If you know what LSAT sections you need to prepare for, you are very likely to get a good score on your test! You already know that the LSAT is a requirement for applying to some Canadian law schools and that you need a good enough score to get accepted. Well, you are in luck because, in this article, we will explain what the LSAT consists of.

LSAT Test Sections Explained

Beginning in August 2024, the LSAT will consist of four multiple-choice sections: 2 Logical Reasoning sections, 1 Reading Comprehension section, and 1 unscored “experimental” section. This is a new change by the LSAC, where the test will no longer feature an Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section. During the test, these sections can appear in any order, with short breaks between each section. You will also have to write the LSAT essay, which is unscored and can be completed online within one year after your official test date. Learn all about the best way to study for the LSAT.

LSAT Sections 2 Logical Reasoning sections, 1 Reading Comprehension section, and 1 unscored experimental section, 1 essay Infographic

Logical Reasoning LSAT Section

The Logical Reasoning section is a crucial part of the test that assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. Here is what you must know about this LSAT section:

  • There are 2 of these sections as per the August 2024 update
  • It consists of 24 to 26 questions or 48 to 52 in 2 sections
  • It is worth 33% of your score or 66% for 2 sections

In the Logical Reasoning section, you will be asked to identify assumptions, recognize logical flaws, strengthen or weaken arguments, and make inferences. This section evaluates your capacity to comprehend argument structure, evaluate the soundness of reasoning, and recognize logical relationships. Mastering this section is crucial as it accounts for 66% of the LSAT score!

Find out how to create an LSAT study plan.

Reading Comprehension LSAT Section

The Reading Comprehension section evaluates your ability to understand complex texts and analyze information. Here’s what you need to know about this LSAT section:

  • There is 1 scored section in the test
  • It consists of 27 questions based on 4 passages
  • It is worth approximately 33% of your total LSAT score

In this section, you’ll encounter passages on various topics, including law, sciences, and humanities – but it can be pretty much anything. Questions will test your ability to:

  • Identify main ideas and supporting details
  • Understand the author’s tone and purpose
  • Make inferences based on the text
  • Recognize relationships between concepts
  • Apply information to new contexts

This section assesses skills crucial for law school success, such as quickly digesting complex information and drawing accurate conclusions.

Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) LSAT Section

The Analytical Reasoning section, also known as Logic Games, assessed your ability to understand and analyze complex relationships. Here is what you need to know about this LSAT section:

  • This section was removed starting August 2024
  • Before, it consisted of 4 games with 5 to 7 questions each
  • It was worth approximately 33% of your score

In that section, you encountered scenarios that required you to deduce relationships and outcomes based on a set of rules. Questions typically involved arranging items, sequencing events, or grouping elements. This section tested your skills in logical deduction, critical thinking, and the ability to apply rules systematically.

Experimental LSAT Section

The Experimental LSAT Section is an unscored section included in the LSAT to test new questions for future exams. Here are the key points about this section:

  • It is an additional, unscored section that can be Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.
  • You will not know which section is experimental during the exam.
  • It can appear anywhere in the test.
  • The purpose is for LSAC to evaluate new questions for use in future LSATs.
  • It is indistinguishable from the scored sections, so you must treat every section as if it counts towards your final score.
  • The experimental section helps LSAC maintain the reliability and validity of the LSAT over time by allowing them to pre-test new material.

LSAT Writing Sample Section

The LSAT Writing Sample is an important component of the LSAT, though it differs from the multiple-choice sections. Here are the key points about the Writing Sample:

  • It is a 35-minute unscored essay that can be completed online up to one year after your official LSAT test date.
  • While unscored, the Writing Sample is sent to all law schools you apply to and is considered as part of your application.
  • The task involves choosing between two courses of action and justifying your choice based on facts presented in the scenario.
  • It tests your ability to form and support an argument using given information, as well as your written communication skills.
  • The Writing Sample allows law schools to evaluate your reasoning, analytical, and persuasive writing abilities.
  • While not scored numerically like other sections, a strong Writing Sample can enhance your overall application and potentially increase your chances of admission to law school.

Changes to the LSAT Section Format

Starting in August 2024, significant changes took effect. The Analytical Reasoning section was eliminated and replaced by a second Logical Reasoning section. This shift aims to enhance the focus on critical reasoning skills essential for legal practice. The Reading Comprehension section will be unchanged, and the total number of scored sections will remain at 3.

These changes reflect LSAC’s ongoing research and commitment to ensuring the LSAT remains a relevant and effective tool for assessing the skills necessary for success in law school. As a result, test-takers should prepare accordingly, emphasizing logical reasoning and reading comprehension skills to adapt to the new format. Test takers should be aware that the average score of taking the LSAT without studying is much lower compared to someone who spends a considerable amount of time preparing for the test.

Frequently Asked Questions About LSAT Sections

Below, you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this topic:

The LSAT consists of approximately 99-102 questions distributed across four multiple-choice sections, one of which is an unscored experimental section. Each scored section typically contains 24 - 28 questions.

The LSAT includes:

  • Logical Reasoning: 2 sections (starting August 2024)
  • Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): 1 section (until August 2024)
  • Reading Comprehension: 1 section
  • Experimental Section: 1 unscored section
  • LSAT Writing: 1 unscored online essay

The four sections of the LSAT are Logical Reasoning x 2, Reading Comprehension x 1, and Experimental Section x 1.

The LSAT consists of 5 sections: 4 multiple-choice sections (3 scored and 1 unscored experimental section) and 1 LSAT Writing section. The experimental section is used to test new questions and does not count towards the final score.

The Logical Reasoning section is the most challenging due to the variety and complexity of the arguments presented. This section requires a strong ability to critically evaluate, analyze, and manipulate arguments across a wide range of topics. The Logical Reasoning section's time constraints and the need for precision in identifying assumptions, flaws, and logical structures add to its difficulty.

Each section of the LSAT takes 35 minutes to complete. This includes Logical Reasoning, Analytical, Reading Comprehension, and Experimental sections. There is also a short break between the second and third sections, and the LSAT Writing section, which is completed separately online, also takes 35 minutes.

No, only 3 of the 4 multiple-choice sections are scored. The fourth section is an unscored experimental section used to test new questions for future exams. The experimental section is indistinguishable from the scored sections during the test, so test-takers must approach it with the same level of effort. Additionally, the LSAT Writing section is unscored but is sent to law schools as part of the application. Each LSAT score is valid for 5 years, and all scored sections will be reported to law schools for the same duration.

The difficulty of the LSAT is designed to remain consistent over time to ensure fairness in assessing candidates' abilities. However, starting August 2024, the LSAT will undergo a significant change with the removal of the Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section, which a second Logical Reasoning section will replace.

This change aims to better focus on assessing critical reasoning skills, which are fundamental to legal practice. While the overall difficulty level is maintained, individual perceptions of the test's difficulty may vary depending on these changes and personal strengths.

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