Should I give a balanced answer to an exam question?

Questions may be given to you asking 'how far' you agree with something, and these types of question are good because it allows you to offer a broad range of points for and against a topic. For example, if you were given a question such as 'how far do you agree that Lear is a sympathetic character in King Lear', you would be able to structure your essay in such a way that you initially agree with the statement in the question, but then go on to offer reasons why you think Lear is not a sympathetic character. This not only means there are more points available to you, but shows you can present a balanced argument. Even if you don't want to say your opinion is that there are points on both sides, it's perfectly valid to say 'others may argue, however, that' and then go on to present the other side of the argument.