How to Prepare for LSAT Argumentative Writing

Quick answer: one or two timed practice essays is enough for most people. Read the official sample prompt, practice using the 15 minutes of prewriting, and write a clear essay in 35 minutes. Save most of your study time for the scored sections.

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A Simple Way to Prepare

Try the free official sample prompt in LawHub.
Read how the format works: a debatable issue and three or four perspectives.
Write one timed essay using a clear structure.
Read it back. Is your position clear? Did you deal with other views?
Do one more if the first felt rushed.

LawHub Advantage offers more sample prompts. See LSAC on Argumentative Writing.

How to Use Your Time

Stage	Time	What to do
Prewriting	Up to 15 minutes	Read the perspectives, choose a position and plan your main points
Writing	35 minutes	Write your introduction, reasons and response to other views
Last few minutes	Part of the 35	Fix errors and finish your ending

You may move on after five minutes of prewriting, but most people benefit from using more of it for planning.

What Makes a Good Sample

A clear position stated early.
Reasons drawn from the perspectives given.
A fair response to at least one opposing view.
Simple, correct sentences.

Common Mistakes

Sitting on the fence.
Writing a long introduction and running out of time.
Ignoring the perspectives you were given.
Waiting until the last minute.

FAQ

How long should my essay be?

There is no set length. Quality and clarity matter more.

Do I need to memorize examples?

No. Work from the perspectives in the prompt.

When should I do it?

It opens 8 days before your LSAT. Doing it early means it cannot hold up your score.

How to Prepare for LSAT Writing