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Sample essays
Sample essay questions and suggested reading
Here are a few sample essay questions for you to think about. Remember that you get 40 minutes to write a recommended maximum of 750 words – ideally about 500-600 words . We also have sample answers to some of these questions. See download links at bottom of this page.
- How should judges be appointed?
- Make the best case you can for public funding of the arts. Answer
- Does it matter if some animal and plant species die out? Answer
- ‘It is right that students should contribute to the cost of their degrees.’ Do you agree?
- What disciplinary sanctions should teachers be allowed to use?
- ‘We must be prepared to sacrifice traditional liberties to defeat terrorism.’ Discuss.
- Should the law require people to vote in general elections?
- Should private cars be rationed? If so, how?
- What is ‘political correctness’ and why does it matter? Answer
- There are more essay topics on our practice tests .
When you reach the Review screen, do not click on End Review unless you have completed your essay and wish to end your session. If you wish to review or edit your essay response, click on the question number that it relates to.
As part of your preparation you may also like to look at some materials on critical thinking. Here is a selection. Some of them include exercises that can help you develop your LNAT skills.
A. Fisher, Critical Thinking: An Introduction (Cambridge University Press 2001) ISBN 0521009847
R. van den Brink-Budgen, Critical Thinking for Students (How to Books 2000) ISBN 1857036344
N. Warburton, Thinking From A to Z (Routledge 2000) ISBN 0415222818
P. Gardner, New Directions: Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking (Cambridge University Press 2006) ISBN 0521541727 (mainly for those who have English as a second language)
Sample answer: Make the best case you can for public funding of the arts
Sample answer: Does it matter if some animal and plant species die out?
Sample answer: What is 'political correctness' and why does it matter?
LNAT Essay Writing Tips: Crafting Compelling Arguments and Structuring Your Response
The LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) is not just another examination; it is the gateway to realizing dreams for those envisioning a future in law at distinguished universities in the United Kingdom. This distinct evaluation is a testament to a candidate’s critical thinking prowess, capacity to dissect arguments, and aptitude for constructing persuasive essays. Among the various components of the LNAT exam, the essay segment demands candidates to artfully weave well-structured, coherent arguments on a given topic, all within a confined time frame. This comprehensive blog is designed to illuminate many a strategies for effective essay writing, enabling you to conquer this pivotal facet of the LNAT exam successfully.
Understand the Format and Guidelines
The journey toward essay mastery begins with an intimate acquaintance with the LNAT format and guidelines. The essay prompt often presents a thought-provoking topic or statement, beckoning you to craft a compelling argument in favor of or against the given proposition. Grasping the nuances of time management is crucial, as a mere 40 minutes are allotted for constructingthe your essay, underlining the significance of judicious time allocation.
When faced with an essay prompt in the LNAT exam, it’s essential to dissect it thoroughly to comprehend its underlying meaning and purpose. This involves:
- Keyword Analysis : Identify the central keywords or phrases that define the topic. This will guide you in understanding the primary focus of the essay.
- Central Question : Determine the core question the prompt is asking. This forms the nucleus around which your arguments will revolve.
- Secondary Components : Examine if the prompt includes any secondary elements or sub-questions. These can provide additional insights into the required depth of your response.
- Identifying the Perspective : Ascertain whether the prompt requires you to take a stance either ‘for’ or ‘against’ the given statement or if you’re expected to present a nuanced, balanced view.
- Subtle Nuances : Analyze whether any nuances in the prompt may lead you to approach the topic from a specific angle.
- Reflecting on the Purpose : Consider the purpose behind the task – whether it’s evaluating your ability to present a persuasive argument, critically assess a topic, or display comprehensive understanding.
- Planning Phase : Dedicate a few minutes to brainstorming and structuring your response. Create an outline that highlights the introduction, body, and conclusion sections.
- Writing Phase : Allocate most of your time to writing the essay. Divide your time proportionally among the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Revision Phase : Reserve a few minutes at the end to review and revise your essay for grammar, coherence, and overall quality.
2. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement
The inception of your essay should be marked by a concise yet comprehensive thesis statement. This pivotal statement should lucidly outline your stance on the topic. Your thesis statement acts as the keystone, guiding the progression of your essay and ensuring coherence throughout your writing.
A great thesis statement involves:
- Clarity and Precision : Craft a thesis statement that is clear, concise, and precisely conveys your viewpoint. Avoid ambiguity to ensure your stance is unmistakable.
- Specificity : Be specific about the angle you’re taking. This helps in outlining the boundaries of your argument and prevents straying off-topic.
- Reflect Core Argument : The thesis statement should embody the core argument you intend to present in your essay. It’s the foundation upon which you’ll build your entire response.
- Topic Segmentation : Break down your thesis statement into key components or themes that will form the basis of your body paragraphs. This helps in organizing your essay logically.
- Central Reference Point : Continuously refer back to your thesis statement as you develop each argument. This ensures that every paragraph and example is aligned with your main stance.
- Prevent Tangents : Having a clear thesis statement prevents you from deviating from unrelated tangents. This keeps your essay tightly focused on your main argument.
- Maintain Cohesion : Your thesis statement acts as a thread that weaves through your essay, maintaining cohesion and ensuring that your arguments work harmoniously together.
3. Brainstorm and Plan
Prior to committing your thoughts to paper, invest a few minutes in brainstorming and organizing your ideas. Enumerate key points and arguments you wish to include in your essay. Construct a rudimentary outline delineating the main structure of your essay, including a well-crafted introduction, body paragraphs brimming with substance, and a satisfying conclusion. Here is how you should go about it.
Ideation Phase: Spend a few minutes brainstorming key points, arguments, and examples related to your thesis. The ideation phase is where you lay the groundwork for your essay by generating ideas and content that support your thesis statement:
- Generate Ideas: Spend a few minutes brainstorming various points and arguments that relate to your thesis statement. These could be insights, evidence, or perspectives that strengthen your position.
- Diverse Approaches: Explore different angles of the topic. Consider both direct arguments and counterarguments to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
- Examples and Evidence: Identify specific examples, case studies, anecdotes, or research findings that can substantiate your arguments. These serve as the backbone of your essay.
- Structural Blueprint: Develop a basic outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Creating a structural blueprint provides a framework for your essay, ensuring a coherent and well-organized composition:
Introduction: Craft an engaging introduction that introduces the topic, provides context, and culminates in your thesis statement. This section should capture the reader’s attention and set the stage for what’s to come.
- Body Paragraphs: Divide the body of your essay into distinct paragraphs, each dedicated to a key point or argument. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence reflecting the paragraph’s essence.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main arguments, restate your thesis nuancedly, and offer a broader reflection on the topic’s implications or significance.
- Sequence Matters: Organize your key points logically to create a coherent narrative.
The order in which you present your ideas and arguments significantly impacts the readability and persuasiveness of your essay:
Logical Progression: Arrange your key points in a manner that leads the reader through your argument naturally. Start with the strongest points and gradually move towards supporting or lesser points.
Transitions: Use transitional phrases and sentences to ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas. This helps in maintaining the flow of your essay.
Flow and Unity: Craft your essay as a coherent narrative, where each section smoothly transitions into the next. The logical sequence ensures that the reader can follow your line of thought effortlessly.
By meticulously attending to these elements during the ideation, structuring, and sequencing phases, you create a solid foundation for an essay that is not only well-organized but also engaging and impactful. Your thoughtful approach sets the stage for effectively conveying your arguments and bolstering your stance on the given topic.
4. Craft Well-Structured Paragraphs
The body paragraphs of your essay are the crucible where your arguments take shape and solidify. Each paragraph should have a distinct focus on a specific point or argument in alignment with your thesis statement. Commence each paragraph with a lucid topic sentence that offers a glimpse of the central idea. Substantiate your assertions with compelling evidence, pertinent examples, and meticulous logical reasoning. Seamless transitions between paragraphs are crucial to preserving the rhythmic cadence of your essay.
5. Incorporate Relevant Examples
The inclusion of apt and pertinent examples can substantially elevate the credibility of your arguments. Draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of sources such as literature, historical events, contemporary incidents, or even your personal experiences. Ensuring that your examples are lucidly explained and directly pertinent to your arguments augments the persuasiveness of your essay.
6. Address Counterarguments
Demonstrate your prowess in critical analysis by acknowledging opposing viewpoints and adeptly addressing counterarguments in your essay. This practice lends depth to your essay, spotlighting your capacity to meticulously evaluate myriad perspectives and fortifying your position. Articulate responses to counterarguments that are well-reasoned, evidentially supported, and underscored by your intellectual rigor.
7. Maintain Clarity and Cohesion
The hallmark of effective essay writing is clarity. Employ language that is succinct and transparent to communicate your ideas effectively. Sidestep the use of jargon or overly intricate terminology that might obfuscate your message. Each sentence and paragraph should flow seamlessly, ensuring logical continuity and cohesion in your essay.
8. Proofread and Revise
Dedicate a segment of your time to scrutinizing your essay for grammatical lapses, spelling errors, and conceptual clarity. An essay devoid of linguistic imperfections and conceptual muddles reflects your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to presenting your best work.
9. Practice with LNAT Mock Tests
Regular and deliberate practice is the cornerstone of honing your essay writing skills for the LNAT exam. Leverage the wealth of online LNAT practice tests to emulate exam conditions and refine your time management and essay construction techniques. Consistent practice exposes you to a diverse array of essay prompts, allowing you to adapt your approach to a variety of topics.
10. Seek Guidance if Needed
If you find the realm of essay writing daunting, consider seeking guidance from seasoned LNAT tutors or enrolling in specialized LNAT coaching programs. Accomplished tutors offer personalized feedback and bespoke strategies tailored to your individual strengths and areas of improvement.
Mastery of the LNAT essay requires a fusion of critical thinking acumen, the adept construction of cogent arguments, and the finesse of effective communication. By grasping the essay format, meticulous planning, integrating robust arguments and illustrative examples, and engaging in consistent practice, you can cultivate the art of essay writing, thereby heightening your prospects of success in the LNAT exam. Remember that, akin to any skill, practice breeds proficiency. Devote ample time to refine your skills and cultivate an agile approach to essay writing. Best of luck on your LNAT journey!
How Rostrum Can Help You Excel in LNAT Essays
Navigating the intricacies of LNAT essays can be a challenging endeavor, but with the right guidance and resources, you can enhance your skills and perform exceptionally well. Rostrum offers a range of tools and services designed to assist you in mastering the art of LNAT essay writing. Rostrum serves as a comprehensive companion on your LNAT essay writing journey. Through expert guidance, tailored courses, practice materials, and interactive sessions, Rostrum equips you with the tools you need to hone your skills, build confidence, and excel in the LNAT essay section. With Rostrum’s support, you can navigate the challenges of LNAT essays with finesse and achieve the desired results in your pursuit of law studies in the UK.
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LNAT Top Tips
Introduction - how should i prepare for the lnat.
Taking the LNAT can be a stressful experience for students, which we hope to ease by helping you to prepare effectively and feel more confident on the day of your exam. Somewhat strangely, a regrettably common piece of advice given regarding the LNAT is the following: 'Don’t prepare. There is absolutely no need, it is a waste of time...’ This is absolutely wrong and should not be followed. Lack of preparation can add to make this experience an even more stressful one, and whilst it is true that the LNAT does not test knowledge it does test skills which can certainly be improved upon with practice.
The reasoning between this common advice against prior preparation is that since the LNAT does not test any real knowledge there is no need to learn for it. This is true indeed - you do not need to learn for the LNAT, but what you do need to do is train.
A good analogy with the LNAT is that of a marathon. Marathon runners do not need to learn about the history of running before a big race (that would not be of any help whatsoever in improving their running time) but they do have to train their bodies rigorously weeks in advance in order to attain their best possible score on the day of the run. In the same way, preparation for the LNAT does not involve learning new content, but rather it aims at improving your mental skills which the LNAT is specifically designed to test.
So the commonly given advice which forbids revision before the LNAT is a wrong conclusion to the correct reasoning.
The right conclusion is the following: you may not need to revise, but you do need to train by all means in order to maximise on your performance. Whilst, the LNAT does not test strict knowledge, it does test skill.
Therefore, the best way to train is to attempt the practice tests as many times as you can and observe which skills are your personal weakest and then train them rigorously, like a runner would before a race, in order to improve on your weakest spots. Meanwhile, training repetitively your strongest skills also does not do harm, as it serves to maintain them in good shape. The good news is that training is far easier than learning, for it involves no memory testing and it can feel very manageable alongside your school studies, if you make it into a regular habit. A development in verbal reasoning skills and reading with a critical scheme happens incrementally and over sustained period of time.
Arbitio is a training platform designed to help you succeed in the LNAT - which plays an important role (and sometimes even a decisive one ) in the admissions to top UK Universities. The LNAT Online Course by Arbitio identifies and explains the six key types of skills which the multiple-part component of the LNAT is designed to test. This will help you prepare for all types of questions which you can encounter in the multiple-part component. It allows you to take practice tests which will then be analysed to highlight your strongest and weakest skills. This analysis will help you to then target your personal preparation appropriately and train your weakest skills continuously with the hundreds of questions that we have on offer, until you see a jump in improvement. Because training is the effective way to prepare for the LNAT we provide over 1300 questions as mock tests and digests to allow you to keep developing your skills. Each test comes with in-depth explanations of answers, helping you to truly understand why only one answer is right and the others are not.
Additionally to this, we offer tailored LNAT essay guidance and a tutor-led essay marking service to help you access personalised feedback on your written work.
At the end of the day, we aim to help you prepare to not just do well in the LNAT but to prepare to ace it, adding that important spark to your admissions application.
Top Tips: LNAT Multiple Choice
Words matter, evidence, evidence, and evidence, from passage to questions: in that order., time or be timed, top tips: lnat essay, plan your argument, structure is key, be creative.
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Getting Ready For the LNAT: Top 5 LNAT Tips
Are you getting ready to sit the LNAT? Here are some tips to help!
Knowing how to prepare for LNAT is vital to success in the LNAT . There are various ways to prepare for the exam, and you can begin by reading our top five LNAT tips . So instead of stressing out, read on in to arm yourself with the LNAT preparation skills necessary to pass your test with flying colours.
1. Understand the Exam and How to Prepare for LNAT
It goes without saying; you need to know how the exam is structured if you want to know how to prepare for LNAT, the types of questions that may be asked and the timings of each section.
When I sat the LNAT , this was the first thing I did. I found that the LNAT site provided a very comprehensive guide on how the LNAT works, answering many of the questions I had. You can also find resources online that will tell you all you need to know about the exam.
The exam itself is pretty straightforward in that there is a multiple-choice section followed by an essay section . Something to also keep in mind is that universities vary in their use of the LNAT , for example:
- The University of Oxford is keen on applicants meeting an LNAT average score in the multiple-choice section;
- Whereas UCL are particularly interested in the essay section.
Be mindful of this.
2. ‘It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It’
This tip is focused on the LNAT essay section . It is a section that requires you to express an opinionated and well-argued response to a question.
The topic of your essay could be on any subject, drawing on a philosophical concept or something particularly topical in the news . Here are some sample questions that the LNAT site offers as guidance:
- How should judges be appointed?
- Does it matter if some animal and plant species die out?
- Should private cars be rationed? If so, how?
Whilst it is advisable that you stay on top of current affairs, it’s not detrimental if you are not an expert in something.
If you do not know a lot about a topic, do not be afraid to make assumptions. You are encouraged to make assumptions so long as you tell the reader you are making them. As the LNAT site says, an essay built on assumptions can be just as strong as one built on facts.
Remember, you are not a legal expert yet. You cannot possibly know everything from criminal trials to international law . What you are expected to demonstrate though is opinion, persuasiveness, conciseness and flair.
Be yourself and do not let a question defeat you based on presumed prior knowledge.
3. Practise Practise Practise!
With a verbal reasoning exam, there’s no content you can revise. So, it might seem daunting thinking about how to prepare for LNAT .
However, you can put yourself in the best possible position by familiarising yourself with the t ypes of questions you might see.
The LNAT practise tests are incredibly useful as specimen papers. Equally, TLP’s free LNAT Question Bank is a great tool to use.
You’ll find that various books have practise questions in them, but be aware they may not be the best representation of what you’ll see in the exam.
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4. learn critical thinking.
With multiple-choice questions , you will have a piece of text to read and the questions will draw on your understanding of this. As the writers of this text are presenting their own argument, you will need critical thinking skills.
Critical thinking will allow you to analyse and break down an argument. You will find it incredibly useful if you can identify the main argument, reasons, counter-arguments, counter-assertions, assumptions and fallacies.
As someone that studied AS Critical Thinking, I had an early exposure to the elements of an argument that I believe gave me an advantage in the exam. If a question asked me to identify the assumption the writer was making, I could comfortably do this.
You can do two simple things to develop critical thinking skills – read newspapers and critical thinking textbooks. If these are difficult to access, you can learn all about fallacies and assumptions online.
5. Keep Calm and Stay Motivated
Knowing how to prepare for LNAT involves knowing how to stay calm and motivated. This applies to both preparation and in the actual exam. As mentioned before, the LNAT is a difficult exam but you have to stay motivated and persevere.
It’s okay to be nervous but you cannot panic yourself if you get stuck. Panicking will only result in you missing vital information for a question thereby losing marks.
Think of it like this, you only need to sit the exam once (hopefully). Stay motivated by remembering why you’re sitting this exam – Is it to study at a prestigious law school ? Is it to get you one step closer to that swanky London office or traditional gown and wig ?
And there you have it, the top five tips for the LNAT. Hopefully you find these tips useful are feeling a little better equipped for the exam. Best of luck!
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LNAT Section A: Top 4 Tips
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Our ideal LNAT essay is 500-600 words long. If you write much less than this your essay will be too short to be evaluated properly and you are unlikely to do well. But a very long essay will also put you at a disadvantage. This panel of text (from the top of the page to the word "disadvantage on the left) is already about 600 words long.
Writing the LNAT Essay. The following tips can help you write a compelling LNAT essay: Introduction: The introduction should be brief and clear. It should introduce the topic and provide a thesis statement that outlines the argument you will make in the essay. Structure: The essay should be well-structured and organised.
The LNAT essay section throws you into a world of diverse topics, demanding the construction and articulation of a strong argument. Within the 40-minute time frame, you must craft an essay that resonates with each university requiring the LNAT.This section acts as a litmus test, allowing universities to evaluate crucial skills in prospective law students.
LNAT Section B: Ten top tips to smash section B of the LNAT! Section B of the LNAT can be tricky, students often worry that the examiners are trying to test their knowledge. Don't worry, ... LNAT Section B essays that are clear do much better in the exam. Students often think they need to impress examiners with big words and complex language ...
Discover these top essay writing tips for LNAT section B to help you prepare for this crucial part of the exam. July 4, 2023. This article will help you discover the expectations from LNAT Section B and provide tips to help you excel in this section. We will look at a few essay-writing techniques to help you write a well-structured and ...
5. Teach somebody else! The best way to learn is through teaching, so grab your mum, dad or just a cuddly toy, and talk them through the different LNAT Question types, how to tackle the LNAT essays, and your best LNAT tips.This will help you think about the exam as a whole, and will make sure that all your knowledge and skills are right at the forefront of your mind on test day.
give you advice from LNAT examiners and students on how to approach LNAT's multiple choice and essay questions; give you sample questions along with answers and rationales from LNAT examiners, practical preparation tips and recommended reading; To download the guide click the download link below. You will need adobe pdf reader.
Extra LNAT Section B Tips. The ideal LNAT essay is 500-600 words long. If you write less than this your essay will be too short to be evaluated properly and you are unlikely to do well. You should try and remove repetition, surplus words, and digressions. This kind of discipline will be rewarded.
Section B of the LNAT is your chance to show off your essay writing skills. This could either be the easiest or the most challenging part of your application. Either way, let's take an in-depth look at what to expect from Section B and how you can succeed. Carry on reading for LNAT facts, tips and practice questions!
Welcome to the Ace the LNAT Series! Today we shall break down the LNAT Essay, and go through an example together. I will also teach you the format I used in ...
Hints and tips; Practice tests; Sample essays; Sample essays. Sample essay questions and suggested reading. Here are a few sample essay questions for you to think about. Remember that you get 40 minutes to write a recommended maximum of 750 words - ideally about 500-600 words. We also have sample answers to some of these questions.
The LNAT is a two-section test lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are 42 questions in Section A of the multiple-choice test, which is computer-based. Each passage has three or four multiple-choice questions based on one of the 12 passages. You have 95 minutes to respond to every question.
The LNAT is an admissions test, taken on a computer, used by some universities to shortlist candidates for their undergraduate Law degree programmes and their interviews, including both Oxbridge Universities. The test is designed to test your reasoning, ability to comprehend a text, evidence-based reading and writing skills.
Tips To Prepare For The LNAT Essay Task; Example LNAT Essay Questions; What Is The LNAT Essay? In Section B, you are asked to write one essay in 40 minutes from a list of three proposed subjects. This is designed to test your ability to construct a compelling argument and articulate it in a clear and persuasive manner. The subject matter ...
Understanding the LNAT. LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) is an entrance exam taken by aspiring law students in the UK. The test is divided into two sections: Section A (multiple choice questions) and Section B (essay questions). It is essential to be well-prepared for the exam, and there are various resources available for this purpose.
What is the LNAT Test? Like with many subjects, Oxford and Cambridge require a good score in an admissions test for a candidate to be considered for a place on their Law course - this is the Law National Aptitude Test, frequently called the LNAT. However, unlike some other subjects, the LNAT is also required by many other prestigious institutions across the country, such as the University of ...
The best-selling LNAT preparation guide is back for the 2023 admissions cycle, including: Over 400 practice questions for the LNAT 15 full essays, annotated in detail by LNAT examiners A full walk-through of the techniques and tips needed for success in both sections. If you're applying for Law, you already know that the top universities expect an exceptional LNAT score.
Learn valuable LNAT essay writing tips from Rostrum Education. Elevate your skills in crafting compelling arguments and structuring your responses effectively. Enhance your LNAT performance by mastering essay writing with expert guidance and insights.
Top Tips: LNAT Essay. Plan your Argument Spend 5 minutes planning before you start writing the answer to your chosen question. In the plan you should consider more arguments than needed, so that at this stage, you can choose which arguments are the strongest (ie which would convince the reader the most) and which ones are weaker and thus not ...
This was all about LNAT essay questions. We hope this blog has given you a brief Idea as to how to go about your essay. In case you need additional guidance in navigating various aptitude tests and exams, get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu today! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
Section B: 3 essay questions to choose from - you must answer 1. The essay questions will cover a range of subjects, so it's useful to have knowledge of current affairs. ... LNAT Preparation: Top Tips. To prepare for the LNAT you should start by familiarising yourself with the test. The test is made up of two sections, requiring different ...
Whilst I can't really give direct advice since I haven't taken my LNAT and I also share some of the same concerns, I'll say what seems to work better for my own LNAT essay. Read the question properly and take anywhere from 5-10 minutes planning the structure and arguments (it does help a lot with flow if you follow a logically planned line of ...
You can do two simple things to develop critical thinking skills - read newspapers and critical thinking textbooks. If these are difficult to access, you can learn all about fallacies and assumptions online. 5. Keep Calm and Stay Motivated. Knowing how to prepare for LNAT involves knowing how to stay calm and motivated.