If you’re getting ready for the LSAT, you’ve probably asked yourself: What’s actually on this test? I’ve been through the prep process and reviewed the structure closely, and here’s my honest take: the LSAT isn’t like any other exam.
Research indicates that having a clear roadmap enhances learning outcomes. When you know what’s on the LSAT, your brain organizes study goals more effectively, leading to deeper understanding and stronger performance on test day.
In this breakdown, I’ll go into detail on each section, explain what they test, and share my own insight on how they really work.
Key Takeaways
- LSAT Structure: Four 35-minute multiple-choice sections and one unscored writing sample
- Three Scored Sections: Two logical reasoning sections and one reading comprehension section
- Unscored Section: Looks real but doesn’t count (can be LR or RC)
- Writing Sample: Unscored argumentative writing task you do at home
- Law School Value: The LSAT highlights Reasoning, comprehension, and writing — exactly what admissions officers look for
Logic Games Removed
Let’s start with the headline change. Since August 2024, the LSAT no longer includes the Analytical Reasoning section, also known as Logic Games. Personally, I think this was overdue. Those puzzles always felt like a test of who could memorize diagrams instead of who could reason through arguments.
Now, that section is replaced with an extra Logical Reasoning section. From my perspective, this makes the test more consistent. It pushes everyone to show strength in the exact skill law schools weigh the most: your ability to analyze arguments quickly and accurately.
LSAT Sections Overview
When you sit down for the LSAT, here’s the breakdown:
- Multiple Choice: Four timed sections, three scored and one unscored
- Writing Sample: One unscored argumentative writing task
- Timing: Each multiple-choice section is 35 minutes, and the writing sample takes 50 minutes total
From reviewing the test, I can tell you timing is a bigger enemy than content. Thirty-five minutes go by fast, and if you don’t practice pacing time, you’ll feel it.
Logical Reasoning Section
Logical Reasoning takes up half of the LSAT. You’ll get short arguments followed by multiple-choice questions.
Skills tested:
- Pinpoint the main idea and hidden assumptions
- Spot reasoning flaws
- Weigh how new evidence changes an argument
- Complete arguments and draw conclusions
- Recognize general principles and apply them
I find this section to be the true “make or break” area for most students. Small wording details can flip an answer choice from correct to wrong, and that’s where prep really pays off.
Reading Comprehension Section
Reading Comprehension feels straightforward until you’re actually in it. You’ll face dense, law-school-style passages that test whether you can keep track of arguments, perspectives, and evidence.
What you’ll see:
- Four sets of passages
- Three single long passages
- One comparative reading set with two shorter texts
Question types:
- Identify main points
- Grasp the author’s perspective
- Break down the passage structure
- Apply information to new situations
In my review, this section drains endurance more than anything. The material is thick, and I’ve seen many students lose focus halfway through.
💡Pro Tip: Read dense material like law reviews, science journals, or history essays daily to build the stamina needed for LSAT passages.
The Experimental Section
One of the four multiple-choice sections doesn’t count.
Why it exists:
- Keeps the LSAT fair and reliable
- Let’s LSAC trial future questions
Here’s the catch: you don’t know which section is unscored. When I took practice exams, I found it mentally draining to give full effort to a section that might not count. But the truth is, you have no choice but to treat them all as real. The worst mistake is to slack off, thinking you’ve spotted the experimental. You probably haven’t.
LSAT Argumentative Writing
The writing sample is different now. As of mid-2024, you get 15 minutes to read a prompt with multiple viewpoints and then 35 minutes to write your essay.
How it works:
- Done on your own computer, not on test day
- You analyze different sides of a debatable issue
- Then you write a clear essay, making your case
What law schools want:
- Persuasive argumentation
- Clear structure and organization
- Proper language and mechanics
- Ability to handle counterarguments
Most people ignore this part because it’s unscored, but I don’t recommend that. Admissions officers still read it. I’ve seen strong applications weakened by sloppy writing samples. My take? Treat it as a chance to show you can write like a future lawyer.
LSAT Scoring
- Three scored multiple-choice sections determine your LSAT score
- Scores range from 120 to 180
- Wrong answers are not penalized, so guessing is always better than leaving blanks.
- The writing sample is unscored, but still required
Reviewer insight: I always remind students that every single point counts. Even a small bump from 162 to 165 can open doors to schools you didn’t think were possible. See tips on how to improve your LSAT score.
How to Prepare for Each Section
- Logical Reasoning: Drill official questions and focus on spotting flaws and assumptions
- Reading Comprehension: Read tough texts daily to build endurance
- Writing Sample: Practice timed essays where you take a position and defend it
💡 Pro Tip: Because you can’t tell which section is unscored, go full effort on every section.
Final Verdict
After reviewing every section of the LSAT, I can say this exam is built with purpose. Each part measures skills law schools care about most: clear Reasoning, sharp reading, and persuasive writing. The structure may look intimidating at first, but once you understand how the sections fit together, it becomes predictable and manageable. My biggest takeaway is that the LSAT rewards consistency. If you put in the work, learn from mistakes, and practice with real questions, you’ll walk into test day ready. Treat it as training for law school itself, and let your preparation drive your confidence.
Start studying for each section with one of the best LSAT prep course providers.
FAQs
Three: two logical reasoning sections and one reading comprehension section.
120 to 180.
No. It’s unscored but required and reviewed by law schools.
Yes. You can choose between remote testing and in-person at a Prometric center.
It’s the only standardized test built specifically for law school admission and is accepted by every ABA-approved law school.
