Clarity and Precision in Writing Flashcards
7 cards from real LNAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clarity and Precision in Writing flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes the purpose of using 'shall' versus 'may' in statutory drafting?
Answer: 'Shall' imposes a mandatory obligation; 'may' confers a discretionary permission.
In legal drafting, 'shall' creates a binding duty while 'may' grants an option, and conflating them can fundamentally alter a provision's meaning.
A writer uses the phrase 'in the event that' repeatedly. What is the most precise and concise substitute?
Answer: if
'If' is the precise, direct conditional conjunction that replaces the verbose phrase 'in the event that' without loss of meaning.
Identify the logical flaw in this argument: 'This legislation must be good because it was supported by experienced lawmakers.'
Answer: Appeal to authority
Concluding something is good merely because authorities support it is an appeal to authority fallacy, which does not address the legislation's substantive merits.
Which sentence most clearly expresses a conditional obligation?
Answer: If the tenant pays rent after the fifth of the month, a 5% penalty shall apply.
This sentence specifies the exact condition, the precise consequence, and uses 'shall' to make the penalty mandatory.
What problem arises from using the word 'said' as an adjective in legal writing, as in 'said contract'?
Answer: It is archaic legalese that reduces clarity without adding precision.
Words like 'said,' 'aforementioned,' and 'herein' are outdated legalese that modern plain-language drafting replaces with clear references or the noun itself.
In which scenario is the passive voice most justified in legal writing?
Answer: When the actor is unknown, unimportant, or deliberately withheld.
The passive voice is appropriately used when the agent of an action is irrelevant, unknown, or tactically omitted (e.g., 'Mistakes were made').
Which revision of 'The board had a discussion about and made a decision on the proposal' best improves concision?
Answer: The board discussed and decided on the proposal.
Replacing 'had a discussion about' with 'discussed' and 'made a decision on' with 'decided on' eliminates nominalization while preserving full meaning.