1. LSAT CLASS INTRODUCTION
Have you signed up for the test? When is the test date date?
Who has taken the test before?
Some studying advice
Some day-of-the-test advice
You can repeat the class, anytime! Anywhere in California that it’s offered!
How I can help: my professional background

2. Strategies for Success
LSAT EXAM
Strategies for Success

3. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper

4. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT

5. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT
Essay is not scored, but schools do receive a copy

6. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT
Essay is not scored, but schools will receive a copy
Know what schools can do with it

7. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT
Essay is not scored, but schools will receive a copy
Know what schools can do with it
Screening device

8. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT
Essay is not scored, but schools will receive a copy
Know what schools can do with it
Screening device
Check continuity with prepared statements

9. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT
Essay is not scored, but schools will receive a copy
Know what schools can do with it
Screening device
Check continuity with prepared statements
Tie breaker between candidates

10. LSAT Essay Introduction
35 minutes; one topic; about 1 ¾ pages of lined paper
Last test section of the LSAT
Essay is not scored, but schools will receive a copy
Know what schools can do with it
Screening device
Check continuity with prepared statements
Tie breaker between candidates
Ultimately represents skills lawyers use

11. LSAT Essay Format The Decision Prompt:
Given a scenario, you must choose a course of action between two options, arguing for one and against the other.

12. LSAT Essay Format The Decision Prompt:
Given a scenario, you must choose a course of action between two options arguing for one and against the other.
Use STRONG, PERSUASIVE WRITING to convince the reader your choice is the best.

13. LSAT Essay Format The Decision Prompt:
Given a scenario, you must choose a course of action between two options arguing for one and against the other.
Use STRONG, PERSUASIVE WRITING to convince the reader your choice is the best.
You are always given TWO CRITERIA to make your decision.

14. Sample Essay Scenarios
A jazz musician must decide which of two jobs to accept.
The two criteria:
He wants as much artistic freedom as possible.
He wants a steady income.
The two choices:
One job offer is at a jazz club.
The other job offer is for writing commercial jingoes.

15. A city has a waterfront tract and must decide between two proposals for the land.
The two criteria:
The city wants to reverse declining population and employment.
The city wants to boost dwindling tourist economy.
The two choices:
An industrial complex that will offer many jobs in green technologies and facility tours.
A nature park with boat rentals and family entertainment.

16. Remember to…
Base your decision on the specific criteria and how closely your choice fits.
Argue for your choice and against the other (but not in a straight pro-con fashion).
Not worry; there’s no “right” choice.
Choose the option you can argue for best.

17. Essay Suggestions
Get right to the point; state your choice in the introduction.

18. Essay Suggestions
Get right to the point; state your choice in the introduction.
Do use the facts in the choice description.

19. Essay Suggestions
Get right to the point; state your choice in the introduction.
Do use the facts in the choice description.
Do not restate the obvious; infer and analyze why your choice is the best.

20. Essay Suggestions
Get right to the point; state your choice in the introduction.
Do use the facts in the choice description.
Do not restate the obvious; infer and analyze why your choice is the best.
Try to use the most sophisticated language and style that you can.

21. Essay Suggestions
Get right to the point; state your choice in the introduction.
Do use the facts in the choice description.
Do not restate the obvious; infer and analyze why your choice is the best.
Try to use the most sophisticated language and style that you can.
Indent paragraphs clearly.

22. Essay Suggestions
Get right to the point; state your choice in the introduction.
Do use the facts in the choice description.
Do not restate the obvious; infer and analyze why your choice is the best.
Try to use the most sophisticated language and style that you can.
Indent paragraphs clearly.
Use the scratch paper provided to organize.

23. Timing the Essay
Take 2—3 minutes to read the topic carefully and actively.

24. Timing the Essay
Take 2—3 minutes to read the topic carefully and actively.
5 minutes to plan the essay (we’ll do this together in class today).

25. Timing the Essay
Take 2—3 minutes to read the topic carefully and actively.
5 minutes to plan the essay (we’ll do this together in class today).
Planning Goals:
Gather evidence for each choice via the two criteria.
Choose which option you’ll argue for.
Organize your paragraphs and examples.

26. Timing the Essay
Take 2—3 minutes to read the topic carefully and actively.
5 minutes to plan the essay.
25 minutes to write the essay.

27. Timing the Essay
Take 2—3 minutes to read the topic carefully and actively.
5 minutes to plan the essay
25 minutes to write the essay
2—3 minutes to proofread.

28. Essential Essay Skills
Write On Topic!

29. Essential Essay Skills
Write On Topic!
Use strong Organization.

30. Essential Essay Skills
Write On Topic!
Use strong Organization
Use thorough DEVELOPMENT!!!

31. Essential Essay Skills
Write On Topic!
Use strong Organization
Use thorough DEVELOPMENT!!!
Use Adult Standard Written English

32. LSAT Essay Final Advice
Practice the planning several times.
Write an essay without worrying about the timing.
Write a different topic within 35 minutes.
Repeat as necessary for comfort and development.
Analyze for the four essential skills.

33. You Can Do It!
GOOD LUCK
ON THE
LSAT EXAM!