Preparing for LSAT Writing

brooke23

I know people don't generally make a fuss about the writing portion but what is the best way to prepare?

I know the prompt generally presents two 'criteria' and two 'plans.' Does it matter whether we recognize the criteria or plan as the main point of the argument? For example, do you have to argue that CRITERIA 1 is more important than CRITERIA 2 or PLAN A over PLAN B and consider the criteria - because one could feasibly argue that you are able to achieve both criteria 1 and 2 with one plan (could argue that long-term financial stability will yield the most profits over time). Or is that seen as not being decisive enough with your argument?

Reference: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-prep/practice-test/writing-sample-topic

HELP

drbrown2

Argue one side over the other.

You want to summarize and emphasize the reasons why plan A is better than plan B (or vice versa). Part of the essay should acknowledge the justifiable reasoning in favor of the other plan, but you would minimize that reasoning because of some overarching fact from the criteria of evaluation that you believe favors your argument.

This is similar to memo writing you will do as a law student and as an attorney, because you always have a section in a legal memo that acknowledges the facts that are not in your party’s favor.

Hope this helps. I think there are a few good resources online that describe the process of organizing the info in the writing sample stimulus so you can be organized in your essay structure.

drbrown2

Dug up this link from a former discussion on the writing sample

https://www.manhattanprep.com/lsat/blog/the-lsat-essay-what-it-is-and-how-to-write-it-2/

AudaciousRed

@drbrown2 totally nailed this one. Exactly what he said.