Last week, we discussed the basics of the LSAT writing sample and how law school admissions committees use writing samples in their evaluation of candidates. Now let’s look at strategies to best prepare for and approach the writing sample on test day.
The LSAT writing sample — as we noted in the prior post — is not scored and generally plays a small role in admissions committees’ evaluation of applicants. But even so, every LSAT test-taker should be prepared to write a coherent essay on test day.
[Know the ins, outs of the LSAT writing sample.]
A smart prospective law school student strikes a balance between focusing on the other parts of the LSAT, which create the all-important numerical score, and spending just enough time on the writing sample to write a passable essay on test day.
Despite its small role in admissions committees’ evaluation, a writing sample should still be organized, logical and shows that you have put effort into the last 35 minutes of the exam.
In a nutshell, you should spend nearly all your time on the scored sections of the test — improving a single point on the LSAT will make a difference in an applicant’s admissions chances, while creating a stellar writing sample will have very little effect.
[Create a four-month study plan for LSAT success.]
To best prepare for the writing sample, begin practicing three weeks before your test date. Spend approximately 30 minutes reading five or six writing sample prompts from tests you have already taken — don’t use examples that are older than the June 2007 exam, since the writing prompts before that test can be different from those on the most recent tests. This will get you familiar with the writing prompt format, wording and the types of issues you will face on test day.
On your next two full, timed practice tests — which should all be taken in the following week — devote 15 minutes immediately after your fourth section to reading and outlining an answer to the writing sample prompt.
When you take your next practice test following those two, treat the writing sample as you would on test day. Devote the full 35 minutes to reading the prompt and outlining and writing your answer. This will be the only time you practice the writing sample in its entirety.
As you continue taking practice tests prior to test day, limit your preparation to reading the prompt and outlining your answer, as you did during initial writing sample prep.
[Discover how to make the most of LSAT practice tests.]
How to Write Your Answer
A good answer to a writing sample prompt will have three characteristics: organization, clarity and adherence to the facts provided.
In terms of organization, we recommend you follow one of two basic formats. As background, remember that the writing sample prompt follows the same basic structure every time: two options and two criteria.
The first possible format is to evaluate each option individually based on both criteria, such that the first body paragraph discusses the extent to which option one satisfies the first criterion; the second body paragraph discusses option one and the second criterion; and the remaining two paragraphs follow the same structure but address option two.
The second format is the inverse — treat each criterion individually and devote one paragraph to each.
In terms of clarity, keep in mind that admissions committees — as they read your prompt — know that you are in a time-crunched situation at the end of a taxing standardized test. In other words, they know you’re not in a position to write beautiful prose.
Instead, focus on being simple and clear in your writing. Use straightforward sentence constructions, even at risk of being repetitive, and don’t try to force fancy vocabulary into your response. Above all, make sure your writing is grammatically correct. Simple sentence constructions will make this easier.
A less obvious piece of advice is to adhere to the facts provided. The writing sample is designed to simulate a shortened version of a standard first-year law school exam question, so many of the rules of taking 1L exams apply here, including the rule of sticking to the facts provided and stating any assumptions you make, which shouldn’t be many.
Do conduct straightforward analyses based on common knowledge not presented in the prompt — for example, fewer ticket sales at the same price generates less revenue — but do not introduce outside information to strengthen your argument.
Finally, keep in mind that there are compelling arguments for both options in the prompt. Your job is to advocate for one option but also acknowledge the strengths of the other option. Conduct a balanced analysis while still concluding that one side is preferable to the other.
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Prepare, Write a Winning LSAT Writing Sample originally appeared on usnews.com
