LSAT Writing Section Decision Prompt
LSAT Writing Sample Overview
The LSAT Writing sample underwent a major change in July 2024, when the traditional Writing prompt was replaced by the Argumentative Writing task. According to LSAC, this new approach to the writing assessment better assesses a test taker's ability to construct a concise argument based on multiple evidentiary sources. Test takers are given a debatable topic, as well as three to four different perspectives that provide additional insight and context. Each perspective is presented in a few sentences, and is intended to portray a system of values or beliefs. These perspectives offer competing ideologies and arguments about the issues, and test takers are expected to effectively address at least some of the provided information and ideas when choosing their own position on the issue.
Test takers have a total of 50 minutes to complete the Argumentative Writing task. Given that this section contains more perspectives than before and therefore requires more reading, the first 15 minutes are intended to be used as a preparatory period. During this time, test takers can organize their thoughts using guided prewriting analysis questions, and take notes using the provided digital notepad. The analysis questions are meant to help analyze the different perspectives and generate useful ideas for the essay. Once the preparatory 15 minutes is over, test takers have 35 minutes to write their essay.
You have access through your LSAT LawHub account to an official Argumentative Writing practice prompt that can assist you in preparing for completing the real Writing task. This prompt is very useful in helping you become familiar with both the content of the Writing task and the computer interface.
How is the Argumentative Writing Task Different?
Versions of the LSAT Writing task before July 2024 gave test takers 35 minutes to address a straightforward dilemma: two competing options were presented, such as whether to support or oppose a proposal, and several advantages and disadvantages were presented for each option. Test takers were asked to choose a side and use the provided pros and cons to craft a convincing argument in favor of it.
The new Argumentative Writing task no longer asks test takers to choose a side between two options with clearly outlined advantages and disadvantages. Instead of being provided with distinct pros and cons, you are now given several different perspectives from a wide and varied range of sources. Some perspectives are intentionally designed to conflict with one another, while others may support or reinforce each other, and still others may serve neither purpose and simply provide additional context.
The core objective of the Writing task remains the same: choose a position and craft an argument for it. What has changed is the task has become more open-ended, better allowing students to express themselves and their ideas by using a more complex range of decision-making skills.
Has the Writing Task Become More Important to the Law School Admission Process?
The LSAT Writing task has never been unimportant. While the task is unscored and doesn't contribute to the total LSAT score between 120-180, it has been used by admissions officers in countless ways over the years, ranging from providing a holistic view of a candidate to helping law programs decide between two similar candidates.
Even though the Writing task has always mattered, it's fair to say the Argumentative Writing task has become more important in applying to law schools. With the rise of AI-assisted writing programs and the use of these programs among law school applicants to craft personal statements and complete applications, assessing a candidate's writing abilities has become more challenging than ever. In recent years, law programs have put increased pressure on LSAC to revise the writing task and make it more rigorous, which is what led to the 2024 update.