How many paragraphs should LSAT writing be?

Asked by: Dr. Bernita Fay  |  Last update: December 19, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

While your writing sample has no word limit, you should aim to be as clear and concise as possible. Most writing samples on the LSAT are between two and four paragraphs long. Ensure you prioritize quality over quantity.

How many paragraphs should I write for LSAT writing?

Three supporting paragraphs is a good number to aim for. It's enough to show that your argument is well thought-out and evidence based. But it's not so much that you won't have time to write them all out in the 35 minutes you have to complete the assignment.

How should I structure LSAT writing?

The first part presents a choice, the second part (the bullet statements) presents two considerations, and the third part provides more information. It is not important which option you support; law schools want to see how well you justify your choice, and how clearly you lay out your arguments.

How long does LSAT writing need to be?

There is no word or space limit for LSAT Argumentative Writing. You are advised not to worry about the length of your writing sample, but instead to concentrate on crafting a response to the prompt that is well-written, cogent, and well-argued.

What is the writing portion of the LSAT like?

Every LSAT Writing prompt instructs you to make a decision and develop an argument about it. You are asked to make a choice between two positions or courses of action. Both of the choices are defensible, and you are given criteria and facts on which to base your decision.

What is LSAT Argumentative Writing? | How To Complete the LSAT Writing Sample

21 related questions found

What is the hardest portion of the LSAT?

Analytical Reasoning

You'll need various skills to do well here. You'll have to figure out relationships between complex concepts and apply logic even when things seem unclear. The situations presented can be ambiguous and complex, making this section notorious among LSAT takers.

What does a good LSAT writing sample look like?

Many LSAT test-takers write their sample in a series of short or only two paragraphs—one detailing the advantages of their chosen side and another detailing the disadvantages of the opposing side. You should choose a structure you feel most comfortable with. Your first paragraph should state your stance.

Can I get a 170 on the LSAT in 2 months?

A 170 will be difficult to obtain. It will require quality resources and substantial preparation. You should dedicate at least four months to reach this target. For the best LSAT support, consider teaming up with a 99th percentile tutor who can help you increase your score by 12 points!

Can I take the LSAT writing in my bedroom?

You can take LSAT Argumentative Writing at home, or in another quiet, well-lit, private space. and supervised by Meazure Learning (ProctorU). This portion of the LSAT can be taken on-demand and is only administered online using secure proctoring software that you'll install on your computer.

How hard is it to write the LSAT?

Challenging Test: The LSAT is a highly challenging test requiring strong reasoning, critical thinking, and time management skills. Sections and Skills: It includes Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and an unscored Writing Sample, each testing different essential skills.

What is the average LSAT score?

The LSAT is scored on a 120–180 scale. The average LSAT score is about 153. This relatively small range of scores means that small improvements in performance can increase your score quite a bit.

How do I pass the LSAT successfully?

Tips on How to Study for the LSAT
  1. Realize the LSAT is not like other exams. ...
  2. Understand what you need. ...
  3. Have a study schedule. ...
  4. Find the LSAT prep course that serves you best. ...
  5. Give extra attention to LSAT logical reasoning. ...
  6. Don't neglect your weak areas. ...
  7. Prep for LSAT test day. ...
  8. Practice makes perfect.

How many times can you take the LSAT?

How many times may I take the LSAT? Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2019). A total of seven times over a lifetime.

How long should each LSAT passage take?

You will have a total of 35 minutes to read the four passages and answer the questions about them. That works about to about 8-9 minutes per passage, for both reading and answering the questions.

How long should a law school writing sample be?

The legal writing sample is an integral part of the hiring process for lawyers. Here are tips for preparing the best sample of your legal writing skills. The writing sample should be five to ten pages in length, unless otherwise indicated by a particular employer.

How many paragraphs should a law school personal statement be?

Even if you don't include an anecdote in the statement, the topic that you choose should, in a sense, “tell a story” about you in a way that captures and keeps the reader's attention. Some schools set no limit for personal statements, but most suggest either 2–3 or 2–4 pages. Aim for two pages, double-spaced.

Is the LSAT going away in 2025?

The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the Council's proposed change in February 2023. If the House votes to nix Standard 503, the standardized-test requirement won't go away until 2025. So, the LSAT isn't definitely going away, and it's definitely not going away until 2025.

Can I wear headphones during LSAT?

Don't use your own wired or wireless headsets or earbuds.

In-person LSAT test takers will be assigned noise-reducing earmuffs as part of their equipment and materials. In-person test takers can only use the earmuffs assigned to them.

How long should the LSAT writing be?

Most people can only fit about 250-300 words in the space allotted. You only have 35 minutes; therefore, your introduction paragraph can merely be your thesis statement and your body paragraphs can only be a few sentences. As long as you prove your point, it doesn't matter the length of the essay.

Is a 135 on the LSAT bad?

Average LSAT Score

LSAT passing score of at least 165 on the LSAT. In recent years, the average LSAT score has stayed at around 151-152. Correspondingly, applicants should aim to score 151 at a minimum to get into an accredited law school because of how competitive and challenging admissions are.

What LSAT score did Elle Woods get?

When she applied to this school, she had a 4.0 GPA with a 179 on the LSAT, the two most important things when applying to law school. The average LSAT score for students applying to Harvard is 174, meaning she got above the average.

Should I retake the LSAT if I got a 157?

An LSAT score of 157 is a decent score (approximately at the 74th percentile) and will not make a law school applicant unwanted and retaking the LSAT is certainly a viable option.

Do you get scratch paper on LSAT writing?

Scratch paper and writing utensils are not permitted during the LSAT Argumentative Writing exam. They do, however, provide you with a digital note-taking section available within the LSAT Writing module. You can use this to digitally type rough notes and an outline during the pre-writing time.

Do law schools look at your LSAT writing sample?

To a busy admissions officer, your LSAT writing sample is worth little more than a glance. It will go unnoticed unless it is so incoherent, inappropriate or incompetent that it casts doubt on the authenticity of your application or your suitability for law school.

Do you get a grade on LSAT writing?

LSAT Argumentative Writing samples are not scored, but LSAT Argumentative Writing is a required part of the LSAT. Your LSAT score cannot be released to law schools if you do not have a completed and approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file (or an LSAT Writing sample from a previous test administration).