LNAT Essay Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which transition phrase is most appropriate when introducing a concession in an LNAT essay?
- Therefore
- Admittedly (Correct answer)
- In conclusion
- Furthermore
Correct answer: Admittedly
'Admittedly' signals that you are conceding a point before countering it, demonstrating intellectual honesty.
Question 2: When the LNAT prompt states 'Discuss,' the correct approach is to:
- Simply list facts about the topic without taking a position
- Present multiple perspectives and ultimately defend a reasoned conclusion of your own (Correct answer)
- Write a narrative story related to the topic
- Define all key terms only and leave the argument to the reader
Correct answer: Present multiple perspectives and ultimately defend a reasoned conclusion of your own
'Discuss' prompts require engagement with competing views before arriving at a supported personal conclusion.
Question 3: In a 40-minute LNAT essay session, approximately how much time should be spent planning before writing?
- 0 minutes — start writing immediately to maximize length
- 5–8 minutes to outline the argument and structure (Correct answer)
- 25 minutes to ensure every point is fully planned
- Planning is not useful for essay-style questions
Correct answer: 5–8 minutes to outline the argument and structure
A brief but focused plan ensures the essay is structured and prevents mid-essay direction changes that waste time.
Question 4: Which of the following best illustrates an evaluative claim rather than a descriptive one?
- Many countries have adopted mandatory voting laws.
- Mandatory voting increases turnout by an average of 12%.
- Mandatory voting is preferable to voluntary voting because it prevents the systematic under-representation of lower-income groups. (Correct answer)
- Mandatory voting is practised in Australia and Belgium.
Correct answer: Mandatory voting is preferable to voluntary voting because it prevents the systematic under-representation of lower-income groups.
An evaluative claim asserts why something is better or worse based on a stated reason, which is what LNAT markers reward.
Question 5: An essay arguing that 'free speech should have no legal limits' would be strengthened most by:
- Ignoring cases where speech caused harm
- Acknowledging harms caused by unrestricted speech and explaining why legal intervention is still unjustified (Correct answer)
- Listing historical examples of censorship only
- Appealing to the reader's emotions about free expression
Correct answer: Acknowledging harms caused by unrestricted speech and explaining why legal intervention is still unjustified
Engaging honestly with the strongest objection and rebutting it makes the argument more persuasive and credible.
Question 6: Which error is most damaging to the logical structure of an LNAT essay?
- Using a semi-colon incorrectly
- Changing your main argument partway through the essay without signalling the shift (Correct answer)
- Using British rather than American spelling
- Including a personal anecdote in the conclusion
Correct answer: Changing your main argument partway through the essay without signalling the shift
Inconsistent argumentation destroys coherence and signals to examiners a lack of analytical clarity.
Question 7: The conclusion of an LNAT essay should primarily:
- Introduce a new argument that strengthens your case at the last moment
- Restate the thesis word-for-word and add a motivational quote
- Synthesize the main points and reaffirm the thesis in light of the argument made (Correct answer)
- Summarize both sides equally to appear balanced
Correct answer: Synthesize the main points and reaffirm the thesis in light of the argument made
A strong conclusion draws together the threads of the argument and shows how they collectively support your position.
LNAT Essay Writing 3
Which transition phrase is most appropriate when introducing a concession in an LNAT essay?