The LSAT is composed of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, only four of which are scored. The unscored section could be any of the three section types below but it is used mainly for assessing new questions or test forms. The final part of the LSAT is a 35-minute writing sample that is not scored but is digitally imaged and sent to law schools admissions offices.
Logical reasoning
Number of questions: 24-27
The LSAT includes two scored logical reasoning sections. These sections are also known as "arguments" and sometimes as "LR". All questions begin with a short passage containing an argument or a set of facts followed by one and sometimes two questions. In each question the examinee is required to find the argument's assumption, alternate conclusion, logical omissions or errors. The questions in this section are usually arranged in increasing order of difficulty.
See our LSAT logical reasoning samples or try it online and free in our LSAT practice test
Analytical Reasoning
Number of questions: 22-24
The LSAT consists of one scored analytical reasoning section, also known as "logic games", which contains four different LG's. Each LG is comprised of a passage containing rules or conditions and 5-7 questions regarding these conditions. Question types vary and require putting objects in order, figuring out a sequence, selecting from a group, drawing conclusions and more.
This part is considered to be the hardest part of the LSAT, but it is also the part where you could achieve the biggest improvement by practicing. The LGs are not always arranged in increasing order of difficulty, but the questions following each game are.
See our LSAT analytical reasoning samples or try it online and free in our LSAT free practice test
Reading comprehension
Number of questions: 26-28
The LSAT contains one scored reading comprehension section. This section consists of three passages of 400-500 words each, followed by 5-8 questions, and a fourth passage of comparative reading; instead of a single text there are two related texts and a set of questions regarding both.
The subjects of the reading passages are versatile and are drawn from the disciplines of law, the arts and humanities, physical sciences and social sciences. The examinee needs to determine the author's main idea, analyze information in the passage, draw inferences from the text and describe the structure of the passage.
The passages and the questions are not arranged in any order of difficulty.
See our LSAT reading comprehension samples or try our LSAT free practice test
Writing Sample
In this part of the LSAT the examinee is asked to write a short essay about a given subject. The subject contains a conflict, and the writer is asked to support one of the two opinions by developing the arguments provided in the question.
See an LSAT essay sample.
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