Essay 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 Essay Writing flashcards as text
Which of the following is a logical fallacy that LNAT essays should avoid?
Answer: Identifying a correlation and treating it as definitive proof of causation
Confusing correlation with causation is a classic logical fallacy that undermines analytical credibility.
If an LNAT essay prompt contains the word 'critically evaluate,' the essay should:
Answer: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the statement and reach a reasoned overall judgment
'Critically evaluate' requires weighing merits and limitations before delivering a substantiated conclusion.
Which sentence best demonstrates appropriate hedging in an LNAT essay?
Answer: Some empirical studies suggest a weak deterrent effect, though the evidence remains contested.
Appropriate hedging reflects genuine uncertainty while still engaging substantively with the evidence.
When developing an argument about a legal or ethical topic, the most reliable analytical tool is:
Answer: Identifying the underlying principles at stake (e.g., autonomy, justice, harm) and applying them consistently
Identifying and applying consistent principles demonstrates the kind of analytical reasoning law schools seek.
An LNAT essay should avoid which of the following writing habits?
Answer: Using passive voice exclusively throughout the essay to sound formal
Exclusive use of passive voice makes arguments vague and difficult to follow; active voice generally produces clearer reasoning.
Which approach to defining key terms in an LNAT essay is most effective?
Answer: Defining contested or ambiguous terms early and explaining how your definition shapes your argument
Defining genuinely contested terms and linking the definition to your argument demonstrates analytical precision.
A student writes: 'Laws against hate speech are wrong because they restrict free speech, and restricting free speech is always wrong.' This argument is an example of:
Answer: Begging the question, since the conclusion is simply restated as the premise
Assuming what you set out to prove — rather than providing independent support — is the fallacy of begging the question.