LNAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield LNAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A passage argues: 'A law that is rarely enforced loses its deterrent effect.' A government keeps an unenforced law on the books. What is most strongly implied? → The law's deterrent function has likely weakened due to lack of enforcement.
2. Which of the following best describes a 'moral dilemma' in the context of legal reasoning? → A situation where two morally valid principles produce contradictory conclusions
3. A law professor argues: 'In my view, mandatory minimum sentences are counterproductive.' The phrase 'in my view' indicates: → The statement is an opinion being explicitly signaled as such
4. A student writes a body paragraph without a topic sentence. The likely consequence is: → The reader will struggle to identify what point the paragraph is making
5. A researcher states: 'Studies show that recidivism rates dropped by 15% after the rehabilitation program was introduced.' This is best described as: → Fact, because it references measurable data from studies
6. Identify the series' odd man out: → E
7. Which element is LEAST likely to be a structural component of a formal argument as tested on the LNAT? → A rhetorical exclamation expressing enthusiasm
8. Employers may utilize wage reductions and permanent terminations as a form of discipline for employees who disregard the policy regarding email content. → True
9. Which of the following best illustrates the 'umbrella' approach to thesis construction? → Writing a broad thesis that each body paragraph narrows and supports
10. What distinguishes 'inductive reasoning' from 'deductive reasoning' in LNAT logic questions? → Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to probable general conclusions
11. A scientific study reports that patients who took Drug X recovered 30% faster than those on a placebo. Which of the following would most weaken this conclusion? → The patients who received Drug X also received more frequent nursing check-ins
12. When a passage uses hedging language such as 'may,' 'could,' or 'might,' the author is: → Qualifying statements to acknowledge uncertainty or limitations
13. Which of the following is the clearest way to express the concept of 'prior to the expiration of the applicable limitations period'? → Before the limitations period expires.
14. Natural law theory, as articulated by thinkers like Aquinas, holds that: → Human-made laws derive legitimacy from conformity to universal moral principles
15. In the sentence 'The new law impacts businesses that are small,' what is the main clarity problem? → The adjective 'small' is placed in an unnatural position, creating awkwardness.
16. A passage states: 'Despite public outrage, the court's decision was legally correct.' The phrase 'legally correct' is best classified as: → Opinion, because legal correctness is a judgment about whether law was properly applied
17. Which revision of 'The board had a discussion about and made a decision on the proposal' best improves concision? → The board discussed and decided on the proposal.
18. A barrister's brief states: 'The witness testified that she saw the accused leave at midnight.' This is: → Fact, because it accurately records what the witness said
19. Which technique best prevents readers from misinterpreting a complex multi-part rule? → Using numbering or lettering to separate distinct conditions and consequences.
20. In LNAT legal argument analysis, 'equity' in law traditionally refers to: → A system of fairness-based legal principles developed to supplement common law
21. In the context of the passage, the word 'chilling' in the final sentence most nearly means: → Discouraging or deterring.
22. A passage distinguishes between 'rule utilitarianism' and 'act utilitarianism.' The primary difference is that rule utilitarianism: → Evaluates acts by whether they conform to rules that generally produce the best outcomes.
23. In the argument 'Every law restricts freedom. Therefore, every law is oppressive,' what hidden assumption is the argument relying on? → Any restriction on freedom is automatically oppressive.
24. Which statement about 'background information' in an LNAT argument is accurate? → Background information provides context but may not directly support the conclusion.
25. When evaluating a counterargument in an LNAT passage, which question is LEAST useful? → Is the person making the counterargument likeable?
26. Which of the following is the MOST effective way to open a persuasive LNAT essay? → A direct statement of your thesis followed by a brief roadmap of your argument
27. Why should an LNAT essay avoid ending with phrases like 'In conclusion, as I have shown above'? → They waste words by announcing what the reader already knows rather than adding insight
28. An economist states: 'Rent controls reduce the supply of rental housing over time.' A city introduces rent controls. What is most reasonably inferred? → The city's rental housing supply may decline over time.
29. An editorial reads: 'Every government that has introduced this policy has seen economic growth.' What does this most strongly imply? → There is a correlation between the policy and growth, but causation is not established.
30. What is the most reliable way to determine the 'purpose' of an LNAT passage? → Examining the author's choice of evidence, tone, and overall structure together