The LSAT consists of four 35-minute multiple-choice sections plus a separately administered writing task. Two Logical Reasoning sections and one Reading Comprehension section are scored, while a fourth experimental section goes unscored. Understanding exactly what each LSAT section tests — and how heavily it weighs in your final score — is the first step toward building an effective study plan.
Four MC sections plus writing. Three scored, one experimental. Each section 35 minutes.
Understanding test structure at a glance is an important part of LSAT preparation. The analytical skills tested in this area appear repeatedly across multiple LSAT sections, making it a high-value focus for your study time.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
Understanding time management across sections is an important part of LSAT preparation. The analytical skills tested in this area appear repeatedly across multiple LSAT sections, making it a high-value focus for your study time.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
| Section | Questions | Time | Scored | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning I | 24–26 | 35 min | Yes | ~25% of score |
| Logical Reasoning II | 24–26 | 35 min | Yes | ~25% of score |
| Reading Comprehension | 26–28 | 35 min | Yes | ~50% of score |
| Experimental | Varies | 35 min | No | 0% |
| Argumentative Writing | 1 essay | 50 min | Not scored | Sent to schools |
Two scored sections of 24-26 questions. Short argument passages. 8+ question types.
Two scored sections of 24-26 questions each. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
Short argument passages (2-5 sentences). This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
8+ question types including strengthen, weaken, assumption, flaw. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
| Question Type | What It Asks | Frequency | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen/Weaken | Add evidence to support or undermine an argument | Very common | Medium |
| Assumption (Sufficient/Necessary) | Identify what the argument takes for granted | Very common | Medium-Hard |
| Flaw in Reasoning | Identify the logical error in an argument | Common | Medium |
| Must Be True / Inference | Determine what logically follows from the premises | Common | Medium-Hard |
| Method of Reasoning | Describe the argumentative technique used | Moderate | Medium |
| Parallel Reasoning | Find an argument with the same logical structure | Less common | Hard |
| Point at Issue | Identify where two speakers disagree | Less common | Medium |
| Resolve the Paradox | Explain an apparent contradiction | Less common | Medium |
A newspaper editorial argues: 'Since the city installed speed cameras on Main Street, the number of speeding tickets has decreased by 40%. Therefore, the speed cameras have made Main Street safer for pedestrians.'
One section, 26-28 questions. Four passages including one comparative set. Passages ~500 words each.
One section with 26-28 questions. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
Four passages including one comparative set. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
Either LR or RC format. Used to test new questions. Indistinguishable from scored sections.
Either LR or RC format. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
Used to field-test new questions. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
50-minute essay task. Administered separately online. Available 8 days before test.
Administered separately online. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
50 minutes to write an essay. This is a fundamental concept that directly impacts your LSAT performance. Students who develop a thorough understanding of this area consistently see meaningful improvements in their practice scores and overall test-day confidence.
Effective preparation for this concept requires consistent practice with official LSAT materials. Focus on building genuine analytical skills through repeated exposure and careful review of both correct and incorrect answers. The LSAT rewards deep understanding over surface-level familiarity.
Test your understanding with these sample questions.