See answer section

Common exam question: fully expand and simplify (x+3)(x-2)

Student asks: how should I best answer the question? How do I do it step by step?

My answer:
First expand each individual part of the brackets separately.
I.e. (x+3)(x-2) --> x²+3x-2x-6
Then simplify the answer by working out if any 'x' components with the same power can be cancelled down
I.e. x²+x-6
I'd explain to the student that all these steps are needed to get full marks, and that if you write the final answer straight away, you won't get the marks.

I hope this is ok, I wasn't sure what you were asking, whether it's a question a student would ask or a question a student would face??

I'm happy to provide more information if needed.