The LSAT is the standardized test for law school candidates applying to universities in the United States and Canada. It assesses the skills required for legal studies, such as reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and writing. Understanding the different sections of the test is vital for studying and test prep. Knowing what to expect allows you to hone your abilities, manage your time, and achieve your desired score.
| Section | # of Questions | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 24-27 (x2) | 35 minutes (x2) | - 2 sections - Multiple choice - Analyze, examine, critically evaluate arguments |
| Reading Comprehension | 24-27 | 35 minutes | - Multiple choice - Analyze passages, compare, understand complex arguments, draw reasonable inferences |
| Experimental | 24-27 | 35 minutes | - Multiple choice - Unscored - Can be either a Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section Is unmarked, so you will not know which of the 4 sections is the Experiment |
| Argumentative Writing | 1 | 50 minutes | - Essay - Unscored - Defend a position in response to a prompt |
Overview of the LSAT Structure
The LSAT consists of four multiple-choice sections and one writing section. Within this framework, there are a few important elements to note:
- Only three of the multiple-choice components are scored
- The unscored Experimental Section is indistinguishable from the scored sections
- There are two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section
- The Argumentative Writing sample is taken online with virtual proctoring, is unscored, and is necessary for administering your LSAT score
minutes long
questions
Throughout the entire multiple-choice section, you will answer about 90-100 questions in total. This is one reason why LSAT scores are scaled, rather than raw. Correct answers score points, while incorrect and blank answers do not grant points (but they also don’t subtract points).
The LSAT consists of 5 components:
- 2 scored Logical Reasoning sections
- 1 scored Reading Comprehension section
- 1 unscored Experimental section
- 1 unscored essay
On test day, candidates only complete the 4 multiple-choice components. The essay is completed online at an alternate time (usually before test day).
What Are the Sections of the LSAT? A Detailed Breakdown
Each section is designed to evaluate different skills required for law school. Schools only see your scaled score and band score, not the individual scores for each section. Still, it’s important to study and practice each question type to earn as many points as possible for securing a place at your target law school.
Logical Reasoning
As one of the core sections of LSAT, Logical Reasoning makes up about ⅔ of the scored portion of the test. There are two separate Logical Reasoning components, each lasting 35 minutes. In total, you will have about 48-52 Logical Reasoning questions across the two sections.
Each of the sections includes short passages (stimuli) followed by a question. Stimuli can come from a variety of sources, such as newspapers, magazines, scholarly publications, advertisements, and informal settings. The texts present arguments, sets of facts, and/or claims. Your task is to analyze and evaluate the reasoning behind them.
Common question types include:
- Strengthen or weaken an argument
- Identify assumptions
- Draw conclusions
- Resolve logical conflicts
- Identify flaws in reasoning
An example of a question scenario might be reading a short argument about policy change and choosing the answer that weakens the argument the most. To reach the best conclusion, you must be able to use analytical thinking to understand the logic of the argument and the presented answers. You must be able to identify the facts or arguments that best undermine the presented statement.
Reading Comprehension
The other major test section, Reading Comprehension, consists of two types of reading passages: single texts and comparative texts. Comparative readings require candidates to read two passages in tandem and answer questions related to both. The breakdown of this section looks like:
- 3 or 4 single text passages
- 0 or 1 comparative text passages
The purpose of this section is to test your ability to understand complex texts. You will read several passages and answer multiple-choice questions about them. Topics can include law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and more.
You do not need to have specific knowledge of any of these subjects; you will only need to reference information provided in the test. After all, the test is measuring your ability to comprehend information, even if you’ve never seen it before.
Questions ask the candidate to focus on:
- Main ideas
- Author’s tone and purpose
- Word selection
- Inferences
- Explicit information
- Structure of the passage
- How new information impacts claims and arguments
The section mimics situations law students are likely to encounter in real life, such as comparing two legal documents and identifying the fact pattern between them. Passages in this section are dense and complex. Test takers must be able to parse long texts and identify various types of relevant information within them.
Experimental Section
Although this section isn’t scored, it’s still one of the important LSAT test sections. The Experimental section can look like a Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section and is not marked. It’s designed to help LSAC develop future multiple-choice questions on the LSAT.
Since this section is indistinguishable from the scored ones, you should treat all four multiple-choice components as though they are scored. Putting in less effort on one section can negatively impact your score if it turns out to be one of the scored portions.
LSAT Argumentative Writing
The Argumentative Writing section of the LSAT is unique. It is not completed on the same day or in the same place as the multiple-choice sections. Instead, test takers are responsible for scheduling a virtual, proctored, 1-hour block of time using their own computers and their own dedicated space.
Using the approved proctoring program (ProctorU) from JD Services, candidates must ensure their computer and internet connection meet requirements. The testing room should be secure and quiet, without interruptions. If people or pets enter the room and cause distractions, the candidate’s essay may be disqualified without a refund.
The Argumentative Writing portion of the LSAT is released to candidates 8 days before their multiple-choice test date. It’s highly recommended to complete the essay in this time before the test, though it’s possible to complete it up to one year after. Note that LSAT scores will not be released until the essay is submitted.
The Argumentative Writing task presents candidates with several excerpts demonstrating various viewpoints on a topic. Test takers must choose a position and write an argument supporting their choice and using any information provided.
There is no one correct answer; what matters is how well you build, present, and defend your argument. The essay should be clear, concise, and compelling. Test takers are given 15 minutes to read the passages, ideate a claim, and plan their writing. 35 minutes are granted for the actual writing process.
The essay is not scored. It is submitted to law schools along with your LSAT Score Report to provide an official writing sample demonstrating your ability to construct arguments and present information in a well-written manner. Law schools look at your essay to assess:
- Clarity
- Organization
- Strength of argument
- Use of evidence
Admissions committees want to see how well you can take a clear stance and present your argument. They want to see how you handle counterarguments and strengthen your position. Staying focused and organized while demonstrating acceptable mastery of spelling, grammar, and structure is imperative.
The Argumentative Essay only needs to be completed once. If you retake the LSAT, you do not need to complete the essay again unless you want to try creating a better writing sample. Contact LSAC if you want to complete another writing sample to ensure it can be added to your profile properly.
Note that you cannot register to take the Argumentative Writing portion of the LSAT separately; it is only available as part of a complete LSAT essay and multiple-choice test registration. Unless your essay is completely unsatisfactory, it is best to let the essay be and instead focus on writing a compelling personal statement for your law school applications.
Here's what to expect regarding the LSAT timing:
2-12 Months Before Test Day
Register for Test Administration
In the weeks leading up to test day, registered candidates will receive information about how to secure a specific date and time for their in-person LSAT test.
8 Days Before Test Day
Argumentative Writing Prompt Released
Candidates can complete the argumentative writing portion before taking the multiple-choice test. It’s recommended to complete the 50-minute essay before the in-person exam, though you can complete it after.
30 Minutes Before Test
Arrive at the Test Center
Be sure to bring all your documents, like photo ID, LawHub username and password, and registration confirmation. Listen to the proctors and follow set-up procedures.
Test Start
2 Sections Back-to-Back (~70 minutes)
You will complete two 35-minute Logical Reasoning components (one of which could be the Experimental Section) in a row.
10 Minute Intermission
Take a short break
Use this time to get a snack, stretch, and use the restroom.
Test Resumes
2 Remaining Sections Back-to-Back (~70 minutes)
The Reading Comprehension and either the remaining Logical Reasoning or Experimental Section are completed; each section is also 35 minutes.
Test Ends
Check Out
Follow the proctor’s instructions on ending the session.
How the LSAT Sections Affect Your Score
Your LSAT score is only based on three of the multiple-choice sections: two logical reasoning and one reading comprehension. The experimental section and the argumentative essay are not scored.
Each correct answer adds a point to your raw score. Wrong or incomplete answers incur no penalties. This means you should answer every question, even if you have to make an educated guess. The raw score is then converted into a scaled score between 120 and 180.
Since logical reasoning makes up about two-thirds of your score, performing well in this area can help you the most. Though scoring well in reading comprehension is also important, of course.
On test day, candidates will only complete the multiple-choice components. The essay-writing section is completed via virtual proctoring at the student’s convenience outside of the testing room.
How to Prepare for Each LSAT Section
Candidates spend many hours, sometimes hundreds of hours, preparing for their LSATs. Therefore, it’s imperative to spend all these hours studying effectively, rather than wasting time.
Effective preparation requires a targeted approach. Each section tests different skills, and the length of the exam itself can be a test of endurance. Your study plan should incorporate all factors for the best outcome on test day.
Logical Reasoning LSAT Test Prep
Main Focuses
- Practice identifying conclusions and assumptions
- Practice parsing paradoxes and subtle logical shifts
- Carefully read answers; multiple answers may be “right” but only one answers the question
- Practice analytical thinking for questions and answers
- Practice understanding common argument structures
- Recognize flawed reasoning
The section relies on the facts and information presented in the questions and answers. Candidates often struggle because multiple answers appear correct. However, only one answer actually addresses the question. Careful reading and logic are required. The text does not present trick questions or hidden information. In fact, you must be careful not to jump to conclusions, make assumed inferences, or color your thinking with opinions.
Reading Comprehension LSAT Test Prep
Main Focuses
- Practice different methods: close reading, studying questions before passages, and skimming
- Carefully read the answers and choose the one that actually addresses the question
- Do not use inferred or assumed information to inform your answer
- Learn to identify the author’s purpose through use of language and structure
- Practice identifying key words and phrases that prove arguments or claims
Time is critical in this section. Increasing your reading speed without sacrificing understanding is the foundational skill for scoring well. Then, focus on honing in on important information that backs or refutes claims. Practice recognizing key phrases and words that are often used to support answers. As with logical reasoning, learning how to separate a misleading, seemingly correct answer from the true correct answer is also imperative.
Argumentative Writing LSAT Test Prep
Main Focuses
- Practice identifying key arguments and evidence against and in favor of different claims
- Rehearse brainstorming and making useful pre-writing notes (outlines, identifying which evidence to reference, etc)
- Refine your writing skills to emphasize conciseness and clarity; know how to create a thesis
- Hone your spelling, grammar, and vocabulary
Practicing speed and decisiveness is the best way to prepare for this section. Writing an entire essay in 50 minutes, including learning what the prompt and resources are and ideating a strong answer, is not easy. Improve your ability to quickly read, parse, and understand provided information and pull out the useful quotes that you can include in your argument.
To ready yourself for the LSAT in general, be sure to:
- Practice timed, full-length tests regularly
- Increase your accuracy, then your speed
- Purposefully improve foundational skills like speed reading, vocabulary, and decisiveness
- Allow yourself months and hundreds of hours to study and practice before taking the LSAT
Prepping months in advance with an effective study plan will help you complete the test with more confidence, no matter how many sections are on the LSAT. While LSAT prep takes months of dedication and intense study, it’s worth the effort to secure a high score.
References
- “Frequently Asked Questions About the LSAT | the Law School Admission Council.” LSAC, www.lsac.org/lsat/frequently-asked-questions-about-lsat. Accessed 7 July 2026.
- “Types of LSAT Questions | the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).” LSAC, www.lsac.org/lsat/prepare/types-lsat-questions. Accessed 7 July 2026.
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