Overview of LSAT Sections
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) can be divided into two parts: a multiple-choice part and a writing part, known as the LSAT Argumentative Writing task. These two parts are not taken on the same day, and while the multiple-choice part of the exam can be taken in a testing center or fully online, the writing task can only be completed online.
As of August 2024, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) eliminated the Analytical Reasoning or "Logic Games" section from the LSAT. This means that the exam now consists of two types of multiple-choice questions: Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. There are four total multiple-choice sections that must be completed, but only three of them are scored. Test takers will complete two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored or experimental section that may feature Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension questions. Test takers are given 35 minutes to complete each section, and a 10-minute break is offered after completion of the second section. Including the break, the multiple-choice section takes 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes, to complete. Scores for this multiple-choice part of the LSAT range between 120-180.
The Argumentative Writing task can be completed from up to eight (8) days before the multiple-choice part of the LSAT to one year after the multiple-choice questions have been completed. This writing part of the LSAT is done online in a proctored setting, and test takers have 50 minutes to complete it. Those taking the LSAT for the first time are required to complete the Argumentative Writing task in order to have a writing sample on file. If a student has done it within the past five years of their most recent LSAT test date, they aren't required to complete it again. While the Argumentative Writing task is currently unscored, LSAC has suggested this may change in the future, given the rise of AI-assisted writing technologies and the need to understand an applicant's writing ability.
Take a look at the following pages as an introduction to each of the LSAT sections:
Logical Reasoning
The LSAT's Logical Reasoning section is covered in detail on this page. Included are a section outline that lists the total number of questions and timing, a description of the texts that form the basis of Logical Reasoning questions, and a discussion of the types of questions test takers can expect to see here. We also summarize important findings on correlations between Logical Reasoning scores and law school grades.
Reading Comprehension
An analysis of the LSAT's Reading Comprehension section can be found on this page. Among the topics discussed are the types of reading passages included, the types of questions test takers can expect, the validity of the section, and how section skills coincide with those required for other portions of the exam.
Unscored Variable Section
The LSAT variable section features experimental questions for potential use on future LSATs, and there are several important issues specific to the experimental portion of the test. See this page for a discussion of these issues, including variable section information that's disclosed and not disclosed to test takers, how experimental content contributes to test development and security, and how to approach this section on test day.
Argumentative Writing
Navigate to this page for complete coverage of the LSAT Argumentative Writing task, which is a required part of the LSAT for first-time test takers, or for those whose previous LSAT writing sample is more than five years old. Learn everything you need to know about the Argumentative Writing sample, including essay prompts, essay tasks, its use in law school admissions, score reporting, test security, and additional fees.