LNAT Structuring a Coherent Essay 4

Question 1

In essay writing, 'coherence' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

The logical flow and connectedness of ideas across the essay

Answer

Coherence is the quality of the essay's ideas connecting smoothly and logically, so the reader can follow the argument without confusion.

Question 2

A student writes a body paragraph without a topic sentence. The likely consequence is:

Accepted Answer

The reader will struggle to identify what point the paragraph is making

Answer

Without a topic sentence, the paragraph's purpose is unclear, forcing the reader to infer the argument rather than follow it.

Question 3

Which of the following best illustrates the 'umbrella' approach to thesis construction?

Accepted Answer

Writing a broad thesis that each body paragraph narrows and supports

Answer

An umbrella thesis is broad enough to encompass all body paragraph arguments, giving the essay a unified direction.

Question 4

An essay arguing that mandatory sentencing laws should be repealed is most structurally sound if its body paragraphs address:

Accepted Answer

The effect on judicial discretion, disproportionate impact on minorities, and lack of deterrence evidence—each in a distinct paragraph

Answer

Distinct paragraphs covering separate dimensions of the argument build a cumulative, multi-faceted case that is both logical and thorough.

Question 5

What is the risk of using a 'stream of consciousness' writing style in an LNAT essay?

Accepted Answer

Ideas will flow in an unstructured way, making the argument difficult to evaluate

Answer

Stream of consciousness writing lacks deliberate structure, producing essays where the argument is buried or absent rather than clearly advanced.

LNAT - Law National Aptitude Test Practice Test