What’s on the LSAT? Full Section Breakdown

Thinking about taking the LSAT? You are not alone.

According to recent data, over 176,000 people registered for the LSAT during the 2024 testing year. This isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a test of how you think, read, and argue under pressure. From what I’ve seen as someone who reviews LSAT prep tools often, the biggest change is the removal of logic games. The LSAT now focuses more on logical reasoning and reading comprehension.

In this guide, I’ll break down every section of the current LSAT, explain recent format changes, and share tips I’ve seen help students improve.

Key Takeaways

• Three Scored Sections: Two Logical Reasoning and one Reading Comprehension
• One Unscored Section: Unknown to test takers, but it counts for none of your LSAT score
• Writing Sample Is Still Required: Not scored, but still reviewed by law schools
• No More Logic Games: Analytical reasoning has been eliminated
• LSAT Is Taken at Home: You use your own computer in a secure online setting

Recent LSAT Changes: What to Know

Since 2024, logic games have been removed from the LSAT. The current format includes two Logical Reasoning sections, one Reading Comprehension section, one unscored experimental section, and a required writing sample.

Logical Reasoning Section

Logical reasoning appears twice on the LSAT, making up more than half of your total score. Each section presents short arguments followed by multiple-choice questions.

What It Tests:

• Identifying assumptions
• Spotting logical flaws
• Strengthening or weakening arguments
• Choosing the best-supported conclusion

This is where students improve the most, especially when they review their wrong answers and take practice tests under timed conditions.

Reading Comprehension Section

This section includes four reading passages, each followed by multiple-choice questions. One will be a comparative set where you read two shorter texts and analyze their relationship.

Common Topics Include:

• Law and ethics
• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Natural sciences

The LSAT doesn’t test speed; it tests how well you understand structure, tone, evidence, and implied meaning. Many test takers struggle with timing here, especially on the dual-passage set.

Unscored Writing Sample

After the multiple-choice section, you’ll complete a 35-minute essay based on a decision prompt.
You’ll choose between two options and write a logical, structured response.

Here’s What to Know:

• It’s unscored but required
• It’s completed online on your own computer
• Law schools use it to evaluate your argumentation and writing skills

Some LSAT preparation materials skip over this part. That’s a mistake. In my experience, a careless writing sample can hurt an otherwise strong application.

Is There Still an Experimental Section?

One out of the four multiple-choice sections is experimental and does not count toward your LSAT score. You will not be told which one.

Test makers use the experimental section to try out new questions. It could appear as either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.

💡 Pro Tip: It’s best not to guess which section is experimental since that can lead to avoidable mistakes.

How LSAT Sections Affect Your Final Score

Your LSAT score is based only on three sections: Logical Reasoning Section 1, Logical Reasoning Section 2, and Reading Comprehension. Each section is timed at 35 minutes.

When you complete the test, your results are adjusted and reported as a scaled score from 120 to 180.

How to Prepare for Every Section

Based on what I look for in LSAT prep plans, here are the best ways to improve your LSAT score:

• Take full-length practice exams with real timing
• Review wrong answers to learn patterns in logical reasoning
• Use active reading strategies to improve comprehension
• Write out sample essays under time pressure
• Track your prep and target weak areas first

My Final Verdict

If you’re preparing for the LSAT, understanding the sections is where it starts. From the weight of logical reasoning to the timing challenges in reading comprehension and the overlooked writing sample, each part of the test plays a role. The better you know what’s coming, the better you can prepare. Know the format, sharpen your thinking, and walk into test day with purpose. That’s how you take control of the LSAT.

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