You may be representing the school in connection with the co-curricular program you are in and have an excused absence. Your paper may be one point off from the maximum possible, yet you'll find yourself victim of the modified bell curve grade point distribution and rigid formula approach and smack at the bottom of the class based on having missed the three days you had excused absences for. Understanding the gap between theory and practice will help you write your exams and explains why issue identification and laying out all the elements helps so much. It shows the risk in taking any other approach. Always use issue identification.
Battery has the following elements.
It was not negligence because Paul intended his actions. It was not assault because the victim did not have anticipation and because there was a harmful or offensive touching. Issue identification will help you deal with those realities better than any other approach. I think you'll make a fine attorney and that you will enjoy the practice of law. Good grades will help you enjoy the voyage getting there.