THE LSAT
FORM AND CONTENT OF THE LSAT: 4 Sections and a Writing Sample
The LSAT is a test of some of the abilities that are essential to the study and practice of law. It is scored on a scale of 120- 180, and comprised of about 76 questions, which fall into three major questions types-- Analytical Reasoning (aka Games), Logical Reasoning (aka Arguments) and Reading Comprehension (aka Reading). Beginning with the August 2021 LSAT, the LSAT will include three scored sections, and a fourth unscored experimental which is used to validate new test questions for future use. There is one section for each of the three different questions types. Meanwhile, the fourth unscored section (often called a "variable" due to its variable content) can be any one of the 3 question types and can occur at any point in the test. Each section is 35-minutes long and there is a break that is usually 15 minutes long. The LSAT will retain this format for the next several years.
In addition to the scored components, LSAT candidates must also take an online Writing test as part of their exam. This is a non-scored essay that is separately administered online. The Writing Sample can be taken at your convenience, as early as eight (8) days prior to the date of the multiple-choice exam. The LSAT Writing prompt will present a decision problem, and candidates are asked to choose between two positions. There are no “right” or “wrong” positions; the writing sample is designed to let you demonstrate your persuasive writing skills. Law schools will examine the reasoning, clarity, organization, language usage, and writing mechanics you display in your sample. Copies of your writing sample are sent to all schools to which you apply. The writing sample does not generally impact admissions, as law schools rely almost entirely on the scored section of the LSAT (which is typically referred to as "the LSAT").
LSAC maintains a webpage with copious information on the LSAT here
The LSAT is a test of some of the abilities that are essential to the study and practice of law. It is scored on a scale of 120- 180, and comprised of about 76 questions, which fall into three major questions types-- Analytical Reasoning (aka Games), Logical Reasoning (aka Arguments) and Reading Comprehension (aka Reading). Beginning with the August 2021 LSAT, the LSAT will include three scored sections, and a fourth unscored experimental which is used to validate new test questions for future use. There is one section for each of the three different questions types. Meanwhile, the fourth unscored section (often called a "variable" due to its variable content) can be any one of the 3 question types and can occur at any point in the test. Each section is 35-minutes long and there is a break that is usually 15 minutes long. The LSAT will retain this format for the next several years.
In addition to the scored components, LSAT candidates must also take an online Writing test as part of their exam. This is a non-scored essay that is separately administered online. The Writing Sample can be taken at your convenience, as early as eight (8) days prior to the date of the multiple-choice exam. The LSAT Writing prompt will present a decision problem, and candidates are asked to choose between two positions. There are no “right” or “wrong” positions; the writing sample is designed to let you demonstrate your persuasive writing skills. Law schools will examine the reasoning, clarity, organization, language usage, and writing mechanics you display in your sample. Copies of your writing sample are sent to all schools to which you apply. The writing sample does not generally impact admissions, as law schools rely almost entirely on the scored section of the LSAT (which is typically referred to as "the LSAT").
LSAC maintains a webpage with copious information on the LSAT here