Navigating the LSAT Argumentative Writing Section: A Comprehensive Guide
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial step for aspiring law students. A key component of the LSAT is the Argumentative Writing section, which evaluates a candidate's ability to construct a clear and logically sound argument. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the LSAT Argumentative Writing section, addressing frequently asked questions and offering guidance on how to approach it effectively.
The Importance of LSAT Argumentative Writing
The LSAT Argumentative Writing section is a required part of the LSAT. Your LSAT score cannot be released if you have not completed an LSAT Argumentative Writing sample or an LSAT Writing sample from a previous test administration. Most law schools require a writing sample as an integral part of their admission decision. Therefore, you should complete a writing sample to meet schools’ application deadlines. Once completed, reviewed, and approved, your writing sample will be shared with the law schools to which you have applied.
What is LSAT Argumentative Writing?
LSAT Argumentative Writing aims to assess a test taker’s ability to construct a cogent argument based on a variety of evidentiary sources. Test takers are presented with a debatable issue, along with three or four perspectives that provide additional context for the issue. These perspectives, each of which is conveyed in a few sentences, are representative of a system of beliefs or values. Together, the perspectives illustrate competing ideologies and arguments around a particular issue. The test taker will then draft an argumentative essay in which they take a position on the issue, while addressing some of the arguments and ideas presented by the other perspectives. The argumentative writing task is designed to give test takers a clearer, more authentic writing purpose.
Key Changes to the Writing Section
The LSAT Argumentative Writing section has replaced the LSAT Writing section. This shift is not radical. The section is still required, taken online separately from the LSAT, with a remote proctor. The section is still unscored, although the sample you write will be provided to admissions offices as part of your file. You will still have a wide window of dates to complete the writing sample, and you may take it on a different day from the test itself. You must complete the section for your LSAT scores to be released, but you need to take it only once, even if you end up retaking the LSAT.
Previously, the LSAT writing prompt was based on a decision, like weighing competing considerations to argue for whether a town should improve its bus system or build new bike lanes. While this made writing straightforward, there wasn’t much room for originality. Now, the section provides a debatable issue, like whether transportation needs should be based on serving as many people as possible, along with a few written excerpts that provide different viewpoints on the topic. A series of questions will help guide test-takers through ways to analyze the issue. Then, test-takers will have to present their own argument about it. The new prompts are intended to permit a broader spectrum of original responses, instead of forcing test takers to choose between two sides of a dispute.
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Since the new prompts are more nuanced, test-takers will have 15 minutes to review the materials provided, take digital notes and prepare their argument. They will have 35 minutes to write the argument. Most test takers will have a total of 50 minutes - 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing. Test takers with approved accommodations for additional time will have their time allocations adjusted accordingly.
How to Prepare for the LSAT Argumentative Writing Section
Utilizing LawHub Resources
Through your free LSAC LawHub account, you have access to an official LSAT Argumentative Writing practice prompt that can help you prepare for test day. Upgrade to LawHub Advantage for access to even more sample prompts, which are representative of the kind of prompts used in the LSAT Argumentative Writing assessment. You can use these prompts to get familiar with both the content and the interface of the test. You can sign into LawHub with your LSAC username and password. A sample LSAT Argumentative Writing prompt is available in LawHub’s free Official LSAT Test Prep library .
Understanding the Prompt and Perspectives
Start by carefully reviewing both the prompt and the written perspectives provided. The argumentative writing task is designed to give test takers a clearer, more authentic writing purpose. When test takers have an opportunity to construct an original thesis and defend it based on their own judgment and analytical evaluation, rather than following pre-ordained lines of reasoning, we can better assess the broader and more complex range of decision-making skills that writers engage in.
With this design, we’re not only enabling individuals to have a more authentic voice in their argument, but we are also better positioned to evaluate the writer’s ability to employ various rhetorical techniques, evidentiary strategies, and other important aspects of argumentative writing. Given the reading load required by the writing task format, LSAT Argumentative Writing includes a short preparatory period that test takers can use to organize their thoughts using guided prewriting analysis questions and to take notes using the digital notetaking tool provided in the testing environment. These questions are designed to help test takers analyze the various perspectives and generate productive ideas for their essay.
Structuring Your Essay
Choose a position and express it as a clear thesis. Then, back it up with a few supporting points. Organize your essay to proceed logically. State the issue at hand, then articulate your thesis about it. Over the next few paragraphs, support your thesis with arguments that engage with the materials presented. Engage with counterarguments as you explain why they should not outweigh your thesis. Acknowledge the benefits or fair points of other positions to avoid appearing closed-minded. Finally, restate your thesis and perhaps add a qualification or a few questions for consideration. Save time to review your writing and to correct and elucidate any points that seem unclear or underdeveloped.
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Writing Style and Tone
To avoid raising eyebrows, treat the LSAT writing sample as a test of clear, logically organized writing. Like a good legal writer, write plainly with succinct and direct prose, rather than show off. Admissions officers may review it for a general sense of your ability to think and write under timed conditions. This could be particularly important if, for example, a reader suspects that you used writing tools based on artificial intelligence to help write your personal statement.
While a misfortunate typo in your application can have outsize impact, admissions officers are very forgiving about mistakes in the LSAT writing sample. They are more concerned with the coherence of your argument and the fluency of your prose than the precision of your proofreading. If your essay has a ponderous or slightly awkward style or the structure is a bit redundant, it will not raise a flag. On the other hand, even an elegant or sophisticated LSAT writing sample may not improve your odds of admission.
Technical Requirements and Test Day Procedures
Registration and Scheduling
One administration of LSAT Argumentative Writing is included in your LSAT registration. By registering for the LSAT, you will be automatically eligible to complete the writing section, which is open eight (8) days before you take the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT. You can access LSAT Argumentative Writing from your LSAC JD Account. The LSAT registration fee includes both the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT and LSAT Argumentative Writing.
Candidates are eligible to take LSAT Argumentative Writing starting eight (8) days prior to their LSAT administration. For your LSAT to be considered complete, you will need to take the LSAT Argumentative Writing section of the test if you do not already have a writing sample on file from a previous LSAT administration.
Location and Environment
You can take LSAT Argumentative Writing anywhere in the world with a strong and stable internet connection. You should complete the writing sample in a space that is quiet, private, and well-lit. Choose a quiet, well-lit, fully enclosed, and private work area, where you can complete the test without interruption. You may not take the test in a location with transparent/glass walls, in a cubicle, or in a hotel lobby. Please ensure that your workspace is clean and clear of any prohibited items.
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Your LSAT Argumentative Writing should be taken in a private, well-lit area with a secure and stable internet connection. You must have a chair and a desk or table. The area may have windows, as long as they are not floor-to-ceiling windows.
Permitted and Prohibited Items
You are allowed to use the following items while taking LSAT Argumentative Writing:
- Soft foam earplugs (non-electronic, non-corded/banded, and generic foam earplugs)
- Water in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed from the container.
- Medication/medical supplies (including eyeglasses)
- Diabetic testing or treatment supplies (Bluetooth-enabled medical devices must be pre-approved)
- Tissues
Each of these items must be shown to the camera during the security check-in procedure.
Devices that cannot be in the room during LSAT Argumentative Writing include timers of any kind, watches of any kind, electronic cigarettes, fitness-tracking devices, mobile phones, beepers, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, cameras, recording devices, listening devices (including, but not limited to headphones, ear buds, Air Pods, and other electronic listening devices and/or noise-canceling devices other than generic foam ear plugs), headsets, smart glasses, and iPods and other media players. Please note that tablets, laptops, and personal computers not being used to take LSAT Argumentative Writing are prohibited. Prohibited electronic devices may not be in the room during the test because they cannot be monitored via your webcam feed. Please be aware that your testing session will be flagged, and your writing sample canceled, if any prohibited electronics are noted during the room scan portion of your check-in. This includes any monitors or desktop computers that happen to be on the desk you may be resting your laptop on during the writing session.
Test takers may not use briefcases, handbags, or backpacks of any kind. Head coverings of any kind (e.g., hats, hoods, bonnets, durags, scarves, etc.) may not be worn, unless the head covering is a religious requirement. Sunglasses or other eyewear with tinted lenses may not be worn.
Computer and Browser Requirements
Yes. LSAT Argumentative Writing requires a desktop or laptop computer running Windows or Mac OS that has a webcam, a microphone, only one connected monitor, and an internet connection. LSAT Argumentative Writing is not compatible with mobile devices, Chrome OS, or Linux. Be sure that you have administrative rights to the computer on which you’ll take the test. (This is so you can download the required proctoring software.) Before you launch LSAT Argumentative Writing, be sure to shut down all non-essential applications. Test takers will launch LSAT Argumentative Writing using the link provided on the LSAT Argumentative Writing page in JD Services.
Yes. LSAT Argumentative Writing can only be launched from the latest version of Google Chrome. Please note that you will need to download a Guardian Extension.
Identification
Territories, or Canada. The ID must be current (or have expired within 3 months of your test date) and must contain:
- A recent and recognizable photo of you
- Your first name
- Your last name
- Your date of birth
The first and last name listed on your ID must exactly match the legal first and last name associated with your account. You can make changes to your legal name on the “Profile” page in your account. For more information, please visit Biographical Information Changes.
When you launch LSAT Argumentative Writing, you’ll need to take a photo of your valid, government-issued photo ID. Please ensure that the photo of your ID is clear and recognizable. Images of IDs that are blurry, out of focus, or unrecognizable will not be accepted, and your writing sample will be canceled.
LSAC will only accept physical identification.
Proctoring and Security Measures
Test takers will complete a video check-in process and be required to show their workspace using their webcam to ensure that only permitted items are in that space. The secure proctoring platform uses input from the webcam, microphone, and screen of the candidate’s own computer to ensure that the writing sample is the candidate’s own work, and that the candidate is not receiving any inappropriate assistance.
Prior to the exam, candidates will complete a video check-in process. Territories, or Canada, or a physical, valid international passport for the camera to capture. This image must not be blurry or out of focus. Test takers will also be required to show their workspace using their webcam, to ensure that only permissible items are in that space. The room will be scanned to make sure no other people or prohibited items are present.
Initial reviews of LSAT Argumentative Writing videos will be conducted by trained proctors in a secure, supervised environment. Input from the test taker’s webcam and microphone will be recorded, as well as everything happening on the test taker’s screen during the test. No videos or images from LSAT Argumentative Writing will be shared with any law schools.
LSAT Argumentative Writing sessions are recorded and reviewed by a proctor after submission. The proctor will audit the recording for any testing irregularities or violations that may have occurred during the session, such as an illegible ID or possession of a prohibited item. Generally, a live proctor will not be available to guide you through the onscreen instructions. We strongly encourage you to carefully read all of the onscreen prompts and to familiarize yourself with the FAQs on this page.
If someone else enters the room, you must ask them to leave immediately. You may continue testing once the person leaves the room. If a pet wanders into the room while you are testing, you may continue testing.
Adhering to the highest moral and ethical standards is essential for those in the legal profession. Every test taker is required to sign a Candidate Agreement each time they take the LSAT.
Accommodations
Through our deep commitment to disability rights, LSAC will continue to address the needs of all individuals with disabilities who require testing accommodations. We will make every effort to ensure all test takers are able to fully demonstrate their skills when they take the LSAT and LSAT Argumentative Writing.
Upon request, all LSAT Argumentative Writing test takers (with or without test accommodations) are permitted to use external computer programs to make web content accessible, such as screen magnification or keyboard-controlled screen reader software. To protect the security of test content, selectable text functionality (i.e., the ability to select text or place the cursor on the screen) is not available on any of LSAC’s products. Therefore, the computer-based LSAT Argumentative Writing is accessible with screen reader software programs that can be controlled and navigated using keystrokes and keyboard commands rather than text-to-speech software controlled and navigated using the mouse and cursor. If you plan to use assistive technology programs while taking LSAT Argumentative Writing, you must inform LSAC by completing the Assistive Technology Form during registration. Any request for testing accommodations must be submitted by the applicable registration deadline.
Test takers who require additional items in their workspace due to a disability may seek appropriate accommodations through the standard procedures for requesting testing accommodations. Test takers with approved accommodations for additional time will have their time allocations adjusted accordingly.
Interface Tools
LSAT Argumentative Writing’s interface offers:
- Built-in, user-adjustable tools such as a feature to increase text size incrementally and a line-spacing function.
- Highlighting and underlining tools, which can be used to mark key points in the prompt.
- Digital “Scratch Paper,” which enables test takers to type notes, instead of writing them on a physical piece of scratch paper. Physical scratch paper is not permitted for LSAT Argumentative Writing.
Additionally, misspellings in the LSAT Argumentative Writing essay are underlined in accordance with the web browser’s spell-check feature. There is no word or space limit for LSAT Argumentative Writing.
Technical Issues
If you accidentally close out of LSAT Argumentative Writing during testing, you should immediately attempt to relaunch the test. To do this, return to JD Services and select the “Launch LSAT Argumentative Writing” link. If you are unable to relaunch LSAT Argumentative Writing, you will need to contact LSAC to reset your eligibility. This will allow you to restart LSAT Argumentative Writing with a new writing prompt.
If there is a technical issue during LSAT Argumentative Writing, please try to relaunch your LSAT Argumentative Writing first by clicking the “Relaunch” link in your LSAC account. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact an LSAC customer representative via chat by using the icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen. Our chat feature is available during business hours.
Post-Test Procedures
Each test taker will have an opportunity to read their writing sample immediately after completing the test. It is strictly prohibited to take any pictures or screenshots of your completed writing sample, including the “Test Completion” screen.
Once completed, reviewed, and approved, your writing sample will be shared with the law schools to which you have applied. In many cases, LSAT Argumentative Writing samples will be processed within a week of completion.
Consequences of Security Violations
If your LSAT Argumentative Writing session is flagged for further review, it may delay the release of your LSAT score.
In most cases, a canceled writing sample is not reported to law schools. When your LSAT Argumentative Writing is canceled for certain rules violations (such as an unacceptable ID or an incomplete room scan), your eligibility will be reset, and you will have the opportunity to retake LSAT Argumentative Writing. However, if the cancellation is due to a violation of test security policies (e.g., use of a prohibited electronic device), you may be referred to the Misconduct and Irregularities Subcommittee for further investigation. If the subcommittee representative determines that a preponderance of the evidence shows misconduct or irregularity, then a report of the determination is sent to all law schools to which the individual has applied, subsequently applies, or has matriculated.
Score Release and Score Preview
November LSAT score release day is Wednesday, November 26. Please note that you must have an approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file, and there cannot be any holds on your account for your score to be released. LSAT Argumentative Writing opened on Monday, October 27 for the November LSAT.
You can check if you purchased Score Preview for your current test by logging in to JD Services and navigating to LSAT/The LSAT/LSAT Status: View All LSAT Information. Scroll down to see your LSAT Score Preview status in the “Status” column on the far right. Please note that the "Not Activated" notation does not mean that Score Preview has not been purchased.
Score Preview does not allow you to see you score before score release day. This service provides an option to review your score after it is released and gives you an opportunity to make a decision to keep it or cancel it within six calendar days.
If you have purchased Score Preview, it will be activated once your score is released, so you will have six (6) calendar days from the time your writing sample is approved to utilize Score Preview.
The Role of AI
You may not use any form of generative AI program to assist you while taking LSAT Argumentative Writing.
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