Mastering LSAT Argumentative Writing: Strategies & Sample Essays

What Is LSAT Argumentative Writing?

Law schools read your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample to see how you argue under pressure. The LSAT writing sample is a 35-minute timed essay you complete online. It’s separate from the multiple-choice test and is administered through a secure, proctored platform.

What do you get?

• A short decision-making prompt
• Two reasonable options
• Your task: pick one and argue for it

Each prompt is based on a hypothetical scenario. You’re not expected to know any outside facts or legal knowledge. You’re just expected to reason logically and communicate your thinking clearly.

You type your answer directly into the system. There's no spell-check, no editing tools—just you and your argument.

Does the Writing Sample Affect Your Score?

No, it doesn’t impact your LSAT score.

Still, don’t ignore it. Law schools receive a copy of your essay. Some glance at it. Others compare it to your personal statement. If they sense a big gap in tone or skill, that could raise questions.

In short: it won’t get you into law school, but a messy sample might raise concerns if the rest of your app seems too polished.

LSAT Writing Format Update: What’s New

The LSAC introduced a new LSAT Writing format that slightly shifts how the task works—particularly with the addition of a 15-minute prewriting analysis phase.

Previously, the writing sample was a 35-minute timed essay with no prep time. Now, test-takers have 50 minutes total, broken into two parts:

• 15 minutes: Analysis-only time (no writing allowed)
• 35 minutes: Writing time begins (editing and typing enabled)

This change was made to encourage better planning and critical thinking before writing begins—skills that law schools value and test-takers often overlook under time pressure.

How the New LSAT Writing Format Works

Here’s what to expect:

1. Part 1 – Prewriting Analysis (15 minutes)

• You can read the prompt and both positions carefully.
• Highlight, annotate, and analyze the pros and cons.
• You cannot begin writing yet—the response box is locked during this time.
• You can draft a mental or written outline on scrap paper or digitally (if using built-in tools).

1. Part 2 – Writing Time (35 minutes)

• The writing box becomes active.
• You can now write, revise, and submit your essay.
• You’ll still be using the same prompt from Part 1.
• No access to outside materials or grammar/spell check tools.

This change gives you more structure, but also more responsibility. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Use the 15-minute window to plan your thesis, structure, and main points.
• Decide early on which position you’ll take—don’t waste writing time debating it later.
• Sketch your paragraph order: intro, two supporting points, counterargument, and conclusion.
• Identify specific trade-offs or logical connections you’ll use.

If you spend the full 15 minutes planning well, the writing phase becomes much easier. You’re less likely to get stuck mid-way or run out of time.

-------------------------------

Download a FREE LSAT writing practice template!

-------------------------------

Does This Make the LSAT Writing Harder?

Not necessarily. The task itself hasn’t changed—only the time management strategy has. You still choose a side, argue your case, and support it clearly. But now you’re expected to plan with intention before typing a single word.

For most test-takers, this format actually helps. With focused planning, your writing becomes more organized, persuasive, and efficient.

Tip for Practice

When practicing LSAT writing at home, simulate the new timing:

• Spend 15 minutes reading, analyzing, and outlining
• Then allow yourself 35 minutes to write the full response
• Reflect afterward: Did the extra planning improve your clarity?

The more you get used to thinking and outlining before writing, the stronger your essays will be—on test day and in law school.

Want to see some writing tips for law school personal statements?

Why Law Schools Care About Argumentative Writing

Thinking Like a Lawyer Starts Here

The LSAT writing section is your first taste of legal and logical reasoning. You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to show that you can:

• Identify trade-offs
• Choose a side
• Defend it
• Address counterarguments

These are the same skills you’ll use in case law classes, memos, and courtroom arguments. This task shows admissions teams that you’re ready to think like a law student.

How Admissions Committees Use Your Writing Sample

Schools look at the writing sample for different reasons:

• Voice check: Does this sound like the same person who wrote the personal statement?
• Crisis writing: How do you handle a timed, no-edit task?
• Reasoning clarity: Are you logical or rambling?

No one expects brilliance. They expect effort, logic, and structure. If you show that, you’re fine. If you rush or write two confusing paragraphs with no direction, that’s a red flag.

How to Approach LSAT Argumentative Writing

Here’s where you’ll want to slow down and build a real plan. Even with only 35 minutes, you need structure.

Step 1 – Understand the Prompt

Start by breaking down the task.

Example:

A city is deciding whether to allocate emergency funds to improve public transportation or to invest in affordable housing. Choose one and argue why it's the better use of resources.

This prompt gives you:

• A situation (funds available)
• A choice (transport vs. housing)
• An instruction (pick and argue)

You don’t need to “solve” the issue. You just need to build a case for one side.

Step 2 – Take a Clear Position

Don’t hedge.

“The city should prioritize affordable housing because stable shelter is foundational to residents’ health and economic security.”

Make it obvious what you chose and why.

Avoid:

“Both options are good, but I will argue for housing even though transportation is also important.”

Instead:

“Although public transportation improves mobility, the city should invest in affordable housing because it addresses a more urgent and widespread need.”

Step 3 – Use Two Strong Reasons

Support your LSAT essay thesis with two distinct arguments.

Example reasons for housing:

• More families will benefit directly from stable shelter
• It reduces long-term public health and emergency spending

Example reasons for transportation:

• Increases job access
• Reduces traffic and emissions

Don’t just list pros. Explain how each supports your overall claim.

Step 4 – Acknowledge the Other Side

A good argument isn't one-sided. You need to show that you’ve considered both perspectives.

“While expanding public transportation could ease commuting burdens, housing instability is a more immediate crisis affecting health and safety.”

You’re not trashing the other side—you’re weighing it and choosing with logic.

Step 5 – Use a Simple, Consistent Structure

Here's a format that works every time:

1. Introduction – State your position and why it matters
2. Body Paragraph 1 – Main reason + support
3. Body Paragraph 2 – Second reason + example
4. Body Paragraph 3 – Address the other side
5. Conclusion – Restate your position and key takeaways

Don’t waste time with fluff. Just walk the reader through your thinking.

Your law school optional essay is also an important piece of writing to master!

Two Sample LSAT Argumentative Writing Responses

Here’s an example of a strong LSAT Argumentative Writing response...

Sample Prompt 1

A school district has the option to extend school hours to improve academic performance or invest in after-school programs. Choose one option to support.

Sample Response:

The school district should invest in after-school programs. While extending the school day may appear to offer more instructional time, it doesn’t necessarily improve learning outcomes—and it could lead to student fatigue. After-school programs offer a more flexible and effective way to enhance academic performance without overloading students.

First, after-school programs can provide targeted academic support in smaller groups. Tutoring sessions, homework help, and skill-building workshops are often more effective when tailored to individual student needs. Extending the school day adds time, but not necessarily value. It risks students sitting through additional lectures when what they really need is personalized help, not more of the same instruction.

Second, after-school programs support social and emotional development. Many include sports, arts, and mentorship—activities that promote engagement, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. These factors are strongly linked to long-term academic success. In contrast, longer school hours could reduce students’ downtime, increase stress, and ultimately hurt motivation.

It’s true that extending school hours may seem simpler to implement within the existing structure. The same teachers, classrooms, and routines would continue. However, more time in class doesn’t automatically result in better learning. In fact, studies have shown diminishing returns when students are asked to remain in academic settings beyond a reasonable attention span. After a certain point, longer hours can backfire.

Investing in after-school programming allows the district to offer a range of options that meet students where they are—whether they need academic help, enrichment, or a safe place to go after school. They’re also easier to tailor and evaluate. You can track participation, adjust offerings, and see what’s actually working.

In short, the question isn’t just how much time students spend at school—it’s what they’re doing during that time. After-school programs offer flexibility, personalization, and balance. They help students succeed without burning them out.

For these reasons, the district should prioritize after-school programming over extending the school day.

Sample Prompt 2

A small business must decide whether to invest in marketing or product development. Choose one and defend your position.

Sample Response:

The business should invest in product development. While marketing may attract short-term attention, strong products create long-term value. You can advertise as much as you like, but if what you're selling doesn't meet customer needs, they won’t return—and they won’t recommend your brand.

First, product development builds sustainable growth. When businesses improve their offerings—adding features, fixing pain points, or creating entirely new solutions—they provide more value to customers. This value translates to customer loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals, both of which are more cost-effective than repeated ad spending. A great product can market itself. A weak product, no matter how well advertised, won’t hold up once people start using it.

Second, investing in your product helps protect the business from competition. In fast-moving markets, customer expectations evolve quickly. Companies that fail to improve fall behind. By focusing on development, the business can stay relevant and stand out—not just today, but in the future. Innovation gives customers a reason to stay loyal and less likely to switch to competitors.

Now, it’s true that marketing plays a critical role in visibility. A product won’t succeed if no one knows it exists. But marketing without substance creates a short-lived buzz. Customers may click, visit, or buy once—but if the product disappoints, no marketing can fix that. Worse, they might leave negative reviews, hurting the brand.

A balanced approach is ideal, but if the business can only choose one area to invest in right now, product development is the smarter choice. It strengthens the core offering. It builds a better experience. And over time, it reduces the need for aggressive advertising because satisfied customers will do the promoting for you.

Ultimately, good marketing sells a message. Good products sell themselves. For a small business with limited resources, investing in what they sell—making sure it actually solves a problem or delivers value—is the most efficient and effective way to grow.

That’s why product development should be the priority.

Tip for readers:

If you're preparing for the LSAT writing section, aim to complete at least two practice prompts under timed conditions, just like you would complete a diagnostic test. Focus more on clarity and logic than length. If you're consistently writing 350–450 words with solid reasoning, you're in great shape.

Advanced Tips Most Students Overlook

1. Use Transitional Phrases

Guide your reader through your argument:

• “This leads to…”
• “Another reason is…”
• “Even so, it’s important to consider…”

These small cues help your structure feel polished.

2. Think in Trade-Offs

Law school loves this. Don’t just list benefits. Frame your argument around which trade-off is more acceptable.

“Although product development delays short-term profit gains, it creates long-term value that marketing alone can’t achieve.”

That’s higher-level thinking.

3. Avoid Emotional Appeals

This isn’t a personal essay. Don’t say:

“I feel that housing is better because everyone deserves a home.”

Instead, say:

“Housing addresses critical needs that directly affect residents’ health, safety, and ability to contribute to the community.”

You can be passionate—just keep your tone grounded in reasoning.

4. Leave Time to Re-Read

With a few minutes left, scan your essay:

• Did you actually pick a side?
• Did you address the other option?
• Is each paragraph focused on one idea?

This quick check can prevent simple mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vague Language

Avoid generalities like “helps people” or “is a good thing.” Be concrete.

“Affordable housing allows low-income residents to stabilize income and access healthcare.” That’s better than: "Affordable housing helps the community.”

Repeating Yourself

Each paragraph should add something new. If you’re rephrasing the same point, you're not adding value.

Skipping a Counterargument

Don’t ignore the other option. If you do, your essay looks one-sided and less thoughtful.

Final Thoughts on LSAT Argumentative Writing

You don’t need to be brilliant—you need to be clear.

LSAT writing is a chance to show that you can think on your feet, organize your ideas, and communicate under pressure. Law schools don’t care how many syllables you use. They care whether you can argue logically and write like someone who belongs in law school.

So treat this like what it is: your first legal argument. Make it count.

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting