LSAT Writing Sample Syllabus

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.

What is a rebuttal?

The writer's response that refutes or minimizes a counterargument, explaining why it does not outweigh the reasons for the chosen position.

What is the main purpose of a conclusion in an argumentative essay?

To restate the thesis in fresh words, briefly synthesize the main reasons, and leave the reader with a clear sense that the position has been justified.

What should you NOT do in a conclusion?

Introduce brand-new arguments or evidence; the conclusion should summarize and reinforce, not open new lines of reasoning.

How does a conclusion differ from an introduction?

The introduction previews the argument and states the thesis before the evidence; the conclusion reviews the argument and reaffirms the thesis after the evidence has been presented.

What does 'clarity' mean in writing?

Expressing ideas so the reader understands them immediately, using precise word choice, unambiguous sentences, and a logical order of points.

What does 'conciseness' mean in writing?

Conveying meaning in as few words as necessary — eliminating redundancy, filler, and wordiness — without omitting essential content.

Give an example of making a sentence more concise: 'Due to the fact that.'

Replace 'due to the fact that' with 'because'; wordy phrases should be cut to their shortest accurate form.

Why is the active voice usually preferred over the passive voice?

Active voice ('The council approved the plan') is clearer, more direct, and more concise than passive voice ('The plan was approved by the council'), making arguments easier to follow.

What is a common cause of wordiness that you should eliminate?

Redundant pairs and filler phrases (e.g., 'each and every,' 'in order to,' 'at this point in time') and unnecessary qualifiers that add words without adding meaning.

What is 'logical flow' (coherence) in an essay?

The smooth, ordered progression of ideas in which each point connects to the next and all support the thesis, so the reader can follow the reasoning without gaps or jumps.

What are transition words, and why do they matter?

Words and phrases (e.g., 'therefore,' 'however,' 'in contrast,' 'furthermore') that signal relationships between ideas, guiding the reader and creating coherence between sentences and paragraphs.

Name a transition word for each: adding a point, contrasting, and concluding.

Adding: 'furthermore' / 'moreover'; Contrasting: 'however' / 'on the other hand'; Concluding: 'therefore' / 'in conclusion.'

What is the difference between coherence and cohesion in writing?

Coherence is the overall logical sense and organization of ideas at the whole-text level; cohesion is the sentence-to-sentence linkage created by transitions, pronouns, and repeated key terms.

What is a topic sentence's role in maintaining logical flow?

It announces each paragraph's main point up front, letting the reader anticipate the paragraph's content and see how it connects to the thesis and surrounding paragraphs.

What is parallel structure (parallelism)?

Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or comparison — e.g., 'reading, writing, and editing' rather than 'reading, to write, and edits' — which improves clarity and rhythm.

What is a run-on sentence, and how do you fix it?

Two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction; fix by splitting into two sentences, adding a comma plus a coordinating conjunction, or using a semicolon.

What is a comma splice?

Joining two independent clauses with only a comma (e.g., 'It rained, we stayed home'); correct it with a period, semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.

What is a sentence fragment?

An incomplete sentence lacking a subject, a verb, or a complete thought (e.g., 'Because the plan failed.'); fix it by attaching it to or completing the main clause.

What is subject-verb agreement?

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number: singular subjects take singular verbs ('the plan is'), plural subjects take plural verbs ('the plans are').

What are the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)?

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So — used with a comma to join two independent clauses.

When do you use a semicolon?

To join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction, or to separate items in a list that already contains commas.

When do you use a colon?

After a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, or elaboration that follows from it (e.g., 'She had one goal: to win.').

What is a dangling or misplaced modifier?

A descriptive phrase that does not clearly or logically attach to the word it should modify (e.g., 'Walking home, the rain began'); fix by putting the modifier next to the correct subject.

What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence ('the ruling affects policy'); 'effect' is usually a noun meaning result ('the effect of the ruling').

What is the difference between 'its' and 'it's'?

'Its' is the possessive pronoun ('the court issued its ruling'); 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is' or 'it has.'

What tone and style are appropriate for the LSAT Writing Sample?

A formal, objective, and persuasive tone: avoid slang, contractions where possible, and emotional appeals; rely on clear reasoning and the facts given in the prompt.

What is the recommended overall structure for an LSAT Writing essay?

Introduction with thesis → one or more body paragraphs each supporting a reason (tied to the stated criteria) → a paragraph addressing/rebutting the opposing option → conclusion restating the position.

How should you allocate your 35 minutes on the LSAT Writing Sample?

Spend a few minutes planning/outlining (analyzing the prompt and choosing a position), the bulk of the time writing, and the final few minutes proofreading for grammar, clarity, and flow.

Why is proofreading an important final step even though the essay is unscored?

Law schools read the sample as a demonstration of your reasoning and writing ability; correcting grammar, spelling, and awkward phrasing ensures the essay presents you as a clear, careful writer.