Test Structure

The LSAT consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions and one 30-minute writing sample. Only four of the five sections are scored. The fifth section is experimental where new items are tested. The writing sample is not scored but copies of the sample are sent to all law schools to which a candidate applies. The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120 to 180.
In keeping with its predictability, every LSAT consists of the same basic elements. There are six of these basic elements to every LSAT -- sections, directions, statements, questions, answers, and time.

While they are commonly referred to as test sections, these elements are, in fact, separate tests. It is important to understand that each LSAT consists of five of these tests, as well as a Writing Sample. Although there is only one LSAT score, there are five different tests on every LSAT.

A section is defined by time and by the type of questions it contains. Each test section is 35 minutes long. One section consists of questions about reading passages (sometimes referred to as reading comprehension questions). This is the Passages section. It is scored. One section consists of questions about relationships (sometimes referred to as analytical or logicgames questions). This is the Relationships section. It also is scored. Two sections consist of questions about arguments (sometimes referred to as logical reasoning questions). These are the Arguments sections. They, too, are scored.

There is one so-called Experimental section. This section is not scored. It is used to test questions for use on future editions of the LSAT. It consists of the same types of questions as are included in one of the scored sections.

Last and least, there is a Writing Sample . The Writing Sample is provided to law schools along with your test score, but it is not scored.

Each section comes with directions. The directions tell you what you are expected to do on that section. Directions are important.

A statement precedes most question and answer-choice sets. The statement provides certain information, some of which is relevant to the questions and answer choices that follow the statement. It is easy to confuse statements and questions.

注：LSAT是美国法律 硕士 研究生 的入学考试，这项考试1994年2月第一次在中国大陆举行，目前全国只有北京一个考点。