"Here" Isn’t Always Here: Using CIRAC Transitions
When it comes to bar exam essays, every word matters. A common problem I’ve been noticing recently is the overuse—or misuse—of the word “here” in CIRAC-formatted responses. Specifically, during my end-of-the-semester and start-of-bar-prep grading, I've seen too many responses using “here” to introduce sections of CIRAC other than the application section. While it might seem minor, this can confuse graders who are accustomed to seeing “here” signal the start of the application and analysis.
Bar exam graders often first skim essays for structure and clarity. They expect certain conventions. Using “here” elsewhere—like at the beginning of the rules section where I've seen the misuse of the word most—throws off the rhythm of the essay, making it harder for them to follow the examinee's logic.
Here are some suggested words and phrases for improving your transitions and maintaining clarity:
Issue:
✍🏼 “At issue is ...” (This is my favorite because it is direct, concise, and signals exactly what the grader needs to focus on. It sets the tone for the section by immediately highlighting the key issue, which aligns with how examiners are trained to process and grade essays.)
✍🏼 “The narrow issue is whether ...”
✍🏼 “This question revolves around...”
Rule:
✍🏼 “Under ...” (This is my favorite because it provides a structured and familiar entry point for introducing the rule. Phrases like "Under the U.C.C." or "Under common law burglary" immediately orient the grader to the legal framework being applied, ensuring clarity and precision.)
✍🏼 “The applicable rule is ...”
✍🏼 “The standard is ...”
Application:
✍🏼 “Here ...” (This is my favorite because why use three words when one word will do? It’s short, clear, and signals the start of your application effectively.)
✍🏼 “In this case ...”
✍🏼 “Applying the rule to these facts ...”
Conclusion:
✍🏼 “Therefore ...” (This is my favorite because it succinctly bridges the application to the outcome, providing a logical and conclusive tone that wraps up the discussion.)
✍🏼 “Thus ...”
✍🏼 “Accordingly ...”
As you practice essays, make a conscious effort to reserve “here” for the start of your application section. Use different transitions for the other parts of CIRAC to keep your responses clear, concise, and easy to grade. They create mental markers for the graders and reinforce the structure they’re trained to expect.
Remember: Small adjustments like these can make a big difference on exam day.
