How do I use case studies in my essay questions?

The key to using case studies effectively in your essay responses is to focus on RELEVANCE. You will have learnt about a lot of different case studies during your course, and it can often be overwhelming and confusing when it comes to employing them in your answer in the exam. The first thing you should ask yourself before using a case study is: is this relevant to my argument? If the answer is no, then it is best not to include the case study at all. Examiners will not give you marks simply for including a case study in your answer, you will only be rewarded marks if your case study enhances and supports the argument you are trying to make. Note that, whilst it can sometimes be useful to try and memorise a couple of case studies for your exam, there is no point in regurgitating these in your answer just for the sake of including them - it will tell the examiner that you are not focused on the question in hand! If you do decide to use a relevant case study in your answer, be sure to give the key details without over-elaborating, this will only waste valuable writing time! Also, it is important that you make a clear link between the case study and the point you are trying to argue, so don't just include it and then move on to talk about something else entirely. An effectively incorporated case study will include clear and concise information which supports the argument you are trying to make. An ineffective incorporation of a case study will merely take up space in your response, without gaining you marks or adding anything relevant to your answer.