Examius
🌍 LSAT · subject
LSAT Writing Sample Syllabus
Every chapter and topic of Writing Sample examined in LSAT — 3 chapters, 9 topics, plus 51 flashcards written against it.
Writing Sample syllabus — full chapter and topic list
Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Writing Sample in LSAT, not a summary of it.
-
Understanding the Writing Task
3 topics- Analyzing the Prompt
- Identifying Key Issues
- Formulating a Clear Thesis
-
Structuring the Essay
3 topics- Introduction and Thesis Statement
- Body Paragraphs and Supporting Arguments
- Conclusion and Summary
-
Writing Techniques
3 topics- Clarity and Conciseness
- Logical Flow and Coherence
- Grammar and Style
Writing Sample flashcards for LSAT
22 of 51 cards from the Writing Sample deck — real questions with worked answers.
What is the LSAT Writing Sample?
An unscored, timed argumentative essay taken separately from the multiple-choice LSAT, in which the test-taker chooses between two positions on a decision prompt and defends that choice; it is sent to law schools along with the score.
What format does the current LSAT Writing prompt take?
An 'Argumentative Writing' prompt presenting a debatable issue with sources/perspectives, asking the writer to take and defend a position with reasons and evidence (replacing the older 'Decision Prompt' choose-between-two-options format).
In the classic Decision Prompt format, what two things must you do?
Choose one of the two given options and argue for it while acknowledging the other, using the stated criteria (goals) and the given facts.
How much time are you given for the LSAT Writing Sample?
35 minutes to plan and write the essay.
Does the LSAT Writing Sample affect your LSAT score?
No. It is unscored, but a completed writing sample is required before scores are released, and law schools receive and may read it.
When analyzing a prompt, what is the first step you should take?
Read the entire prompt carefully to identify the decision/question to be resolved, the two (or more) options, and the stated criteria or goals that must guide your choice.
In a decision prompt, what are the 'criteria' (or 'considerations') you must use?
The two stated goals or objectives the decision-maker cares about; a strong essay evaluates each option against both criteria.
Why is it important to identify the stated goals in a Writing Sample prompt?
Because a persuasive essay must show how the chosen option better satisfies those specific goals; ignoring the given criteria weakens the argument and shows poor prompt analysis.
What are 'key issues' in the context of prompt analysis?
The central points of tension or trade-offs between the options — the specific factors on which the decision genuinely turns.
When identifying key issues, what should you look for in the facts provided?
Facts that create advantages or disadvantages for each option relative to the stated goals, including any tensions, risks, or trade-offs between the two goals.
What is a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
A single, clear sentence that states the writer's position and previews the main reasons supporting it; it tells the reader exactly what will be argued.
What are the qualities of a strong thesis for the LSAT Writing Sample?
It is clear, specific, arguable, and directly answers the prompt by declaring which option you choose (and ideally why), guiding the entire essay.
Where should the thesis statement typically appear in the essay?
At the end of the introduction, so the reader knows your position before reading the body paragraphs.
What is the difference between a thesis and a topic sentence?
A thesis states the essay's overall central argument (once, in the introduction); a topic sentence states the single main point of one body paragraph and supports the thesis.
What is the primary purpose of an introduction in an argumentative essay?
To frame the issue, provide brief context, and present the thesis so the reader understands the question at stake and your position on it.
What three elements should an effective introduction generally contain?
A brief framing of the issue/decision, a statement of your chosen position, and a preview of the main reasons (the thesis and roadmap).
What should you avoid putting in the introduction of a timed argumentative essay?
Lengthy background, filler, restating the entire prompt verbatim, or detailed evidence — those belong in the body; keep the introduction concise.
What is the main function of a body paragraph?
To develop and support one distinct reason for your position with explanation and evidence, showing how it advances the stated goals.
What is the recommended internal structure of a body paragraph?
Topic sentence (the claim) → supporting evidence/reasoning → explanation linking the evidence to the claim → transition; a common model is Point, Evidence, Explanation (PEE).
What does the Point-Evidence-Explanation (PEE) structure stand for?
Point: state the paragraph's main claim; Evidence: give facts/reasons that support it; Explanation: analyze how the evidence proves the point and connects to the thesis.
Why should each body paragraph focus on only one main idea?
Single-focus paragraphs improve clarity and logical flow, letting the reader follow one line of reasoning at a time without confusion.
What is a counterargument, and why include one in the LSAT Writing Sample?
A counterargument is the strongest point for the option you rejected; addressing and rebutting it shows you weighed both sides and strengthens your position by demonstrating fair, thorough reasoning.
Planning Writing Sample for LSAT
Writing Sample is about 21% of the LSAT syllabus by topic count — 9 of 43 topics, spread over 3 chapters. At roughly 45 minutes per topic plus 12 minutes per sub-topic, a first pass runs to about 7 hours.
The heaviest chapters are Understanding the Writing Task (3 topics), Structuring the Essay (3 topics), Writing Techniques (3 topics) . Front-load those while your energy is high; the short chapters are better revision filler later.
Work top-down: read the chapter, then tick topics off individually rather than marking the whole chapter done. Sub-topics are where silent gaps hide.
Writing Sample (LSAT) FAQ
What is in the LSAT Writing Sample syllabus?
Writing Sample is split into 3 chapters — Understanding the Writing Task, Structuring the Essay and Writing Techniques, containing 9 topics and 0 sub-topics in total.
How is Writing Sample structured in the LSAT syllabus?
3 chapters. Writing Sample accounts for about 21% of the topics in the whole LSAT syllabus (9 of 43).
How long should I spend on Writing Sample for LSAT?
Budget around 7 hours for a first pass through Writing Sample — about 45 minutes per topic plus 12 minutes per sub-topic across its 9 topics. Add revision cycles on top.
Are there flashcards for LSAT Writing Sample?
Yes — a 51-card Writing Sample deck. Sample cards are printed on this page, and the full deck is free in the Examius app with spaced repetition scheduling.