Guidelines for Use of Language in SQE2

The language requirements in SQE2 are designed to assess whether you can communicate in the way expected of a competent solicitor in practice. The assessment does not focus on academic or overly sophisticated writing. Instead, it evaluates whether you can produce communication that is clear, precise, concise and acceptable for the intended recipient, such as a client, colleague or the court. You are therefore expected to demonstrate practical professional communication skills that reflect real legal practice.

1. Clarity
Clear language means that the reader should be able to understand the message easily and without confusion. You are expected to use straightforward, accurate and succinct language while avoiding unnecessary technical legal terminology where it is not appropriate for the recipient. For example, when communicating with clients, you should explain legal issues in plain and accessible language rather than relying on complex legal jargon. This reflects the professional responsibility of solicitors to ensure that clients understand the advice being given.

2. Precision
Precision is especially important in legal communication because unclear wording may create uncertainty or misunderstandings. In SQE2, you are expected to draft documents carefully and accurately so that legal rights, obligations and advice are expressed with certainty. Accurate use of dates, names, values and legal terminology is essential because mistakes in these areas may affect the legal meaning of the document. The assessment therefore places significant importance on careful and exact communication.

3. Conciseness
Conciseness is another important feature of the SQE2 language requirements. You should communicate information efficiently and avoid unnecessary repetition or irrelevant detail. Solicitors are expected to provide advice and information in a direct and organised manner, particularly when working under time pressures. In SQE2 written assessments, you are rewarded for presenting information clearly and efficiently rather than producing lengthy or overly complicated responses.

4. Acceptability
The requirement for acceptable language refers to using an appropriate style and tone for the particular situation and recipient. You must demonstrate an understanding of professional communication by adapting your writing style according to the context. For instance, a client letter may require a more explanatory and reassuring tone, while communication with the court or a supervising solicitor may require a more formal and technical style. This demonstrates that SQE2 assesses the practical ability to communicate effectively in different professional situations.

5. Spelling
The assessment focuses primarily on effective communication rather than perfection in writing mechanics. Since there is no spell check function available in the SQE2 written assessments, you should not lose marks for spelling mistakes that do not affect the legal accuracy, clarity or certainty of the document. Minor spelling errors that would normally be corrected by spell check software are therefore unlikely to be penalised if the meaning remains clear.

6. Grammar
Grammatical mistakes do not automatically result in lost marks unless they interfere with understanding or affect the legal meaning of the text. For example, grammatical errors involving tense may create uncertainty about legal obligations or timing and could therefore affect clarity and accuracy. However, minor grammatical imperfections that do not make the text unclear or inaccessible to the intended reader should not significantly disadvantage candidates.

7. Formatting
You will not lose marks solely because of poor formatting. This recognises the limitations of the Pearson Vue assessment platform and the strict time pressures under which you complete the written assessments. The emphasis of SQE2 is therefore placed on substance, legal accuracy and effective communication rather than on presentation or advanced formatting skills.