How to Master the LSAT Writing Sample

The LSAT Writing Sample is the last section of the LSAT. Because it is a very short persuasive essay on a given scenario, and because it is unscored, many law school applicants consider it unimportant.

However, the LSAT writing sample is a useful tool for admissions committees to see how well you can draft an argument in 35 minutes. They may even compare it to your other writing samples. It's also useful in comparing applicants who have the same LSAT score and GPA--which happens often. So before you take the LSAT, follow these steps to prepare for the writing sample.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know the format of the writing prompt. Every LSAT writing sample is structured the same way and has the same directions. Learn these by heart!
   
   You will be presented with a scenario in which a person (or group or company) has 2 or 3 criteria she wants to meet. She has a choice between two options to meet these criteria. Each option has benefits and caveats. Your job is to pick one option, and justify why you think it is the best option to satisfy those criteria. That's it.

2. Read several LSAT writing sample prompts so that you get a feel for what to expect on test day. If you have sets of full lenght LSAT practice tests, you will find the writing section at the end. You can also find some sample essay topics online, and one on the LSAC website.

3. After you examine several writing sample prompts, develop a template for structuring your essay. Since each scenario is more or less the same, your template will work for any scenario you are presented with. Here's an example template for an essay in which you choose option 1:
   
   Intro
   P2--Why Op 1 fulfills the first criteria better than Op 2 does
   P3--Why Op 1 fulfills the second criteria better than Op 2 does
   (P4)--(same as P2 and P3 in case there are three criteria)
   Conclusion
   
   Or you can use the following as a template:
   
   Intro
   P2) Why the pros of Op 1 outweigh the cons, considering the criteria
   P3) Why the cons of Op 2 outweigh the pros, considering the criteria
   Conclusion

4. Practice writing a few essays under timed conditions. If you take a full length practice test, don't skip the writing sample.

5. On the day of the LSAT, you will probably be very exhausted by the time you write the last section. Just keep in mind that it is not the most important part of the LSAT, and do your best. If you have a ready-made template that you are comfortable with, you will have no problem producing an acceptable essay.

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on 5/1/2009 Good tips for mastering the LSAT.