LSAT Argumentative Writing: Prompts & Expert Tips

The LSAT argumentative writing task is an important yet often overlooked part of the exam. While it doesn’t directly influence your LSAT score, it holds significant value in the law school admissions process. Admissions committees carefully review your writing sample to gauge your ability to communicate effectively, present a well-structured argument, and think critically.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the LSAT writing task, from understanding the prompt to crafting a compelling argumentative essay that showcases your reasoning and communication strengths. Whether you're a first-time test taker or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you approach the task with confidence.

Read: LSAT Prep & Study Guide: Best Practices & Free Resources

What Is the LSAT Argumentative Writing Task?

The LSAT Argumentative Writing is an unscored part of the exam, but it is required to receive your score. It is typically administered after the multiple-choice section. In this part of the test, you will be asked to write an argumentative essay based on a writing prompt that presents two opposing viewpoints on a debatable issue. The goal is to argue for one side while addressing the opposing argument.

While this task does not directly affect your LSAT score, it is still a crucial component of your application because most law schools require an approved writing sample to assess your argumentative writing skills. It is important to approach the LSAT argumentative writing task with focus, structure, and clarity.

Expert Tip: Take LSAT argumentative writing seriously by treating it as your first law school writing sample. Practice outlining before you write so your position, evidence, and rebuttal are immediately clear, even to a reader skimming for structure and logic.

Understanding the LSAT Writing Prompt

The LSAT writing prompt presents a debatable issue with two opposing perspectives. Your task is to take a clear position and argue for it, supporting your argument with specific examples, reasoning, and a well-structured argumentative essay. It’s important to understand the writing prompt fully and take time to analyze the different perspectives provided before beginning to write.

The prompt will give you a word or space limit for the essay, which you should aim to meet without going over. While this section is unscored, your writing sample is still evaluated to assess your ability to think critically, organize your thoughts, and express them clearly.

The Importance of Prewriting Analysis

Before you start writing, it’s essential to engage in prewriting analysis. This is the first step in successfully tackling the LSAT argumentative writing task. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Analyze the perspectives: Identify the key points of both perspectives provided in the writing prompt. Look for competing ideologies and how they support the central issue.
• Generate productive ideas: Jot down your ideas on scratch paper to help organize your thoughts. Think about the best way to present your argument and anticipate counterarguments.
• Guided prewriting analysis questions: Use these questions to guide your analysis:
  • What is the central issue?
  • Which side of the issue do you support?
  • What are the perspectives you need to address in your essay?

This analysis will help you organize your thoughts and start writing with a clear plan.

Writing the Essay: Structure and Clarity

Once you have completed your prewriting analysis, it’s time to start writing. The LSAT argumentative writing section requires clear, concise writing. Here’s how to structure your argumentative essay effectively:

• Introduction: Start with a clear thesis statement that presents your stance on the issue. Make sure your thesis directly answers the prompt and sets up your argument.
• Body Paragraphs:
  • First paragraph: Introduce your argument, providing specific examples or evidentiary sources that support your point of view.
  • Subsequent paragraphs: Present additional reasons or evidence that support your position. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and clearly relate to your thesis.
  • Addressing opposing viewpoints: It’s important to show that you understand the other side of the issue. Acknowledge other perspectives and explain why they are less valid or persuasive than your position.
• Conclusion: End with a clear thesis statement that reiterates your argument and provides a strong closing. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

Make sure to respect the space limit and break your essay into manageable paragraphs for readability. Paragraph breaks make the essay easier to follow and demonstrate good writing organization.

Time Management Tips for the LSAT Writing Task

The section is time-pressured, and you must manage your minutes wisely. Here’s how to divide your time effectively:

1. Prewriting (15 minutes): Spend this time analyzing the writing prompt and brainstorming your argument. Jot down key points on scratch paper.
2. Writing (35 minutes): Use this time to write your essay, staying focused on presenting a well-structured argument. Don’t spend too long on any one paragraph. Keep moving forward.
3. Review (Optional): If you have time left, quickly review your essay to correct any glaring errors, particularly grammar or spelling mistakes. Be sure that your argument is clear and logical.

Expert Tip: Physical scratch paper is not allowed during the LSAT Argumentative Writing section, but you may use the built-in digital scratch paper to organize your ideas. With that, practice planning your essay digitally before test day. Get comfortable outlining arguments and counterarguments using a digital scratch paper so you don’t lose time adjusting to the tool during the actual writing task.

Practice with LSAT Writing Prompts

Practicing these writing prompts is one of the most effective ways to improve your Argumentative Writing. Below are LSAT-style writing prompts designed to help you build confidence and refine your approach to the writing sample.

Prompt 1: Government Regulation and Social Media

Prompt: Should the government regulate the use of social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation?

Task: Take a position and argue whether government regulation is necessary to limit misinformation or whether protecting freedom of speech should take priority. Address potential benefits and drawbacks of regulation.

Prompt 2: Ethics of Animal Testing in Medical Research

Prompt: Should animal testing be banned for medical research purposes?

Task: Argue for or against banning animal testing in medical research, considering ethical concerns, scientific progress, and potential effects on medical innovation.

Prompt 3: Remote Work and Productivity

Prompt: Should employers require employees to return to in-person work, or should remote work remain a permanent option?

Task: Take a position and argue which approach better supports productivity, collaboration, and long-term organizational success.

Prompt 4: Standardized Testing in Education

Prompt: Should standardized tests play a major role in college admissions decisions?

Task: Argue for or against the use of standardized testing in admissions, addressing fairness, accessibility, and their ability to predict academic success.

Prompt 5: Environmental Regulation and Economic Growth

Prompt: Should governments impose stricter environmental regulations on businesses, even if doing so slows economic growth?

Task: Take a position and evaluate whether environmental protection should outweigh potential economic costs.

Prompt 6: Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making

Prompt: Should artificial intelligence be used to make decisions in areas such as hiring, lending, or criminal justice?

Task: Argue for or against the use of AI in decision-making, considering efficiency, bias, transparency, and accountability.

How to Use These Prompts Effectively

To get the most value from these writing prompts:

• Set a 35-minute timer to replicate test-day conditions
• Spend a few minutes outlining your argument before writing
• Clearly state your position in the introduction
• Support your claims with logical reasoning rather than personal opinion
• Review your response for clarity, structure, and argumentative strength

Consistent practice with prompts like these will help you develop a reliable approach and boost your confidence on test day.

What Happens After You Submit Your Essay?

Once you’ve completed the task, your writing sample is automatically submitted, along with your multiple-choice LSAT score. The writing sample is stored in your writing sample on file, but it is not scored in the same way as the multiple-choice section. However, most law schools will review your writing sample as part of your application, especially if they require it as part of the admissions process.

According to this Reddit Thread, give your best effort on the writing section, but don’t spend excessive time studying for it. Just focus on practicing clear, logical, and organized writing instead of trying to “cram” the strategies. Unless you are applying to HYS or other top-tier (T3) law schools, where the LSAT argumentative writing carries more weight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To produce a strong argumentative writing sample, be mindful of these common pitfalls test takers encounter during this portion of the LSAT.

Overloading the Essay With Irrelevant Information

When the LSAT argumentative writing is administered online, space and time are limited, which makes focus essential. Resist the urge to include background facts or examples that don’t directly advance your position on the particular issue presented. Strong essay writing prioritizes relevance over volume.

Failing to Meaningfully Address the Opposing View

A common misunderstanding is that acknowledging the other side weakens your argument. In reality, law schools value writers who can engage competing viewpoints thoughtfully. Briefly summarize the opposing position and explain why your reasoning remains stronger. This demonstrates mature argumentative writing and legal-style analysis.

Writing Without a Clear Logical Structure

Clarity matters more than stylistic flair. Test takers sometimes jump between ideas without clear transitions, especially when adjusting to such changes as typing under timed conditions. Use clear paragraph breaks and logical sequencing so your argument is easy to follow, even for a reader reviewing multiple writing samples back-to-back.

Ignoring the Constraints of the Digital Format

Because this portion of the LSAT is administered online, distractions like notifications or background media players can disrupt focus if you’re not prepared. Practice writing in a distraction-free, full-screen environment well in advance, ideally eight (8) days before test day, to build comfort with the digital setup and pacing.

Mismanaging Time and Space

Running out of space often signals weak planning, not weak ideas. Before you start writing, outline briefly using the digital scratch paper so you can allocate space for your main argument and counterargument. Efficient planning helps ensure your response fits cleanly within the limits while still demonstrating strong reasoning skills.

5 Expert Tips for Your Writing Test Day

The following expert tips will help you stay focused and perform at your best.

Set Up Your Testing Environment in Advance

Since the LSAT argumentative writing sample is remotely proctored, ensure you have a stable internet connection, a functional webcam, and other electronic devices required for the remotely proctored exam. Familiarize yourself with the video check-in process ahead of time to avoid any delays.

Review the Writing Section Instructions Carefully

Before starting the exam, carefully review the writing prompt instructions and time limits. Understanding exactly what is expected allows you to focus on your argument rather than logistics. Pay attention to how the prompt is framed and confirm how much time you have to plan, write, and review your response.

Use a Consistent Prewriting Strategy

Resist the urge to start writing immediately. Spend the first few minutes outlining your position, key points, and potential counterarguments. A brief outline will help you stay organized, maintain a clear structure, and avoid running out of time before fully developing your argument.

Manage Your Time Intentionally

Don’t let the clock control you; instead, take charge of it. Spend a few minutes outlining, dive into drafting, and save the last moments to polish your work. Even a quick review can turn a good essay into a clear, persuasive one.

Stay Calm and Focused

Test day pressure is normal, but staying calm is essential. Trust the strategy you’ve practiced, focus on the task in front of you, and avoid overthinking your word choice. Law schools are looking for logical reasoning and clarity, not perfection.

The Bottom Line

Mastering the LSAT argumentative writing task requires practice, focus, and good time management. By following the tips in this guide, engaging in prewriting analysis, and practicing with LSAT writing prompts, you can improve your ability to craft a clear, well-argued essay that will help bolster your application to law schools.

Practice Your Argumentative Writing with the Help of an Expert

Mastering the LSAT argumentative writing task doesn’t have to be intimidating. With guidance from our top LSAT tutors, you can sharpen your skills, practice effectively, and approach every prompt with confidence. You can also join our free events and bootcamps to dive deeper, get personalized feedback, and transform your writing sample into a standout part of your law school application. Your stronger, more persuasive essay starts here!

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• How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT? (& How Long It's Good For)
• LSAT Study Schedules: 1, 3, & 6-Month Plans
• How Long Is the LSAT: Duration and Format of the Law School Admission Test

FAQs

Is there writing on the LSAT?

• Yes, the LSAT includes a writing section. This part of the test, called the LSAT Argumentative Writing, requires you to respond to an argumentative prompt. While it doesn't contribute to your LSAT score, law schools use the writing sample to assess your ability to craft a well-reasoned argument and communicate effectively.

Is 147 a bad LSAT score?

• A 147 on the LSAT is considered below average. The LSAT score ranges from 120 to 180, with the average score typically around 150. However, whether 147 is "bad" depends on the law schools you are applying to. Some schools may consider it competitive, while others may expect higher scores for admission.

What LSAT score is a 70%?

• A score of around 160 typically corresponds to approximately the 70th percentile on the LSAT. This means that you scored higher than 70% of test-takers. Percentiles can vary slightly from year to year, so it's always important to check the most recent score distribution.

Is a 170 on the LSAT hard?

• A 170 on the LSAT is considered an excellent score, placing you in the 97th percentile. Achieving this score requires thorough preparation and strong test-taking skills, as it is significantly higher than the average score. Many top-tier law schools look for scores in this range or higher, making it a challenging but attainable goal for diligent students.