SQE Journey

Common SQE 1 MCQ Traps

ByPradip Khakhar

As you tackle SQE 1 practice questions, here are a few common SQE 1 MCQ traps are designed to throw you off.

Common SQE 1 MCQ Traps

Misreading the question or missing a key fact

  • Read the question and fact pattern carefully. Take note of missing critical details, such as dates, amounts, or legal relationships that are essential for the correct answer.
  • Words such as “not,” “except,” or “best” change a question’s meaning and are easy to overlook under pressure.

reading too much into irrelevant facts

  • The fact pattern can include irrelevant details to distract you. Don’t fall into this trap. Focus on topics related to the issue being tested.
  • Stick to core facts. Avoid facts that do not align with the legal principle or the specifics of the question asked.

Qualifiers and absolutes

  • A legal professor once told me “for every rule, there is an exception”. Therefore, options with absolutes like “always,” “never,” or “must” are rarely correct because legal scenarios often have exceptions.
  • Read words such as “most appropriate,” “best,” or “next,” carefully as these signal that more than one option may be plausible, but only one is the single best answer that fits the precise context or required action.

Incorrect answer choices that sound familiar

  • Don’t simply remember the buzz words. Always match the option fully to both the facts and the law.
  • Questions may reference case names or terms that are familiar but present the principle inaccurately. Therefore, do not rely solely on recognition, rather read the second part.

Spending too much time on one question

Suggestions to Avoid Common SQE 1 MCQ traps

  • Predict your answer before reading the options, allowing you to spot distractors.
  • Read the scenario and question carefully, identifying key facts and the precise legal principle at issue.
  • In practice, review why you got the answer right or why you got the answer incorrect.
  • Practice in closed book, timed conditions

Recent SQE 2 Results

Congrats to all, if you recently passed SQE 2. You did it. The SRA announced April 2025 SQE2 results are published.

Notably:

  1. Pass Rate (first attempt) is 84%
  2. Pass Rate (all graded) is 82%
  3. Read the full report published by the SRA here.

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