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If you're preparing for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), understanding each section is the key to unlocking your best possible LSAT score. The test isn't just a hurdle; it's a gateway to law school admission, and ultimately, law school success. In this deep dive, we’ll walk through every section of the LSAT, explain what skills are tested, how each contributes to your score, and how top test takers actually prep.
Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to boost your score into the 170s, this guide blends expert breakdowns with real student advice from places like Reddit to give you a practical, no-fluff roadmap.
Read: How Important is the LSAT for Law School Admission?
What the LSAT Consists Of: Structure and Format
The LSAT consists of four multiple-choice sections and one unscored writing sample. Of the multiple-choice portion, three scored sections contribute to your final LSAT score, and one is an unscored section (often called the experimental section). You won’t know which one is unscored when taking the test, so it’s important to treat all sections equally.
Breakdown:
- One Reading Comprehension section
- One or two Logical Reasoning sections (either logical reasoning is possible)
- One Analytical Reasoning section (being phased out as of 2024)
- One unscored section (could be any of the above)
- One unscored writing sample (now known as the LSAT Argumentative Writing task)
The test is taken on your own computer, remotely proctored, and must be completed several days prior to the multiple-choice portion.
Read: LSAT Format & Structure: Section-by-Section
Comparison of LSAT Sections: Format, Skills Tested, and How to Prepare
| LSAT Section | Format and Structure | What It Tests | How to Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Each logical reasoning section on the LSAT test includes 24 to 26 multiple-choice questions. Each question is based on a short passage followed by a single prompt. These are known as logical reasoning questions, and the vast majority test argument-based reasoning. | This section tests your ability to identify main ideas, evaluate arguments, break down logic quickly, spot assumptions, and apply deductive reasoning. | Prep effectively by drilling specific logical reasoning questions, practicing how to identify conclusions versus premises, and completing full timed sections to build pacing and endurance. |
| Reading Comprehension | The reading comprehension section of the LSAT test consists of four sets of passages with five to eight questions each. One set includes a comparative reading passage with two shorter texts presented together. | This section measures deep comprehension, the ability to synthesize ideas from complex materials, and to evaluate arguments embedded in the passage. It also tests how well you can follow structure, tone, and point of view. | Preparation should include reading dense material daily, actively annotating passages, and tracking common question types such as inference, main point, and structure. The vast majority of top scorers also review their mistakes to identify patterns. |
| Argumentative Writing | The LSAT argumentative writing task requires completing one writing task in which you argue for one of two positions. There is no correct answer; schools want to see strong persuasive writing skills and logical structure. | This section evaluates your ability to reason clearly, build and support arguments, and demonstrate persuasive writing skills under time pressure. It reflects how well you’ll communicate in the legal profession. | To prepare, practice structuring arguments clearly, use concrete examples while acknowledging counterpoints, and focus on delivering a concise, logically sound argument in under 35 minutes. |
| Unscored Section | The unscored section can be any of the multiple-choice sections: logical reasoning, reading comprehension, or analytical reasoning. It is included to test new LSAT questions and is indistinguishable from scored sections during the exam. | This section does not affect your LSAT score, but it is used by LSAC to ensure future versions of the test are fair, reliable, and well-calibrated. | Because you won’t know which section is unscored, give full effort across all sections. Treat each one as if it will impact your score and law school admission chances. |
Real-World Insights from LSAT Test Takers
Insights from Reddit and other online communities reveal practical strategies and common experiences that can reshape how you approach LSAT prep. Many test takers find logical reasoning to be the most learnable section.
One student shared, “I drilled argument structure daily and eventually could predict the answer before seeing choices,” emphasizing the value of pattern recognition and comfort with logical reasoning questions under time pressure.
For reading comprehension, active reading stands out as essential. A top scorer noted, “Reading the questions first helped me scan for answers faster, especially for inference and tone questions.” This highlights that success isn't just about reading more, but about reading with strategy and focus.
Lastly, while the argumentative writing task is unscored, test takers caution against treating it lightly. One applicant recalled, “Don’t phone it in. My writing sample came up in two interviews.” Strong persuasive writing skills can quietly but meaningfully shape how law schools perceive your readiness.
The LSAT in Numbers: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Understanding the structure of the LSAT test is essential for building an effective prep strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats every test taker should know, plus what they mean for your law school application goals.
- Test Length - Approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes of active testing time, not including breaks or check-in procedures.
- Sections - The LSAT consists of four scored and unscored multiple-choice sections, plus one unscored argumentative writing task.
- Scored Sections - Only three multiple-choice sections contribute to your official LSAT score, which ranges from 120 to 180.
- Question Count - Expect around 100 multiple-choice questions in total, though the exact number may vary slightly across administrations.
- Test Format - The LSAT is a standardized test administered online, requiring a quiet environment, a secure testing setup, and your own computer.
- Unscored Section: One section is experimental and unscored, but you won’t know which, so all sections require full effort.
- Writing Task - The writing sample is completed separately, typically days prior to your test date, and sent to law schools as part of your application.
Pro Tip: Top scorers build their timing, endurance, and strategy around it. Treat every section like it counts, because it does.
Explore: LSAT Prep & Study Guide: Best Practices & Free Resources
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even high-potential students fall into avoidable traps when preparing for the LSAT. These missteps can stall progress, cap your score, or cost you time during the test. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them before they derail your prep.
What Trips Up Most Test Takers
- Underestimating the LSAT argumentative writing task. Just because it’s unscored doesn’t mean it’s unimportant; admissions officers still read it, and it can influence borderline decisions.
- Neglecting the timing strategy in the reading comprehension section. Reading every word slowly or skipping strategic approaches (like previewing questions) leads to rushed guesses and lost points.
- Avoiding “hard” question types. Failing to drill sufficient assumption or necessary assumption questions, two of the most commonly encountered logical reasoning challenges can sink your score.
- Over-investing in one section. Focusing solely on reading or logical reasoning, rather than strengthening all scored sections evenly, leaves blind spots that schools will notice in your LSAT score.
How to Course-Correct Like a Pro
- Get feedback from a coach or expert. A strong LSAT course or, better, a 1:1 coach, can quickly diagnose where you’re leaking points and design a targeted study plan.
- Use daily timed sections to train endurance and pacing. Simulate test-day pressure and track your accuracy to improve under real conditions.
- Review every answer choice, even the ones you got right. Top scorers don’t just aim for the correct answer; they understand why each wrong answer is wrong. This builds lasting skill, not short-term luck.
Pro Tip: The best test takers aren’t perfect; they’re just better at learning from their mistakes early and often.
How to Start Studying for the LSAT (The Right Way)
Success on the LSAT isn’t about raw intelligence or prior exposure to law. It’s about the quality of preparation, strategy, and consistency. The most successful test takers don’t study harder; they study smarter, with a clear plan that aligns with how the LSAT actually works.
Start With a True Diagnostic
Your first step should always be a full, timed diagnostic LSAT taken under realistic conditions. This is not about the score itself, but about understanding how the test feels, how your stamina holds up, and where you’re losing points. A diagnostic reveals whether your biggest gaps are in logical reasoning, reading comprehension, timing, or endurance, and guessing here leads to wasted study time later.
Identify Weaknesses at the Skill Level, Not the Section Level
After your diagnostic, resist the urge to label yourself as “bad at reading” or “bad at logic.” High scorers break performance down further. Instead of focusing on sections, identify skill-based weaknesses such as assumption questions, inference questions, passage mapping, or argument evaluation. This is where most students plateau: by studying too broadly instead of targeting what actually needs improvement.
Build a Prep Plan Around How the LSAT Tests Thinking
An effective LSAT study plan is section-specific and skill-driven. Logical reasoning prep should focus on recognizing argument structure and predicting correct answers before reviewing choices. Reading comprehension prep should prioritize passage strategy and question anticipation, not speed-reading. Writing prep should emphasize clarity, structure, and persuasive reasoning under time pressure. Your schedule should balance all scored sections so progress in one area doesn’t mask stagnation in another.
Use High-Quality, Limited Resources
More materials do not equal better results. The strongest prep strategies rely on a small number of high-quality tools used deeply and deliberately. LSAC Prep Plus is essential because it contains official LSAT questions that reflect how the test is actually written. Reddit study guides can be helpful for strategy insights, especially after logic games changes, but they should supplement, not replace, structured prep. One or two trusted prep books, such as The LSAT Trainer, are more effective than juggling multiple conflicting systems.
Read: The 10 Best LSAT Prep Books in 2026 and The Top 5 LSAT Courses in 2026
Treat LSAT Prep Like Skill Training, Not Content Review
The LSAT is not a memorization-based exam. Progress comes from repetition, review, and reflection. Every practice question should teach you something about how the test thinks. Every wrong answer should be analyzed until you understand exactly why it was tempting and why it failed. This mindset shift from “studying” to “training” is what separates average scorers from top performers.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for Your Future
Crushing the LSAT is about more than just getting into law school. The skills it tests, your ability to analyze, argue, read lengthy and complex materials, and extract main ideas, mirror what you’ll do in the legal profession. Treat this as the first test of your legal training.
You don’t have to navigate the LSAT alone. From custom prep plans to expert insight into what law schools are really looking for, a coach can help you turn good scores into great ones.
Explore LSAT coaches on Leland and get one step closer to law school admission.
You can also:
- Book a free call with an advisor to get matched
- Read real student reviews
- Join a free LSAT strategy event
- Check out our LSAT Exam Prep Bootcamp
See: The 10 Best LSAT Tutors: Private LSAT Tutoring for Top Scores
Read next:
- LSAT vs. GRE for Law School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both
- What is an Average, Good, and Perfect LSAT Score?
- Law Schools That Don't Require the LSAT: Exploring Your Options
- LSAT Score Guide: Range, Percentiles, & How it Works
- How Long is the LSAT? Full Test & Section Breakdown
FAQs
What is the hardest section of the LSAT?
- Many students find the reading comprehension section toughest because of dense passages and time pressure. However, the logical reasoning section often has the steepest learning curve early on.
Is the LSAT writing sample scored?
- No, it’s an unscored writing sample, but it’s still sent to schools for future use in evaluating your law school applications.
How many questions are on the LSAT?
- Roughly 100, spread across four multiple-choice sections. The exact number of questions can vary slightly.
Does everyone get the same experimental section?
- No. The experimental section is unscored and varies between test takers. You won't know which one it is.
What sections count toward my LSAT score?
- Only the three scored sections: usually one reading comprehension, one logical reasoning, and one analytical reasoning (until fully phased out).
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