With the FD4 examination approaching, it can be tempting to spend every remaining hour reading notes. Reading has its place, but preparation also needs to test whether you can apply what you know and communicate it clearly under time pressure.
Here are some ways to make your remaining revision more focused.
Use timed practice to identify weaknesses
Attempt a past paper, or a substantial section of one, under timed conditions. Commit to writing an answer before consulting the mark scheme.
The exercise should help you identify specific problems. Are you spending too long on claim construction? Missing features when assessing infringement? Stating legal principles without applying them to the facts? Leaving too little time for advice?
Choose a small number of weaknesses to address in your next practice session.
Review the reasoning in your answer
When reviewing your work, look beyond whether your conclusion matches the mark scheme.
Check whether you identified the relevant issue, explained the applicable principle and applied it to the information in the question. Where the outcome depends on an uncertain fact or interpretation, explain that uncertainty and its consequences.
A correct conclusion is more useful when the reader can follow how you reached it.
Practise the parts you find difficult
Full papers are useful for testing timing and stamina. Shorter exercises can help you work on a particular skill.
For example, you might practise construing a disputed claim feature, comparing a claim with an alleged infringement, or assessing an inventive-step attack. Give each exercise a time limit and review it immediately afterwards.
Then return to a longer answer to check whether the improvement carries through.
Keep the client’s position in view
An FD4 answer needs to turn analysis into useful advice. As you practise, ask yourself what your conclusions mean for the client.
Which arguments appear strongest? What further information would help? What uncertainty remains? Does your advice follow from the analysis you have actually written?
Allow time to bring these points together rather than leaving your conclusions to a hurried final paragraph.
Make your remaining revision manageable
Use your practice answers to decide what to revise next. A short list of recurring mistakes or gaps can give your final revision sessions a clear purpose.
Keep some time for checking your examination arrangements and revisiting the official candidate instructions. In the final days, aim to consolidate your preparation and arrive ready to use it.
We wish everyone sitting FD4 well.