Youll have 35 minutes to complete it, just like other sections. Many conspiracy theories abound as to why there is a writing sample: It helps ensure you havent traded places at the break with a better exam taker; it helps law schools figure out whether you actually wrote your personal statement; with a handwriting sample they can assume you identity and drain your bank account. It is (maddeningly) the only section for which youll Make each of these paragraphs four or five sentences long. { Everyone wants to know how to beat the dreaded LSAT clock. In this section you will find samples of essays belonging to various essay types and styles of formatting. You dont want to waste precious time. Lisa Zimmer Hatch, MA, and Scott A. Hatch, JD, have been preparing individuals to excel on standardized tests, gain admission to college, and secure careers since 1987. Heres a writing sample topic of the type that appears on the LSAT: Marilyn, a widow, wants to buy a pet and is trying to decide between two available dogs. Use the fourth paragraph to discuss disadvantages of the side youve chosen. If you follow the same basic five-paragraph structure, youll get a serviceable essay every time. Directions: The scenario presented below describes two choices, either one of which can be supported on the basis of the information given. The writing sample is photocopied and sent to law schools to which you direct your LSAT score. Another way to organize the essay is to write it in four paragraphs. You can probably think of other more exciting ways to approach the writing sample, and if youre experienced at doing that sort of thing, go right ahead. If you dont, quickly pick a side. How to take a practice LSAT. When I took the LSAT back in 10,000 BC, there was no writing sample. A person or organization must decide between two mutually exclusive options. Okay, the last one was a joke, but the writing sample is there for a very straightforward reason. You must pick one option over the other, arguing for the merits of that option and arguing against the other option. Trust us, your LSAT score will thank you. So whip out those books and get the concepts down before you even think about timing. "interactionCount": "4233" Paragraph 1 is the introduction and Paragraph 4 is the conclusion. It is (maddeningly) the only section for which youll have scratch paper. Otherwise, follow this outline. All Rights Reserved. Choosing a side is simply a matter of setting priorities. Its small stature makes it somewhat ineffective as a guard dog, though it will growl aggressively when angered. Other outstanding responses to the Write an argument for Marilyns choosing one dog over the other, keeping in mind the following goals: Marilyn wants a dog thats affectionate and inexpensive to feed. The writing sample requires you to write an argumentative essay, much like your law school finals. Amy Hackney Blackwell, JD, PhD is a writer and former attorney. Paragraph 2: Pekes are excellent companions, and widows living alone need companions. So, the bottom line is that you should give your best effort (which, everyone understands, is not going to be perfect after 175 minutes of hardcore logic), but you shouldnt worry much about it or spend a whole lot of time preparing for it. The LSAT Writing Sample (Essay Section) The last of the six test sections you'll encounter on the LSAT is a 35-minute writing sample exercise designed to gauge the following: Your ability to formulate a reasoned, persuasive argument; Your ability to compose an organized, coherent essay; Your facility with the English language and the conventions of standard written English ; Here you'll find a response to the LSAT-style Writing Sample topic involving the Dawsons. Here are the basics: Now, what are you arguing about in this essay? For example, in the dog case, if you decide that companionship is what Marilyn needs, choose the Pekingese. Paragraph 3: Pekes are inexpensive to feed, and a widow on a fixed income should make this a priority. One or two sentences are enough. "duration": "PT1M50S", The last sentence of the first paragraph should include the word because. This is your thesis sentence, the one that explains why youve chosen the side you have. "description": "Ah, one of the most common questions we get here at Blueprint. "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/bUQcWFbbBco", If you have a real preference, go with it. This essay argues for Brookville over Haven Hill and is brief enough for most test takers to write in 35 minutes. When you organize your thoughts, think about how youll make your point. Your essay should consider both choices and argue for one over the other, based on the (Okay, I did things besides drink whiskey, but the evening after the LSAT was all whiskey.) How to take a practice LSAT. The best essays flow smoothly from sentence to sentence and from paragraph to paragraph. If you do this, you can then argue that theyre not really disadvantages. Just five sections of multiple choice fun, and then it was off to drink whiskey until my results came three weeks later. Here are the basics: It is not graded and does not factor into your LSAT score. Why was the writing sample added to the LSAT? Start it by stating your position in your first sentence, such as, The widow should choose the Pekingese. Follow that with one or two sentences that discuss the goals your party wants to achieve; focus on the ones that your choice would meet. Another way to organize the essay is to write it in four paragraphs. Official LSAT Prep & LSAT Prep Plus: Prepare for the LSAT Sample Law School Admission Test Writing Sample Topic Writing Sample Topic Directions. Continue with your second point and support it. Say what you have to say in the simplest way possible to make sure your readers understand you. A major complaint about the LSAT is how divorced it seems from the law, even though it is indeed a test of your ability to reason in the same way that a lawyer should. As mentioned in the what section, this essay is passed on to law schools without comment. Example of an LSAT Writing Sample Topic. You should pick the one that you believe you can make the strongest argument for. The second dog is a Pekingese. About the writing sample. Both sides have good and bad points, so either one lends itself to a good, strong essay. Some of the following tips can help you do just that. When you surf our website for recommendations that could help you write your own essay, you will find many helpful tips. Up Next. Admissions officers will probably do a brief readthrough, and, as long as you made the effort, theyll be satisfied and move on to the more important parts of your application. Being able to conquer the time constraints of the LSAT test comes from mastery of the material. Heres one way you can organize the essay about the dog, singing the praises of the Pekingese: Introduction: The widow should pick the Pekingese because companionship is more important to her well-being than guarding. It will, however, be sent on to schools without comment. So, feel free to pick either. It will, however, be sent on to schools without comment. Sort by: Top Voted. Use the remaining sentences in the paragraph to back up the advantage. The first dog is a German shepherd. This dog is small, has a long, silky coat, and makes an excellent lap dog. Create a five-paragraph outline: Make your strongest point and support it. They will give you a number of facts that you can refer to as support for your argument. Digital LSAT | Overview. Heres an example of a pretty typical writing sample (excerpted from the June 2007 LSAT): June 2007 Writing Sample Directions & Prompt. Take up to five minutes to think about how to answer this question and make an outline. It weighs 85 pounds and eats several pounds of dog food a day. Conclusion: The widow really ought to pick the Peke over the German shepherd. Pick a side either side. After you pick your side and before you write your essay, jot down a quick outline on the test booklet. When you write the essay, you still make a case for why your choice satisfies the lesser priority as well. Its always a good idea to organize your approach to the LSAT writing sample. Essay Writing Samples for Every Subject. "uploadDate": "2017-10-12T23:04:02.000Z", Draft your last paragraph to be your conclusion, where you sum up your argument and state for the last time why the side youve chosen is the best. Dont repeat your thesis statement verbatim, and dont mention a point you havent already examined, but do say something that leaves your reader with a positive sense of your argument. "@type": "VideoObject", It formed a strong attachment to its former owner and is a devoted companion. Now, and since 2007, there is a sixth, written section to the LSAT. In Paragraph 2, discuss all the advantages of your choice. Take a free practice LSAT, get a detailed score report and explanatory videos, and learn your odds of getting into your dream school just by checking out our FREE LSAT resources. The writing sample requires you to write an argumentative essay, much like your law school finals. Just like the rest of the exam, it requires no outside knowledge or legal expertise. Otherwise, follow this outline. Well, just like the multiple choice portion of the exams, the subject matter could be anything. Scritchy-scratch, scritchy-scratch. You can probably think of other more exciting ways to approach the writing sample, and if youre experienced at doing that sort of thing, go right ahead. No argument is perfect, and pointing out the failings of your side yourself is better than waiting for an opponent to spot them. At 20 pounds, this dog does not require much food. Its to test your ability to write an argumentative essay when your brain is fried because thats basically law school finals in a nutshell. Analytical Reasoning Articles. "@context": "http://schema.org", If, on the other hand, you think she needs a guard dog more than a lap dog, select the German shepherd. www.blueprintlsat.com", "name": "Increasing LSAT Test Speed | LSAT Clock | Blueprint LSAT", For the LSAT Writing Sample section you'll be given a prompt that presents two alternatives, or choices, and asks you to write an essay in which you argue for one choice over the other based on two competing criteria. But the truth is, speed on the LSAT doesn't come from how fast you read or some magic trick. Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. For nearly 30 years, they have provided their award-winning standardized test preparation throughout the world. Although the example is of high merit, it is intended merely as an illustration and not as a model. This is the currently selected item. That said, you should do a couple of practice essays just to make sure youre comfortable with the process and ready to address it on test day. How to take a practice LSAT. Scratch paper is provided for use during the writing sample portion of the test only. This dog is large, strong, and well trained and is particularly recommended for use as a guard dog. It is neither vicious nor particularly affectionate toward humans. But There Will Be an At-Home LSAT-Flex on May 18 and 19, Applying to Law School with a High LSAT Score and Low GPA, How I Got a Perfect LSAT Score: Kevin's LSAT Story, Understanding Your LSAT Score: The "Curve," Explained. Paragraph 1 is the introduction and Paragraph 4 is the conclusion. For example, it could read, Because the Pekingese would make the best companion and also be somewhat effective as a guard dog, the widow should pick the Pekingese for her pet.. Write your first two body paragraphs to explain the reasons why the side youve chosen is best, and compare its advantages to the disadvantages of the other side. "thumbnailUrl": "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bUQcWFbbBco/default.jpg", One effective way of writing is to start each paragraph with a sentence that first states a disadvantage of your choice but then follows it with an advantage. A brief introduction to the LSAT. Consider how youll transition from one thought to another. Based on your outline, the essay will include these five paragraphs: Make the introduction about three or four sentences long. In case you were wondering, theres no right answer as to which of the two options is the right one. Scratch paper cannot be used in other sections of the LSAT. It is, by all accounts, not one of the more important parts of you application package. Use precise words instead of long ones. The LSAT Writing Sample an Exemplary Essay. Paragraph 4: Pekes arent the best guard dogs, but they can bark and growl ferociously, and anyway, the widows need for a guard dog is overstated. How to Organize Your Writing Sample for the LSAT, Tips for the Reading Comprehension Section of the LSAT, Tips for the on Analytical Reasoning Section of the LSAT, An Alternative Approach to the LSATs Reading Questions, By Lisa Zimmer Hatch, Scott A. Hatch, Amy Hackney Blackwell. However, the format is always the same. As you study and improve your accuracy through LSAT prep work, being able to do it faster will come naturally. Youll have 35 minutes to complete it, just like other sections. Following is an illustrative example of an LSAT Writing Sample topic. You need every second to write the essay. LSAT Writing | June 2019. The key to good writing is simplicity. It is not graded and does not factor into your LSAT score. She holds a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law, an MA in history from Vanderbilt University, an AB from Duke University and a PhD from Clemson University. The scenario presented below describes two choices, either one of which can be supported on the basis of the information given. }. In Paragraph 3, discuss all the disadvantages of the other choice. Next lesson. Your essay should consider both choices and argue for one over the other, based on the two It must be written in pencil. 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