LSAT Argumentative Writing℠

The LSAT has included a writing sample since 1982 to enable prospective law students to demonstrate their argumentative writing skills, such as organizing evidence into a position, arguing logically, and creating structurally sound writing. In 2024, the former LSAT Writing prompt became LSAT Argumentative Writing, which offers a clearer, more authentic writing purpose. 

Most law schools view LSAT Argumentative Writing as an important part of their admission process, which is why they won’t receive your score on the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT until you’ve completed your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample.

What Can I Expect?

LSAT Argumentative Writing assesses your ability to construct a clear argument based on a variety of evidentiary sources. You’ll be presented with a debatable issue, along with different perspectives that provide additional context in a few sentences. These perspectives are representative of a system of beliefs or values, and together, they illustrate competing ideologies and arguments around the issue. You’ll then draft an argumentative essay in which you take a position while addressing some of the arguments and ideas presented by the other perspectives. 

Unless you have previously approved testing accommodations, you’ll have 15 minutes after you receive the writing prompt before you begin writing your essay. You can use this time to prepare to write your essay using guided prewriting analysis questions. These questions are designed to help you analyze the perspectives and generate productive ideas.

You’ll have a total of 50 minutes — 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing — to complete the LSAT Argumentative Writing prompt. 

All test takers take LSAT Argumentative Writing remotely, no matter where they choose to take the multiple-choice portion of the test. Learn more about equipment requirements for LSAT Argumentative Writing.  

Will I Be Able to Practice? 

You can practice now with the sample LSAT Argumentative Writing Prep, which is available in LawHub’s LSAT Test Prep Library. Use it to get familiar with the new approach and take practice sessions in the real LSAT Argumentative Writing test interface, including the timing and digital note-taking functions you’ll experience during the actual test. 

Take the Sample Test  with Official LSAT PreTests®

For access to even more sample LSAT Argumentative Writing prompts, upgrade to LawHub Advantage.  

LSAT Argumentative Writing Tips 

Here are the most important things you need to remember to avoid having your LSAT Argumentative Writing session flagged for further review: 

  • Physical scratch paper is not allowed during your session, but you are encouraged to use the built-in digital scratch paper feature. 

  • Ensure your webcam  (opens in new browser window) and microphone  (opens in new browser window) capabilities are properly enabled. 

  • Make sure you have a strong and reliable internet connection. If possible, use an ethernet cable to maximize your connection’s strength and reliability. 

  • Shut down all non-essential applications. This includes disabling any grammar-checking extensions, such as Grammarly or Microsoft Editor. 

  • Make sure you show (to the camera) an acceptable photo ID  (opens in new browser window) and capture a clear and readable image of your ID when prompted by the system (directly after you take a user photo). You don't need to hold your ID next to your face — you should capture a clear image of the ID itself. 

  • Watches of any kind (including fitness-tracking devices) are not permitted. Be sure to remove any watch or fitness-tracking device from your person and your immediate work area before you take LSAT Argumentative Writing (unless you have an LSAC-approved accommodation). 

  • Make sure to remove any mobile phones, headsets, earphones (except for soft, non-electronic, non-corded/banded, generic foam earplugs, which are allowed), backpacks, and other prohibited items from your testing area. 

  • When prompted, perform a slow and steady 360-degree scan of your testing environment with your webcam. Be sure to include your work surface in the scan. 

  • Make sure you’re using the latest version of your operating system and browser on your computer.