Fact notes are exactly what they sound like notes of the facts of the case. It would be best if you recorded the facts of the case verbatim, including who, what, when, where, why, and how. These notes will help you when it comes time to write brief answers for the Judiciary Mains exam.
Argument notes are a little more complex They record the arguments for and against each party in the case. It is where you'll want to list your legal authorities (judges, law journals, etc.) and your reasoning behind each argument.
Issue notes are a synthesis of the facts, opinions, and quotations from your argument and fact notes. In other words, they're a summary of each point in the case. You'll use this in judgment writing questions for the Judiciary Mains exam.
Start by making a detailed list of all the topics and headings that could come up in the exam. This approach will give you a good starting point for creating your notes.
Start by focusing on one topic at a time. Break the topic down into key points, and be sure to include examples to illustrate your points. Keep your notes short and easy to read. Use bullet points or short sentences to clarify your points.
Practice writing sample answers under realistic exam conditions. This will make you comfortable with the format of the Judiciary Exam and will also help you identify important areas where you need to improve your notes.
Take notes during class. You're capturing all the important information. Make sure your notes are neat and easy to read. You don't want to waste time trying to figure out your chicken scratch later.
Highlight or underline key points. This will make it easier for you to review the information later. Practice writing questions based on the material. This will help you improve your understanding of the subject and help you prepare for the exam.