1. Review LSAT writing samples.
Under the old format, LSAT writing consisted of a single 35-minute section that presented test-takers with a straightforward dilemma: two competing options are described (such as whether to support or oppose a proposal), along with some advantages and disadvantages to each option. The test-taker had to choose a side and use the pros and cons provided to construct a convincing argument in favor of that side.
The new argumentative writing section, meanwhile, will be carved up into two separately timed phases: an initial 15-minute phase to read the prompt and draft an outline, and a 35-minute phase to turn your outline into a fully-fleshed essay. (In case you’re wondering, the 35-minute portion starts as soon as that first 15-minute timer is up—there’s no pause in between and you can’t break them up into different sessions. You must complete all 50 minutes in a single sitting.) So what, exactly, will you be writing? Gone are the “choose a side” writing prompts with their straightforward lists of pros and cons. Instead, you’ll be given a more open-ended question that allows you to take a wider range of positions. And instead of providing you with those clear pros and cons, argumentative writing provides you with series of perspectives from a wide range of sources. Some of the perspectives might conflict with each other; some might reinforce each other; and some might do neither. These perspectives are less about giving you dry facts to extract and insert into your essay, and more about giving you multiple alternative arguments and ideologies to engage with through the course of your essay. 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. Please call LSAC at and press 0 or send an email to for assistance. No. Test takers will be presented with a randomly selected prompt that they have not seen during a previous administration of the LSAT or LSAT Writing. On July 30, a redesigned approach to the LSAT Writing section of the LSAT will make its debut as we open the 2024-2025 testing cycle, which begins with the August administration of the LSAT. For your LSAT to be considered complete, you must have at least one writing sample on file — either from an earlier administration of the LSAT or from LSAT Writing.
3. Practice creating your own LSAT writing samples.
According to a recent survey, admissions officers evaluating applicants on the unscored Writing Sample section of the LSAT exam found unimpressive writing skills to be the biggest application killer.
How to Handle the LSAT Writing Sample
LSAT Argumentative Writing is designed to showcase an individual’s persuasive writing skills, and any program that adjust the essay wording or structure can modify the response into something that is no longer the test taker’s own work.
How Much Does the Writing Sample Matter?
To help test takers complete their writing sample, LSAT Writing opens eight (8) days prior to each test administration and can be completed at any time.
How the LSAT Writing Sample works
Since 1982, LSAT Writing prompts have been designed to assess logical reasoning in the context of argumentative writing. But legal education curricula, the legal profession, and the demands of legal practice continue to evolve. In our ongoing conversations with law schools and the legal profession, we hear consistently about the importance of strong analytical and argumentative writing skills and the need to better assess a student’s potential earlier in their academic journey.
LSAT Argumentative Writing | The Law School Admission Council
Based on input from our member schools and other stakeholders in the legal profession, the new LSAT Writing section of the LSAT will be an even more effective tool for assessing the writing skills of individuals prior to law school. These changes will help schools better understand the writing capabilities of applicants for the purposes of their admission decisions. It will also enable law schools to better provide writing support for their students who need to strengthen their writing skills so they are better prepared for bar passage, finding employment, and practice.
The LSAT Writing Essay: What It Is and How to Write It
It is strictly prohibited to take any pictures or screenshots of your completed writing sample, including the “Test Completion” screen. Violation of this policy may result in an LSAT Argumentative Writing cancellation and a referral to the Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process, as it is strictly prohibited, and you are still in the testing session.