does the lsat have an essay

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Lsat writing: does it matter to law schools.

LSAT Writing is a 35-minute ungraded essay with an assigned topic. That's right—the essay section has absolutely no effect on your overall LSAT score. But, copies of your writing sample will be sent to law schools, along with your LSAT score, as part of your official report, so youll want to do the best you can with the assignment you receive.

Overview of LSAT Writing

LSAT Writing is an on-demand writing assessment that is proctored and administered online. To ensure a secure testing environment, candidates are required to install proctoring software on their personal computers. This approach has several key features:

It reduces the overall duration of the LSAT test day.
It provides candidates with increased flexibility, allowing them to complete the writing portion at a location and time of their choosing.
LSAT Writing becomes available eight (8) days prior to each test administration.

Every LSAT Writing prompt instructs you to make a decision and develop an argument about it. You are asked to make a choice between two positions or courses of action. Both of the choices are defensible, and you are given criteria and facts on which to base your decision. There is no “right” or “wrong” position to take on the topic, so the quality of your response is a function of how well your choice is supported and other choice is criticized.

How will the essay affect my LSAT score ?

It doesn't. Yes, you read that right; you have to spend 35 minutes composing an essay that has no effect on your overall score. The essay itself isn't even scored separately. Only three sections of the LSAT contribute to your score: one segment for Reading Comprehension, another for Analytical Reasoning, and a third for Logical Reasoning. Note: beginning August 2024, the Analytical Reasoning (“Logic Games”) section of the test will be eliminated. The LSAT will then consist of two Logical Reasoning (“Arguments”) sections, one Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored section.

Is LSAT Writing used in law school admissions?

Not really. There's a chance that your LSAT essay just may go totally unread. LSAT writing samples are rarely used to evaluate law school candidates, so no matter how well or poorly you did, this exercise will most likely not affect your admissions chances. Note: It's important to be aware that in order to access your LSAT scores or have them sent to schools, you must have a completed writing sample on file.

Read More: When Should You Take the LSAT?

Do I need to prepare for LSAT Writing?

You won't want to totally blow it off since LSAT Writing is quite easy to master. There's always the chance that a law school admissions counselor will read it, so it doesn't hurt to put some effort into it. By the same token, by no means should you sacrifice study time from other LSAT sections to work on LSAT Writing. So unless you're scoring in the 99th percentile, 99% of your study time should be spent mastering the sections that contribute to your score. However you like to study, we have the right LSAT prep plan for you .

What are law schools looking for in the LSAT essay?

When you are writing an essay for any type of standardized test, don't ever get it confused with writing a paper for an English class: They are not even on the same playing field. And even though they may not admit it, standardized test makers want only one thing: gaudy excess. They appreciate quantity more than quality, so keep it long. They also seem to enjoy paragraphs, so any crazy thoughts of condensing language into more efficient prose should disappear. And finally, they have developed a Pavlovian response to big, pretentious words. So when they come across a world like "Pavlovian," expect sheer enthusiasm.

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LSAT Argumentative Writing: Example Topics and Sample Responses

The LSAT Argumentative Writing section is a crucial component of the LSAT exam, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to present a well-reasoned argument. This section requires test-takers to choose between two options presented in a scenario and argue convincingly for their chosen option while addressing the merits and drawbacks of the alternative. Effective argumentative writing is essential for success in law school and the legal profession, as it demonstrates the ability to think critically, organize evidence, and articulate a clear, logical position. The following examples illustrate how to approach the LSAT Argumentative Writing task and provide sample responses to typical prompts.

Example Prompt #1

Scenario: You are a member of a small town’s planning committee. The town has received a significant grant to improve its public infrastructure, but the committee is divided on how to best use the funds. There are two primary proposals under consideration:

Proposal A: Build a new public park with green spaces, walking trails, and playgrounds. This park would provide a place for recreation, promote community health, and enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal.
Proposal B: Upgrade the town’s public transportation system by adding new bus routes and improving existing infrastructure. This upgrade would reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution, and provide more efficient transportation options for residents.

Task: Write an essay in which you argue for one of the two proposals. Be sure to address the strengths of the chosen proposal and the weaknesses of the alternative proposal.

Sample Response #1

Introduction:.

In considering the best use of the town’s grant for public infrastructure, Proposal B, which focuses on upgrading the public transportation system, offers more substantial long-term benefits compared to Proposal A, which aims to build a new public park. Improving the transportation system will reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and provide more efficient transportation options for residents, thus addressing some of the town’s most pressing issues.

Body Paragraph 1:

One of the primary advantages of upgrading the public transportation system is the significant reduction in traffic congestion. Currently, many residents rely on personal vehicles due to the limited and inefficient public transportation options. By adding new bus routes and improving existing infrastructure, Proposal B will encourage more people to use public transportation, thereby decreasing the number of cars on the road. This reduction in traffic will not only make commuting faster and less stressful for residents but also improve road safety by decreasing the likelihood of traffic accidents.

Body Paragraph 2:

Another critical benefit of Proposal B is the potential for lowering pollution levels. The town has been facing increasing air quality issues, partly due to the high volume of vehicular traffic. Enhanced public transportation options will lead to fewer cars on the road, thereby reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This environmental improvement will contribute to better public health, reducing the incidence of respiratory problems among residents and creating a cleaner, healthier living environment.

Body Paragraph 3:

Moreover, Proposal B will provide more efficient and equitable transportation options for all residents. The new bus routes and improved infrastructure will make it easier for people to commute to work, school, and other essential destinations. This improvement is particularly important for residents who do not own personal vehicles, including the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged. By enhancing the public transportation system, the town will promote greater social equity and ensure that all residents have access to reliable transportation.

Counterargument Paragraph:

While Proposal A, which involves building a new public park, has its merits, such as promoting community health and providing a recreational space, it does not address the town’s urgent infrastructure needs. A new park would undoubtedly be a valuable community asset, offering a place for exercise and leisure. However, the benefits of a park are more localized and recreational compared to the widespread, practical advantages of a robust public transportation system. Furthermore, the town already has several parks, and while another park would be nice, it is not as critical as improving the transportation infrastructure, which affects the daily lives of all residents.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while both proposals offer valuable improvements to the town’s public infrastructure, Proposal B, which focuses on upgrading the public transportation system, provides more significant and far-reaching benefits. By reducing traffic congestion, lowering pollution levels, and offering efficient transportation options, this proposal addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our community. Therefore, the planning committee should prioritize upgrading the public transportation system to ensure a better quality of life for all residents.

Example Prompt #2

Scenario: A local university has received a substantial donation intended to enhance the academic experience for its students. The administration is considering two main proposals for utilizing the funds:

Proposal A: Invest in building a state-of-the-art research facility that will provide students and faculty with access to cutting-edge technology and resources. This facility will support advanced research projects, attract top-tier faculty, and boost the university’s reputation.
Proposal B: Increase funding for student scholarships and financial aid programs. This will make education more accessible to a larger number of students, reduce student debt, and enhance diversity within the student body.

Sample Response #2

In deciding how to best allocate the generous donation, Proposal B, which aims to increase funding for student scholarships and financial aid programs, offers the most significant and immediate benefits to the university community. Enhancing financial aid will make education more accessible, reduce student debt, and promote diversity, thereby enriching the academic environment for all students.

One of the primary advantages of increasing funding for scholarships and financial aid is the increased accessibility to higher education. Many talented students are unable to attend university due to the high cost of tuition. By providing more financial support, Proposal B will enable a larger number of students to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints. This accessibility will lead to a more inclusive and dynamic student body, enhancing the overall educational experience.

Reducing student debt is another critical benefit of Proposal B. Currently, many students graduate with substantial debt, which can be a significant financial burden and hinder their ability to pursue further education or career opportunities. By increasing scholarships and financial aid, the university can alleviate this burden, allowing students to focus on their studies and future careers without the stress of looming debt. This financial security will likely improve academic performance and post-graduate success.

Moreover, enhancing financial aid programs will promote diversity within the student body. A diverse student population enriches the learning environment by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity fosters a culture of inclusion and broadens the horizons of all students, preparing them for a globalized workforce. Proposal B ensures that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the university’s academic offerings.

While Proposal A, which involves building a state-of-the-art research facility, has its merits, such as supporting advanced research and attracting top-tier faculty, its benefits are more long-term and less inclusive. A new research facility would certainly boost the university’s reputation and provide valuable resources for faculty and graduate students. However, the immediate and widespread impact on the entire student body is limited compared to the direct financial support offered by Proposal B. Additionally, not all students would directly benefit from the research facility, whereas increased financial aid would positively affect a broader segment of the student population.

In conclusion, while both proposals offer valuable enhancements to the university, Proposal B, which focuses on increasing funding for scholarships and financial aid, provides more immediate and far-reaching benefits. By making education more accessible, reducing student debt, and promoting diversity, this proposal addresses critical issues facing the student body and enriches the academic environment for everyone. Therefore, the university administration should prioritize increasing financial aid to ensure a more inclusive and supportive educational experience for all students.

LSAT Writing Sample: A Step by Step Example

Law School Writing Sample - image by Magoosh

Does the 2020 LSAT writing sample matter for law school admissions? Absolutely! First, you must have a completed LSAT writing sample on record in order to see your score for the other LSAT sections and for schools to get your LSAT score. But more importantly, even though the LSAT writing sample isn’t scored, it will be included as part of your law school application and admissions committees have the option to evaluate it as part of their decisions. So, make sure to prepare for the writing sample.

In this LSAT writing sample example, we’ll go over what you need to know about LSAT writing, followed by a step-by-step guide with sample responses. By following these basic steps, you can write a clear and persuasive essay that showcases your argumentative writing.

Lsat writing sample basics.

LSAT Writing Sample: How to Approach It (With Official Writing Prompt)

LSAT Writing Sample Prompt (PrepTest 73)

You have 35 minutes to complete the LSAT writing sample portion of the test. Since the introduction of the Digital LSAT, you now take the LSAT writing section using secure proctoring software. You’re able to choose the day and time you take this part of the exam (so yes, that means you can complete the LSAT writing sample at home ).

The LSAT writing prompt is often called a “decision prompt” because it asks you to make a decision between two choices based on the information provided. These choices can be anything from what pet a person should get to what kind of community center a town should build. There will be pros and cons for each choice. These choices don’t require any special knowledge of the topic—just use the information provided. The test-writers also don’t necessarily prefer one choice over the other—the point is that you must make a decision with your limited time and defend your decision well.

Note: As of July 2020, anyone taking the remote LSAT must have a complete writing sample on file before they can get their scores. So, if you’re wondering whether your LSAT writing sample matters , know that your scores won’t be released until you complete it! So, we don’t recommend putting it off for too long after your LSAT test day. If you’re feeling dread at the thought of completing this step of your law school application process, don’t worry; our LSAT experts are here to show you exactly how to approach the online LSAT writing sample!

LSAT Writing Sample: How to Approach It

Example lsat writing sample prompt.

Click here to view the LSAT writing sample prompt (taken from The Official LSAT Sample PrepTest of June 2007).

The June 2007 LSAT writing sample describes a decision that “BLZ Stores” have to make. They’re aiming to expand their stores and must choose a plan that should ideally accomplish two things. First, they want to increase their profits. Second, they want to ensure long-term financial stability.

We must choose between the national plan (to expand across the country in a short time) and the regional plan (to increase the number and size of stores in the company’s home region and upgrade their facilities, product quality, and service). Next, we’ll break down the decision-prompt structure and walk you through the key steps to writing a great LSAT writing sample.

Step 1: Brainstorm and Make an Outline

The first step for the LSAT writing sample is to brainstorm. Take a moment to think about which option you can defend most easily. Once you’ve decided, quickly outline the points you’ll make to defend it. Admissions committees will be looking for a writing sample that is well organized, so make sure you set up a loose outline before you start writing.

Your outline should include four major topics:

Cons of the opposing choice

Put these items in an order that makes sense to you, and then get ready to write. In this example, let’s go ahead and choose the “regional plan” because:

It can be the first step towards national expansion in the future.

Step 2: Begin Writing & Briefly Summarize Your Choice

The second step is to begin your LSAT writing sample. Start your intro paragraph by briefly summarizing what you’ll be discussing. It can go like this:

BLZ Stores is facing an important decision for its business trajectory. In order to expand, the company must choose between a national plan and a regional plan. Ultimately, its aim is to maximize profits and ensure stability in the future. This is a challenging decision because one option, the national plan, offers the potential for dramatic profits. The other option, the regional plan, is significantly more conservative and may not produce as much profit.

Step 3: Make Your Choice and Give Support

Next, continue the essay by announcing the option you think is best and why. It’s very important that you give at least three solid reasons why you’ve made your choice. At this stage, you can mention how it fulfills at least one of the main considerations better than the other option. Even if it doesn’t fulfill both perfectly, it might do an okay job with one consideration and a great job with the second.

Lots of students try to make the LSAT writing sample easier by bringing in new information that is either made up or comes from their own stored knowledge. This actually makes for a weaker writing sample, so be sure to avoid it.

Law school admissions committees want to see how well you can argue using the facts provided . Think of the facts given in the prompt like evidence in a trial. While you can and should make reasonable arguments and inferences based on the evidence, you don’t get to make evidence up on your own.

Despite the difficulty of the choice, one option is better than the other. BLZ Stores should opt for the regional plan. Firstly, the regional plan takes advantage of BLZ Stores’ favorable position in its local area. It is already a well-known and well-liked brand, so if it is to expand it should begin in an area where it’s most likely to succeed.

Secondly, since BLZ Stores is facing competition from other stores that can offer lower prices, the company should spend more time on its branding and marketing. It is important that if a company can’t offer the lowest prices, it offers ample reasons for customers to spend more at their store. For example, BLZ Stores can make its name synonymous with quality, luxury, or top-class shopping experience. This strategy will help defend the company against its increasing competition.

Most importantly, the national plan will place too much of the company’s focus on expansion. There will not be enough resources to fine-tune this marketing strategy. Thus, in the long run, it puts the company more at risk for huge financial losses.

Additionally, although the regional plan has less potential for immediate large profits than the national plan, it at least offers the chance of a fair amount of profits. It is a good balance of risk and reward.

Step 4: Acknowledge the Other Option’s Pros and Cons

Be sure to acknowledge the arguments in favor of the other option while discussing why those arguments don’t support your option as strongly. If you can’t think of a rebuttal to a particular point, that’s okay. You can always acknowledge that point and say that it doesn’t outweigh the factors in favor of the option you chose.

Next, it’s important to note that while the national plan offers the potential of higher profits, it is also a very high risk for BLZ Stores. Other companies in presumably better positions have failed at dramatic, national expansions. Since this company aims to ensure long-term financial stability, it’s not in its best interest to take such a significant risk. Plus, the risk is amplified by the fact that they are not well-known outside of their hometown.

Step 5: Reiterate Why Your Choice Is the Best and Summarize Your Argument

Make sure you leave yourself enough time to close your writing sample with a concise conclusion. Writing samples that end mid-thought are weaker than those that end with a strong and concise statement of the position you argued in favor of.

If possible, also try to leave yourself one minute at the end of the LSAT writing sample to go through your essay and check for errors.

In the end, BLZ Stores should choose the regional plan because it takes advantage of its good position in its community, offers a fair amount of profits, and can allow the company to improve its branding and popularity for the future. Although the national plan might produce higher profits if it succeeds, it does not satisfy the company’s objective of having long-term financial stability. With a solid strategy in mind, BLZ Stores are bound to fare better under the regional plan.

How do I practice LSAT writing?

The best way to hone your LSAT writing skills is to write practice essays and compare it to our step-by-step guide. Did you clearly make a decision and back it up with evidence from the information provided? Did you lay out the pros and cons of your side and the opposition’s? Keep all this in mind as you write and review your practice essays.

To get you started, here is one more LSAT writing sample topics for you to practice with. Try to complete this practice essay within the 35-minute assignment time limit.

This prompt comes from the official LSAT PrepTest 73 and is provided with LSAC®️’s permission.

Directions: The scenario presented below describes two choices, either one of which can be supported on the basis of the information given. Your essay should consider both choices and argue for one over the other, based on the two specified criteria and the facts provided. There is no “right” or “wrong” choice: a reasonable argument can be made for either.

A medium-sized company is located in a technology park in a sparsely populated area outside a major city. It has had difficulty retaining employees because of the long and expensive commute between the city and work that nearly all of its employees face. Consequently, the company will implement a commuting assistance plan. It must decide between operating a free bus for employees and subsidizing employees’ costs of using public transportation. Using the facts below, write an essay in which you argue for one plan over the other based on the following two criteria:

The company wants reliability and flexibility in its employees’ work schedules.

Under the first plan, the company would lease a bus and hire a driver. The bus would make several daily circuits between the company’s location and a single downtown stop, accessible by public transportation and close to a large, inexpensive parking garage. The only riders on the bus would be the company’s employees. The bus has reclining seats and free Wi-Fi. The average total commute time for an employee would be 75 minutes each way. A breakdown of the bus would be disruptive to the company’s operations.

Under the second plan, the company would partially reimburse employees’ cost of using public transportation to commute to work. The average savings for an employee would be about 80 percent. Most of the employees live within walking distance to a bus stop. Most employees would have to make one or two transfers. Buses are scheduled to arrive every half hour at a bus shelter in the technology park. Buses are sometimes late. None of them have Wi-Fi. The average total commute time for an employee would be 60 minutes each way.

How do you think you did? Let us know in the comments below. For more advice on how to tackle this important LSAT section, check out these five tips for the LSAT writing sample .

Need more help?

With Magoosh LSAT , you can choose between a live cohorted class with an instructor (which includes all our lessons and practice questions) or access to the self-study option by itself.

Kevin Lin earned a B.A. from UC Berkeley and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. After working as a lawyer for several years, both at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and at a large New York law firm, he succumbed to his love of the LSAT and teaching and has been a full-time LSAT instructor since 2015. Beginning first at a major test prep company and rising to become one of its most experienced and highly rated instructors, he began tutoring independently in 2019. Kevin has worked with LSAT students at all stages of their preparation, from complete beginners to LSAT veterans shooting for the 99th percentile. Connect and learn more about Kevin on YouTube , LinkedIn , and his website .

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8 responses to “LSAT Writing Sample: A Step by Step Example”

GREAT article. This was so helpful and organized in explaining every point. I feel much more confident in taking the writing portion after reading this.

We’re glad to hear that it was helpful for you! Good luck 🙂

I feel a bit torn on how to approach the LSAT writing section.

Here the example is very lengthy, following almost a standard 5 paragraph structure. The example given on some other sites including Khan Academy which the LSAC supposedly helped develop focus on conciseness, usually following a two paragraph structure, and avoiding retreading information like one would normally in a format with an intro and conclusion. There are also alternative formats on other sites.

It seems like there’s no real consensus on how to approach the section. Should I just do what feels right or will certain formats put me at a disadvantage and you strongly recommend the one listed here? Are any top law schools known to have a particular approach they like to see?

I’m probably overthinking all this, but the more I research it the more I’m unsure how to approach it.

With the writing sample, law schools want to see how well you can argue and defend a position with the facts provided and limited time. So don’t worry about the length or number of paragraphs too much. Just make sure you pick a side, express your points clearly, and leave yourself enough time to complete the full writing process (doing timed practice sessions will help with this). Hope that helps!

Thank you so much! It was super helpful to get tips on how to tackle the writing section along with an example of a good essay.

You’re so welcome Signe! We’re so glad this was helpful! 😀

Best of luck to you!

Hi, the link to the writing sample prompt (the one that provides the examples throughout this article) does not work. It prompts me with the LSAC log-in page that’s for law school admission staff only, even though I am already logged into LSAC with my JD account.

Thanks for letting us know about that! We’ll fix that up as soon as we can. In the meantime, I can copy the prompt for you here:

“BLZ Stores, an established men’s clothing retailer with a chain of stores in a major metropolitan area, is selecting a plan for expansion. Using the facts below, write an essay in which you argue for one of the following plans over the other based on the following two criteria:

The company wants to increase its profits. The company wants to ensure its long-term financial stability. The “national plan” is to open a large number of men’s clothing stores throughout the country over a short period of time. In doing this, the company would incur considerable debt. It would also have to greatly increase staff and develop national marketing and distribution capabilities. Many regional companies that adopted this strategy increased their profits dramatically. A greater number tried and failed, suffering severe financial consequences. BLZ is not well known outside its home area. Research indicates that the BLZ name is viewed positively by those who know it. National clothing chains can offer lower prices because of their greater buying power. BLZ currently faces increasingly heavy competition in its home region from such chains.

The “regional plan” is to increase the number and size of stores in the company’s home region and upgrade their facilities, product quality, and service. This could be achieved for the most part with existing cash reserves. These upgrades would generally increase the prices that BLZ charges. In one trial store in which such changes were implemented, sales and profits have increased. The local population is growing. BLZ enjoys strong customer loyalty. Regional expansion could be accomplished primarily using BLZ’s experienced and loyal staff and would allow continued reliance on known and trusted suppliers, contractors, and other business connections.”

Hope this helps, and Happy Studying! 😀