LSAT Information

Multiple-Choice Portion

The multiple-choice portion of the LSAT has always been made up of the following five sections, which can be arranged in any order:

• Two scored Logical Reasoning sections of 24–26 questions per section: each logical reasoning question presents a short paragraph of information called a stimulus, a question that establishes the criteria for the right answer, and a set of five answer choices. These sections are intended to test a wide range of analytical skills.
• One scored Reading Comprehension section of 26–28 questions: there are exactly four passages on every reading comprehension section. Every reading comprehension passage contains approximately 450 to 600 words. Each passage is followed by a set of between 5 and 8 questions, that measures your understanding of the passage.
• One scored Logic Games section of 22–24 questions: every logic games section has exactly four games. Each logic game consists of a short set or rules followed by a set of between 5 and 8 questions that are designed to test your ability to draw deductions from the set of rules given.
• One unscored Experimental section, which can be any one of the above three section types: since June of 1991, each LSAT administration has had the experimental section as one of the first three sections.

Writing Sample

After the five multiple-choice sections are completed, an unscored Writing Sample is administered. The Writing Sample is an essay task in which examinees are presented with a hypothetical scenario that describes two choices, that for either one a reasonable argument can be made. Examinees are asked to consider both choices and argue for one choice over the other, basing their argument on the two criteria and other facts provided. Examinees are advised that law schools are more interested in the reasoning, clarity, organization, word usage, and writing mechanics displayed in their responses than in how much they write. Although unscored, a copy of your response sheet is sent to every law school you apply to with your LSAT score.

For each section of the LSAT you will have a thirty-five minute time limit, and you must work only on the current section during that time (you cannot flip ahead to an upcoming section or back to a previous section). During the test, you will be given a fifteen-minute break immediately before section four. You should try to keep to the test conditions when studying for the LSAT, especially when taking LSAT preparation tests.

The reason law schools weigh the LSAT so heavily during the admissions process is because the test is designed so well, that it is virtually impossible to correctly answer a question unless you demonstrate the skills they are trying to test. Because of this, it is a bad idea to utilize any LSAT preparation course (and any LSAT preparation book) that puts an emphasis on “gaming” the LSAT; the test writers are always looking for ways to make sure that this is a losing strategy.

For the same reason, make sure that whatever LSAT preparation materials you choose contain only actual LSAT questions. Some LSAT study guides contain simulated LSAT questions simply to avoid the expense of licensing genuine LSAT questions by using their own made-up questions. Using LSAT study materials that contain simulated questions is not the best way for your LSAT studying, since simulated questions typically don’t have the precise wording or the thoroughly tested “sucker” choices that students can expect to see on the LSAT.

Robin Singh, the foremost expert on the LSAT, has over twenty years of experience of breaking down the test, and used his knowledge in the formation of the best LSAT preparation course in the world. TestMasters never uses made-up LSAT questions and focuses on the reading and reasoning skills that are essential to do well on the test. Good LSAT preparation courses are actually good law school preparation courses because the skills that you are required to have to beat the LSAT are the same skills required to excel in law school and inevitably in practicing law.