapist complained to the uncle. The uncle told the minor to lower the volume. The uncle had to leave the house one day and told the minor to keep down the guitar's volume. When the uncle left the house one day, the minor cranked up the volume. The therapist came over and asked the minor to turn it down. The minor told him off.
As the therapist was leaving the minor threw a large heavy rock at him. The rock missed the therapist but hit a woman walking by. The woman sustained serious and permanent injuries.
The call of the question asked for: (1) The therapist's actions against minor, (2) The therapist's actions against the uncle, (3) The woman's actions against the minor, and (4) the woman's actions against the minor's parents.
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If you are looking for others with whom to study for the upcoming June 2010 Baby Bar Exam, you are definitely not alone. Please join our private study group on GoogleGroups: https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?passive=true&hl=en&service=groups2&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fgroups.google.com%2Fgroup%2Ffylse%2Fsubscribe%3Fnote%3D1&cd=US&ssip=g3
This group page has a discussion forum, calendar, and a file hosting area from which you can upload or download resources. This group page is also a jumping off point of sorts for live weekly audio and text chats. The members directory and discussion area will facilitate the task of organizing the weekly chats.
Most importantly, in this study group you will hopefully find individuals who will help you to push yourself, stay on track, and to acquire or hone the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the California Baby Bar Exam.
Thank you for reading this invitation, and also thank you in advance for joining the study group.
Sean
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Hi Sean,
Best of outcomes to you and th FYLSE study group. A great advantage that distance learning with today's technology is the ability to rapidly access and disseminate information.
The only caveat I would caution you and others in your group is to beware of those who want to hitch a free ride without contributing anything substantial. That hazard must always be dealt with in study groups.
I did not belong to a study group. That was not my intention (to go it alone). That was reality of choices I had to make.
Results for the October 2009 FYLSE California Baby Bar exam are being mailed to us in five days.
Pray for us!
Your study group will be successful if your group members have as much initiative as you do, Sean.
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Thank You,
Mr. Mystery Web Guy!
I have PASSED! I am officially a FIRST TIMER.
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You guys are going to hate me, but I passed on the first time too!! But only by the skin of my teeth! I managed to get a score in the mid 80's on the MBE's but only a 60ish on the essays. My practice essays were much higher as were my exams!! So these guys just want to fail you, no joke!
So all I can say is these bar graders tried to fail me. They did everything they could. So be prepared guys, because those essay graders are just brutal and not to mention cruel. Oh and practice those MBE's they may just save you, because the cruelty of the graders can't get you on the MBE's. (At least not as directly.
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You guys are ALL winners. The FYLSE is hard work. Let's keep it up, I would love to have people contribute to this site.
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I would love to help. I am just glad to be a 2L at last. Having to redo my 1L year because I transferred from an ABA school was bad enough. I was just glad I didn't have to go through your ordeal Nelson. Two years of Contracts was too much, that's for sure!
Oh and as I said, if you need any help just let me know.
Oh and on a related subject, I still think it would be a good idea to get the Cali Legislator to make ABA students take the Baby Bar too. If everyone had to take it, I am sure the ABA people would make the test passable and fair.
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Hi Sherminator,
I'm with you on this project. It is important to give back...especially since we both benefited from the great advice from Mr. Mystery Web Guy.
We can do this!
--Scriv
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This was a good one. How to write a "90" essay:
http://www.thelawprofessoronline.com/ModelStudent.html
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Hi Nelson,
So, are you Mr. Mystery Web Guy?
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'Tis the Season!
Here's a womderful Christmas song for the hard-studying June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar exam test-takers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPaGQEskSKM&feature=fvw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmo_Shropshire
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Again, in keeping with the Spirt of Christmas, here is Ms. Shirley Temple! (Well...not really...but the video is footage of her).
Merry Christmas June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar exam test-takers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feEz-1occWo&feature=related
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Here is an adorable little girl performing the Christmas song (supra):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcOXvT9aDI4&feature=related
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Best of outcomes to all studying for the June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar exam. It is do-able! You are certainly on the right webpage. Mr. Mystery Web Guy's advice certainly helped me!
Anyway, here's a Shirley Temple clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNwFXLcrsbc&feature=related
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June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar exam takers are getting prepared...and well you should! Remember to eat well, and sleep well, and exercise well...and relax. Watch some baseball:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw3aWUWXX6g
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I really don't like rap music.
But, here is LL Cool J for those who do:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVDfyc2lh4Q
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Hi June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar Test-Takers!
I just want to emphasize that you are in the right place. This site, with the sagacious wisdom of Mr. Mystery Web Guy (whom I don't know...but whom I owe LOTSA beers!)...I was able to clear the hurdle of the October 2009 FYLSE on my first attempt.
Sweet. I won't lie. It was/is simply sweet.
Anyway, if you wonder why I post music and videos...it is because your MENTAL ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING.
Trust me.
Here is a good movie to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI4_58YmzBA
Here is another good movie to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8DlBN_LLiA
Remember that everybody taking this exam is smart.
What is your competitive advantage?
That's right:
PMA
Positive Mental Attitude.
In case you don't know what that means...
...check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b1GKGWJbE8
--Scrivener5
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Oh--
--I almost forgot--
It's safe to dance!
Best of outcomes on the June Baby Bar Exam!
"Safety Dance," Men Without Hats:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcOZ6xFxJqg
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One thing about youtube is that the links constantly change:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjPau5QYtYs
Here is the (presently working) link to Men Without Hats, "Safety Dance"
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Hi 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar test-takers!
Tomorrow is Easter.
I'm more of an Easter person than a Christmas person. I guess that is because Easter is all about fresh beginnings, redemption, sacrifice, love, and...
...SALVATION!
Yep. I'm that Easter kind of person.
Anyway...
...here's a clip from a movie that shows what happens when your house gets haunted by a prankish ghost:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPuRCetlHvc
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For all the candidates taking the June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar Exam, just remember that YOU CAN DO IT!
As Glen Campbell, "Rhinestone Cowboy," would say, Nice Guys and Gals don't always "get washed away like the snow and the rain."
Keep hustlin' and studyin' and thinkin' positively!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p8wDhK5LyY
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This is THE motivational message I listened to REPEATEDLY throughout my 2009 FYLSE California Baby Bar preparation process.
I really can't say enough about this video...it WORKED for me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHNWtRPSq5Q
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For those taking the 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar Exam, here is another great PMA (Postive Mental Attitude] lecture by Zig Ziglar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRMogDrHnMQ
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your article is so informative and interesting. nice shared.
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Okay.
Hi 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar Test-Takers!
Here's a song that will always make me cry because it reminds me of both my Daddy and my Grand-Daddy.
Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" and Clarence Carter's "Patches" makes me cry, too.
But, my Grand-Daddy was a sharecropper from Georgia. Life was hard for him and his wife and his 15 kids.
Just because he didn't have book-learnin' didn't mean that he wasn't smart. He was VERY smart.
My life is a continuation of my Grand-Daddy's struggle.
Anyways, here's the GREAT Kenny Rogers, with "The Gambler"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn481KcjvMo
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The countdown continues for the June 2010 FYLSE California Baby Bar Exam test-takers. Here is a motivational song by the great Allman Brothers Band, "Midnight Rider"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7A2acBVENA
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http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=113885195315694&ref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=113885195315694&ref=ts
Hey Guys,
I just made a the first facebook Baby Bar group. Please join, I want us to be able to make this test a thing of the past, either that or make all the ABA kids take it to so its fair at least. Because right now its way too hard and unfair. I have actually passed the thing guys! Well join up guys!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=113885195315694&ref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=113885195315694&ref=ts
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