The introduction of integrated question sets that will come with the rollout of the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam will require a new level of analytical skill and doctrinal knowledge. But how do you study for an exam that blends legal doctrine with practical skills in a way you’ve never been tested before? The answer lies in a proven, research-driven pedagogy designed for this new reality.
At BARBRI, we have engineered our NextGen UBE prep course to meet this challenge head-on with a fundamental course redesign built upon our trusted learning science. We’ve always understood that every student learns differently, so we meet you where you are with content tailored to support your learning style.
Let this be your guide to what integrated question sets are, how they function, and how the BARBRI pedagogy specifically equips you to excel on the NextGen bar exam. We are not just preparing you to pass; we are preparing you for excellence.
Understanding the NextGen Bar Exam’s Integrated Questions
Integrated question sets represent a departure from the siloed testing methods of the past. Instead of facing discrete multiple-choice questions on a single subject, you will encounter a mix of question formats centered around a common legal scenario.
Each set typically begins with a fact pattern, followed by a series of questions that may include multiple-choice, short-answer, and performance-based tasks. These questions will intentionally draw from multiple legal subjects, requiring you to synthesize information and apply various legal principles to a single problem. This format is designed to mirror the complex, multifaceted nature of real-world legal work.
For instance, a single fact pattern involving a business dispute could trigger questions related to Contracts, Civil Procedure, and Business Associations. This requires you not only to know the rules but to recognize which rules apply and how they interact.
How Doctrine + Skills are Blended
The thought behind integrated question sets is to seamlessly blend legal doctrine and lawyering skills. The NextGen exam assesses seven Foundational Skills:
- Legal research
- Legal writing and analysis
- Issue spotting and analysis
- Investigation and evaluation
- Client counseling and advising
- Negotiation and dispute resolution
- Client relationship and management
An integrated question set will test these skills alongside doctrinal knowledge. You might need to analyze a client’s email (a document), identify the key legal issues presented (issue spotting), and then draft a response advising the client on their options (client counseling). This requires a deeper level of understanding than rote memorization can provide.
Are you ready for this level of analysis?
The BARBRI Pedagogy: Built for Your NextGen UBE Success
Confidence on exam day comes from preparation that aligns directly with the test’s demands. BARBRI’s NextGen course is grounded in the decades-strong pedagogy of our enhanced Legacy bar exam course and specifically targets the challenges of NextGen integrated question sets. It goes beyond basic readiness by combining research-driven learning science, immersive educational technology, and scenario-based instruction to build the analytical muscle you need.
How BARBRI NextGen UBE prep promotes deeper understanding, stronger performance, and greater confidence:
- Deep-Dive Lectures + Practice: Faculty-led, bite-sized lectures dive into subjects in greater detail using scenario-based learning aligned with the NextGen scope.
- Skills Scenarios: Scenarios walk you through learning and application with unfolding questions that mirror the format of the NextGen exam.
- Foundations + Primer Videos: These short, animated videos help you grasp complex topics that often appear in integrated questions quickly and effectively. Narrative storytelling provides essential context and foundational understanding.
Explore the BARBRI NextGen UBE prep course today and discover how our proven pedagogy can make the difference on exam day.
Learn about NextGen study strategies that work.
Interested in reading more? Fill out the form to read the full article.