Essay Writing Tip: Memorization

I'd say that memorizing is not only not required, but it might (counterintuitively) evidence to the grader less of an understanding. Saying that an offer, for example, is a manifestation of intent to enter into an agreement, sounds nice and technical, but it's not all that obvious that there's an understanding of the significance it plays in a contract.

A bar exam essay is simply a number of legal problems that need to be solved. Solving those problems requires understanding what both lawyers will claim or how both lawyers will twist the law for the benefit of their client. Basically, be a legal reporter explaining to the viewer (the grader) how both sides will use the law to form their own argument of the case. Then, at the end, explain who you think has the better chance to win.