Identify the issue. In a single sentence, identify the primary issue or question that the essay is addressing. Make sure you do not include peripheral or unnecessary issues, because this creates unnecessary work for you and causes your essay to become unfocused. Phrase the issue as a yes or no question.
State the rule(s). State the rule or governing law that addresses the issue you identified in step one. The rule may be a statute, ordinance, common law precedent, or earlier case decision. Make sure that the rule fits the issue - this may be a very fact-specific matter. Multiple rules may apply, so ensure that you consider any and all rules that address the question asked in step one.
Conduct an analysis of the matter. Once you have identified the primary issue and the relevant rule(s), you must analyze the rule(s) in light of the facts. This is the heart of the essay and should be your largest section. It is critical that you explain how the rules supplied in step two apply to the facts of the matter. Rules are not relevant if they cannot be connected to the facts of the case, so show your reader that you not only know the rules but can apply them to a situation. Failure to thoroughly discuss the facts of the matter may result in lost points. Remember, your step one "issue" was a yes or no question, so analyze the matter and argue a side.
State a conclusion. Expressly answer the question asked in step one, and then briefly re-state the rule and analysis that leads you to this conclusion. Do not introduce any new rules or analysis in this section. The conclusion should be succinct and to the point.