IRAC Self Assessment Handout

IRAC Self-Assessment Tool_______________
Self-assessment is one of the best forms of learning. It allows you to objectively reflect on and
critically evaluate your own progress and skill development, identify gaps in your understanding
and capabilities, discern how to improve your performance, learn independently, and think
critically.
1. Get a copy of the practice test question, the sample analysis (if there is one), notes from
your professor(s) on using the IRAC structure for legal analysis, and your answer to the
practice test question.
2. Do the following on your practice test:

a. Circle headings and sub-headings (if they are not included, write where they
should have been included).
b. Identify each part of IRAC in the margins for each IRAC you wrote, in the order
you wrote them, even if you find they are out of order (Issue, Rule, Analysis,
Conclusion or “I” “R” “A” “C”) – do this as well for nested IRACs.
c. Highlight all the facts you used from the fact pattern in one color.
d. Highlight the law you used in another color (this includes key legal terms in the A
of the IRACs).
e. Find and circle (in the A of the IRAC) the word “because” or a “because”
equivalent.
f. After each sentence in the A of the IRAC, write the word “WHY” and make a note
evaluating whether the “why” is answered or if it needed to be answered in more
depth and how you could have addressed the “why” better.
g. Put a star in the margin next to each counterargument.
3. Review and compare the sample analysis and do the following:

a. Read and evaluate the analysis provided – look at the use of facts, the
connection of those facts to the law, counterarguments, and the depth of the
analysis – and compare with your answer.
i. For example, did you analyze the rules in the same manner, did you
discuss how the rule applies to the fact or does not apply to the facts in
the same manner, did you consider counterarguments? What differences
do you notice between your analysis and the analysis in the Sample
Analysis? What can you do differently on your next exam to improve your
analysis?
b. Make notes in the margins on the similarities with your answer.
c. Make notes in the margins on the differences with your answer.
4. Write a reflection:
a. Using your evaluation of the information above and the list on the next page:
i. Write a paragraph discussing the things you think you did well on the
assessment and WHY you did them well.
Modified based on self-assessment form developed by Stephanie Thompson, Professor of Lawyering Skills, McGeorge School of
Law. Presented at Association for Academic Support Educators Conference, May 2018.
ii. Write a paragraph discussing the things you think you did not do well on
the assessment and WHY you did not do them well.
iii. Write a paragraph (or make a list) of the things you want to improve
on/focus on before your next written exam.
Below is a list related to writing a well-organized, thoughtful response to a question using the
IRAC structure. Use this list (as well as other things you think of) to help you write your
reflection on what you did well and what you need to work on.
Correctly reading the call of the question Critical reading of the facts
Clear IRAC organization Use of headings and sub-headings
Reasonable-sized paragraphs Reasonable-sized sentences
Discussing facts one at a time or grouped, Does not fact stack
when applicable (not just a list of facts) (fact sentence + conclusion)
Use of ‘because’ or ‘because equivalent’ Includes counterarguments (shows both

sides)
Uses “this shows (legal term(s)) Concludes each issue and sub-issue
because_____” to clearly connect the factual
discussion to the rule
Demonstrates critical thinking of the facts Does not just stop at the obvious
Uses facts more than once, if applicable Considers relevant inferences
Demonstrates an understanding of the law, Explains everything you are thinking
both substantively and structurally
Modified based on self-assessment form developed by Stephanie Thompson, Professor of Lawyering Skills, McGeorge School of
Law. Presented at Association for Academic Support Educators Conference, May 2018.

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IRAC Self-Assessment Tool_______________

2. Do the following on your practice test:

3. Review and compare the sample analysis and do the following:

Use of ‘because’ or ‘because equivalent’ Includes counterarguments (shows both

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