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The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is used as part of the admission process to help in the selection for the undergraduate law courses. The exam comprises of two parts: [1] multiple choice questions based on passages of text, and [2] an essay. Details about the LNAT test are available online:  http://www.lnat.ac.uk/  

The Law Faculty offers an LNAT essay marking training session in Week 2 of MT for graduate students and faculty members who will be marking applicant’s LNAT essays. The session lasts 90 minutes and consists of discussion about marking criteria followed by practical exercises using anonymised LNAT essays from previous years. 

The purpose of the scheme is to ensure consistency of marking and this can only be achieved if as many of those marking as possible attend this session. Consistency helps all of us, particularly when de-summoning candidates and when interviewing candidates from other colleges. 

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UCL Faculty of Laws

LNAT Advice and Guidance

Find out more about the LNAT and how to prepare for the test

Book your LNAT test here.

Don't forget - All applicants to UCL Laws Undergraduate Programmes must take the LNAT  alongside their UCAS application.

All applicants to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL Laws must take the LNAT alongside the UCAS application. You must take the test  no later than  31 December 2023 (some universities have earlier deadlines).

Please note that applicants who register for the LNAT just before the registration deadline may experience difficulties obtaining an available test slot by 31 December 2023 due to high demand. We recommend registering and booking the test as early as possible to avoid this problem.

If you do not take the LNAT by the 31 December 2023 deadline, your application will be regarded as a late application, and therefore we will not be able to consider you for a place on one of our LLB degree programmes in the relevant admissions cycle, even if your original application was submitted by the UCAS deadline of 31 January 2024.

Test Centres

You can register to take the LNAT at a test centre near you: the LNAT has 500 test centres in 165 countries around the world.

If you are unable to take the LNAT because there are no test centres in your home country, or your local test centres are closed due to an enforced lockdown relating to COVID-19, please contact [email protected] before 31 December 2023 and include your UCAS ID number so we can make appropriate checks. We will be able to provide an alternative test if you are unable to book a test at an official test centre.

LNAT bursaries

LNAT have a bursary system under which they waive the test fee altogether for those in receipt of certain state benefits in their country of residence. This applies to UK and EU applicants only, sitting at UK and EU test centres only.

For more information please visit the LNAT bursaries website .

Reasonable adjustments

If you require special arrangements for the LNAT please follow the instructions on the LNAT website well in advance of the deadline. If you are struggling to get a test arranged, please get in touch with us ahead of the LNAT deadline.

Extenuating circumstances

Before the test If you feel unwell (mental or physical) before your test, we suggest that you reschedule your test rather than sitting your LNAT examination. If you decide to take the test when you are unwell, we will have no way of knowing how you would have done if you had not been unwell and will therefore not be able to take into consideration your circumstances.

To confirm, if you attend the exam you are declaring you are fit to do so and the mark you achieve will stand. You will not be permitted to receive any additional consideration from UCL Laws relating to that assessment unless you fall into the category below.

During the test If there is an incident while you are sitting the test (e.g. a fire alarm or you suddenly fall ill), the test centre will do what it can to minimise the disruption (and to let you finish your test if you are well). The incident will be logged and you will be given an incident number by the test centre staff. Once you have your incident number you need to contact the LNAT Consortium at once so that the incident can be investigated and, where appropriate, a resit test offered (please request a resit if your test was negatively affected).

If you were unable to continue with your test due to a sudden illness, you will need to request an approved resit from LNAT. We will then disregard your first attempt and use your resit score, even if your original score is higher than your resit.

More information on test day problems can be found on the LNAT website .

About the LNAT

The LNAT measures the reasoning skills at the heart of legal education, including:

• comprehension
• interpretation

The LNAT is a two-part test. The first part includes multiple-choice questions based on passages of text, and the second part requires you to answer one of three essay questions. The LNAT is a computer-based test and lasts for two hours and 15 minutes.

When you have completed the test, your scores from the multiple-choice section are checked by computer, and a mark out of 42 is created. This mark is known as the LNAT score. Your LNAT score and your essay will be sent to participating universities, including UCL. Your results from the LNAT are then used to supplement your university application and demonstrate your aptitude for studying undergraduate law.

You are advised to familiarise yourself with the style and the format of the test before you take it. The LNAT website provides lots of resources and information to help you prepare for the test and what to expect.

• Find out more about how to register and book a test on the LNAT website .

LNAT Guidance from UCL Laws 

Our top tips for preparing for the LNAT

1)  The test is designed to provide an assessment of a candidate’s potential for studying law. You should read the information available on the LNAT website , including the ‘ Guide to Preparing for the LNAT ’.

2) Practise, practise, practise.

• The best way to improve at anything is to practise, and the LNAT is no different. You are only allowed one attempt at the LNAT, so the more practise you do now the better prepared you will be. Start with small steps now.

3) The LNAT must be completed at a test centre, and this will be an unfamiliar place, using unfamiliar software. One of the best things you can do to familiarise yourself beforehand in order that you’re able to perform as your best without being unsettled by the environment is to use the official LNAT test simulator . This will familiarise you with the real LNAT as it will appear on screen during your LNAT test. You’ll be able to practise navigating the screens, ensuring you:

1) Don’t make any mistakes in navigation (such as ending the test too early!),

2) That you’re comfortable using the navigation so that you don’t need to spend time and your precious mental energy figuring it out on the day, and

3) Feel familiar with the environment and are therefore able to relax, as it’s something you’ve seen before.

That way you will be able to perform well in the test itself.

• As well as practising to learn about the test structure itself, you can also benefit from practising the individual components of the test, namely the multiple choice question section (95 minutes) and the essay component (40 minutes).
• The multiple choice section is divided into 12 sub sections; each sub section has between 3 and 4 questions giving 42 questions in total. Each question has only one correct answer.
• Improve your ability to read and comprehend complicated passages of text, at test speed..
• Get an understanding of how much time you need to allocate to answer the questions within the time limit.
• Be able to pace yourself and your reading time appropriately so that you don’t run out of time at the end.
• It’s better to have time to consider and answer all of the questions, than taking too long at the start and not having the time to properly consider the later questions.
• Don’t forget that if you are really struggling on a question, that it is OK to leave it and return at the end if you have time. Don’t let getting stuck on one question deflect your concentration from answering the others or dent your confidence. You are not expected to get full marks in this test.
• Don’t overanalyse the questions – they are not there to trick you. Do think carefully about every word in the question. What are you being asked? The answer is in the text.  

4) The LNAT essay provides a choice of three essay questions, you must select and answer one.

• The LNAT as a whole is designed to assess your verbal reasoning skills. Skills which are essential to the successful study of law.
• Verbal reasoning skills include comprehension, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, and deduction.
• The LNAT questions are based on short passages of text that you are given during the test.
• There is no subject-specific revision you can do for the LNAT questions. However, the passages of text will fall into these seven general categories: law, philosophy, politics, media, science, ethics, and education.In fact, relying too much on your own prior knowledge can be a false friend in this kind of assessment. Do not rely on what you know from other sources in answering the multiple-choice questions. The questions are always only about the passage itself. If there is something in the passage you disagree with or know to be incorrect, that does not matter, treat the passage as true for the purposes of the test.
• Once again, there is no prior knowledge of these areas that is required to be able to do well in the test, but a general awareness of current affairs is recommended, both by UCL and by the LNAT itself.

LNAT Essay Guidance

• Comprehensiveness and accuracy;
• Clarity of argument and expression;
• Integration of a range of arguments;
• Insight into the theoretical issues.
• ‘Read ahead – The more you know about current affairs, the greater the chance you will have of getting essay questions you understand and have some prior knowledge and familiarity with.
• Read a broadsheet newspaper. The advice provided on the LNAT website is worth repeating:

As you read -

• Think about the issues being raised;
• What assumptions are being made?
• What information is being relied on to draw which conclusion?
• How would you frame a counterargument?

Reading a quality daily newspaper will help you to be aware of the world around you. The LNAT essay topics will not be specifically about current affairs, and you will not be judged by what facts you know. But knowing how the world ticks, in general terms, will help you to write intelligently about a host of different topics.

• We have listed some newspapers below worth considering. You can read the online versions (usually freely available, although registration may be required). If you do read the online versions, remember to read the comment pieces as well as the news. (One question you might ask yourself: What exactly is the difference between news and comment? Is the contrast really apparent in practice?)
• The Economist
• The Financial Times
• The Guardian
• The Independent
• The Irish Times
• The New York Times
• The Scotsman
• The Sydney Morning Herald
• The Daily Telegraph
• The Washington Post

Pick the right question – Identify which question you have lots of knowledge about, not necessarily the one that you feel most strongly about. You will need to argue different points of view so make sure you have enough information to make a balanced discussion. Make sure you fully understand the question; if you don’t, pick another question.

• Plan the structure of your essay – You will only have 40 minutes, so before you start writing, think about what points you want to make and how you will create a concise, balanced argument on your chosen topic. Make sure the structure of your essay is logical and progresses in a structured way.
• Plan your time – A common mistake is for students to spend too much time on writing their introduction or making a single point. Allocate time to planning the essay structure, writing the introduction, middle, conclusion and to checking your work.
• Make your essay stand out – Consider what supporting evidence your argument has and how it can be used to best effect. Try not to be obvious and give ‘middle of the road’ bland answers. Instead, try to ‘think outside the box’ and demonstrate creativity in your arguments. Could the question itself be flawed?
• Evaluate any flaws or potential implications in the points you make. Don’t just give opinions – Without having an in-depth knowledge of a subject, it is easy to fall into the trap of using opinion to argue, rather than giving evidence. The essay is not looking for your assertions, but how you can build a case using the evidence you have available.’
• Practise writing essays under timed conditions on a computer, prior to sitting the test. Ask your teachers to set questions for you!

LNAT Essay Questions

What is the lnat essay, how do the universities assess the essay, tips to prepare for the lnat essay task, example lnat essay questions.

In Section B, you are asked to write one essay in 40 minutes from a list of three proposed subjects. This is designed to test your ability to construct a compelling argument and articulate it in a clear and persuasive manner. The subject matter typically covers topical issues in society, politics, philosophy, or ethical debates.

The essay should demonstrate a strong understanding of the subject matter and a critical approach to the issue. This includes the ability to weigh different viewpoints, provide relevant examples or evidence, and derive a reasoned conclusion. Clarity of expression, good grammar, and correct spelling are also important.

The specific criteria can vary among universities, but commonly, they look for the following in the essay:

• Argumentation : Can you construct a coherent, persuasive argument? This includes your ability to present your points logically, use evidence effectively, and address counter-arguments or alternative viewpoints.
• Understanding of the Topic : Do you demonstrate a clear understanding of the issue at hand? This can be shown through your discussion of the subject matter and the points you choose to raise.
• Critical Thinking : Are you able to think critically and analytically about the issue? This includes your ability to scrutinize different viewpoints and question assumptions.
• Clarity of Expression : How well do you express your ideas? This includes your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and general use of English.
• Organization : Is your essay well-organized? A clear introduction, logical progression of ideas, and a strong conclusion are signs of a well-structured essay.

Remember, the LNAT essay is not just about your knowledge of the topic, but rather how you apply that knowledge in formulating a balanced, reasoned argument.

It's important to note that universities will use the LNAT score in conjunction with other factors (such as academic performance, personal statement, references, and interview performance, if applicable) to make a decision about your application.

Understand the Test

Brush up your writing skills, practice critical thinking, keep up with current affairs, plan your essay, practice under test conditions, revise and review, understand different perspectives, don’t sit on the fence, proofread your work.

Remember, the most effective preparation is consistent and regular practice over time. Don't expect to perfect your skills overnight. Start preparing as early as possible, and work on improving steadily.

LNAT does not release the exact questions that have appeared on past tests. However, here are some hypothetical examples of the type of essay prompts you might encounter. These questions typically require you to take a stance on a controversial or moral issue, presenting an argument that justifies your position.

• "Should a democratic society tolerate speech that promotes hatred or incites violence?"
• "Is it justified for a government to restrict civil liberties in the name of national security?"
• "Is capital punishment ever morally justifiable?"
• "Should governments have the power to regulate content on social media platforms?"
• "Is it ethical to use animals in medical research?"
• "Are governments justified in imposing strict measures to combat climate change even if such measures may negatively impact economic growth?"
• "Is there a moral obligation for wealthy nations to assist poorer ones?"
• "Is it necessary for society to impose limitations on scientific research and why?"
• "Does the right to privacy outweigh the public’s right to know?"
• "Do the benefits of artificial intelligence outweigh the potential risks?"

Remember, in your response, you should develop a clear argument, consider and address counter-arguments or alternative viewpoints, provide relevant examples, and draw a reasoned conclusion.

For more help with writing high scoring LNAT essays and for more LNAT section B practice questions have a look at our LNAT course... click here .

Your Complete Guide to The LNAT

As universities seek more than academic achievements, this guide navigates through the essence of LNAT, unveiling its structure, purpose, and the vital skills it evaluates. Join us on this journey, as we decode the pathways to success in the world of undergraduate law admissions.

Table of Contents

What Is The LNAT?

Embarking on the journey toward undergraduate law studies requires a clear understanding of the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). As an aspiring law student, this section is designed to equip you with essential information to navigate this critical examination effectively.

The LNAT serves as a key tool for universities in selecting candidates for their undergraduate law courses. Unlike conventional assessments, the LNAT doesn’t test your knowledge of law; instead, it evaluates your aptitude for the skills essential to studying law .

Delving deeper, let’s explore how the LNAT fits into the broader landscape of university law admissions. By complementing other admission processes such as the UCAS application and academic qualifications, the LNAT aids universities in making fair and informed choices from a pool of highly-qualified applicants.

Understanding the overarching purpose of the LNAT is foundational to appreciating its significance in your law school journey. It goes beyond mere test preparation ; it’s about showcasing your potential to thrive in the challenging yet rewarding environment of undergraduate law programmes.

What Is The Structure Of The LNAT?

To master the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT ), it’s crucial to comprehend its distinctive two-part structure. 

Two-Part Examination:

The LNAT stands out for its unique design, encompassing two distinct sections that assess various facets of your capabilities. This understanding is fundamental to tailoring your preparation effectively.

Understanding the structure of the LNAT sets the foundation for effective preparation. In the subsequent sections, we’ll break down each component, offering actionable strategies and insights to ensure you navigate the LNAT with confidence and success.

LNAT Section A

In the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), Section A serves as the gateway to assessing your comprehension skills and analytical thinking. This section is a nuanced examination, delving into various facets that demand a keen understanding. Let’s explore the intricacies of LNAT Section A and equip you with actionable strategies to navigate it effectively, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the test.

Reading Passages and Comprehension Questions:

Reading passages in Section A are pivotal components of the LNAT test. It involves a computer-based multiple-choice exam where you’ll read passages and answer questions, evaluating your comprehension skills. Identifying key themes within passages becomes crucial, allowing you to streamline your comprehension process effectively.

Practice navigating through dense information, focusing on main ideas, and strategically skipping over less crucial details . Time management is a key component here; allocate specific time for each passage and question, honing your speed and accuracy through timed practice sessions.

Scoring System and LNAT Score:

Understanding the LNAT scoring system is paramount for optimising your performance. Your scores from the multiple-choice section of the test are computer-checked, resulting in a mark out of 42 known as your LNAT score . Recognising the contribution of each question to your overall score is essential, prioritising accuracy over speed.

Avoid common pitfalls, such as falling for misleading answer choices, and develop a critical eye to spot nuances in questions. This comprehensive approach ensures you navigate Section A with a strategic mindset , maximising your chances of a favourable LNAT score.

What Does the LNAT Section A Test?

LNAT Section A goes beyond testing mere comprehension; it evaluates your ability to critically analyse information . Engage in analytical thinking exercises to sharpen your skills, summarising passages in your own words, identifying implicit assumptions, and developing a keen sense of discernment.

Mock tests serve as invaluable tools for simulating the LNAT environment, allowing you to identify patterns in your performance and develop targeted strategies for improvement. As we guide you through this comprehensive LNAT exploration, remember that thorough preparation is the key to unlocking your potential in the test. Next, our journey continues to LNAT Section B, delving into the art of essay writing and providing you with tools to excel in this unique aspect of the examination.

LNAT Section B

This section is a nuanced examination, delving into the intricacies of essay writing in the Law National Aptitude Test. Let’s explore LNAT Section B in detail and equip you with actionable strategies to excel in this unique aspect of the examination.

Topics and Selection:

In LNAT Section B, your writing journey begins with the selection of a suitable topic from a list of three proposed subjects. This choice is pivotal, offering you the opportunity to showcase your interests and strengths.

To make an informed selection, delve into the list thoughtfully. Choose a topic that resonates with you, aligns with your perspectives, and allows you to articulate a compelling argument. This approach ensures your essay reflects not only your analytical prowess but also your unique voice.

Non-scoring Nature and Its Role:

Unlike Section A, Section B does not directly contribute to your LNAT score. However, its role is far from negligible. This section is not marked by the test centre and does not impact your numeric score . Still, it plays a vital role in showcasing your analytical writing skills—a key aspect of your overall aptitude for law studies.

Universities use your essay to gauge your ability to construct a cohesive argument, analyse complex issues, and present a well-structured response . As you approach this section, understand that while it won’t impact your LNAT score, it provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities in constructing compelling arguments and reaching insightful conclusions.

What Does the LNAT Section B Test?

LNAT Section B places a premium on your ability to craft a persuasive argument and showcase analytical writing skills. To navigate this effectively, start by honing your essay-writing capabilities. Practice constructing clear thesis statements, organising your thoughts logically, and presenting well-supported arguments.

Delve into past essay topics, dissecting the nuances of each to understand the expectations. As you prepare, focus not just on the content but also on the structure and clarity of your expression. This comprehensive approach ensures you approach LNAT Section B with a solid foundation and strategic mindset. 

The next section of this guide will provide you with actionable strategies for mastering the art of writing an LNAT essay, ensuring you excel in this unique aspect of the examination.

How to Write An LNAT Essay

As we delve into the final section of our LNAT guide, the focus turns to the art of crafting an impressive LNAT essay —an integral aspect of the examination where your ability to construct compelling arguments and conclusions takes centre stage. Let’s explore actionable strategies to guide you through the essay-writing process and ensure you present a persuasive a nd well-structured response.

Importance of Preparation

Preparing for the LNAT essay goes beyond content knowledge; it’s about refining your writing skills and strategic thinking. Familiarise yourself with various essay structures, understand how to develop a coherent argument, and practice expressing your thoughts concisely. 

Prioritise clarity and precision in your writing, ensuring that your ideas are communicated effectively.

Recommended Strategies

1. Understand the Question:

Before diving into your essay, take the time to thoroughly understand the question. Identify key terms and nuances to ensure your response directly addresses the prompt.

2. Plan Your Response:

Outline your essay before starting to write. Organise your thoughts logically, ensuring a smooth flow from the introduction to the conclusion. A well-structured plan lays the foundation for a compelling essay.

3. Support Your Argument:

Back your arguments with evidence and examples. Whether drawing from real-life scenarios or legal precedents, solidify your position with well-supported points.

4. Balance Perspectives:

Acknowledge different perspectives on the issue at hand. A well-rounded essay considers counterarguments, showcasing your ability to analyse complex issues comprehensively.

5. Conclude Effectively:

Craft a conclusion that summarises your main points and reinforces your stance. Leave the reader with a lasting impression, emphasising the strength of your argument and the coherence of your essay.

The Bottom Line:

By incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to approach the LNAT essay with confidence . Remember that this section provides a unique opportunity to showcase your analytical writing skills, and a well-crafted essay can leave a lasting impression on university admissions teams. 

As you embark on your essay-writing journey, keep in mind that the skills honed here extend beyond the LNAT and will serve you well in your future academic endeavours. 

And if you’re looking for expert tutors. We can help you prepare for the test with our LNAT tutoring programme, increasing success by 40%.

Best of luck on your LNAT journey!

How much time should I allocate for LNAT Section A to ensure optimal performance?

While individual pacing may vary, allocating approximately 1.8 to 2 minutes per question in LNAT Section A is a strategic approach. This allows sufficient time for thoughtful reading of passages and precise answering. Practice under timed conditions to refine your time management skills and strike the right balance between speed and accuracy.

Is it advisable to choose a complex topic for my LNAT essay to stand out?

While a unique perspective is valuable, clarity and depth of argumentation are paramount. It’s essential to choose a topic you understand well and can analyse effectively within the given time frame. Focus on presenting a well-supported argument rather than opting for complexity for its own sake.

Can I bring extra materials, such as notes or a dictionary, to the LNAT examination?

No, the LNAT is a closed-book examination, and you are not allowed to bring any additional materials into the test centre. This includes notes, dictionaries, or any other reference materials. Familiarise yourself with the test conditions during practice to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on test day.

What is the role of critical thinking in LNAT Section A?

Critical thinking is central to LNAT Section A, where you are required to analyse and comprehend complex passages. It involves evaluating information objectively, identifying underlying assumptions, and drawing logical conclusions. Developing your critical thinking skills through regular practice and exposure to diverse materials will enhance your performance in this section.

Can I skip questions in LNAT Section A and come back to them later?

Yes, you can skip questions in LNAT Section A and return to them later. Managing your time effectively is crucial, and if a particular question proves challenging, move on to ensure you answer as many questions as possible. Remember to mark questions you skip for easy identification when reviewing your responses.

Are there penalties for incorrect answers in LNAT Section A?

No, there are no penalties for incorrect answers in LNAT Section A. Your score is based solely on the number of correct answers. Therefore, it is advisable to attempt all questions, even if you are uncertain about some. This strategy maximises your chances of earning points without the risk of deductions for incorrect responses.

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The Complete Guide On How to Ace the LNAT 2024 and 2025

• Revised & updated LNAT 2024 Edition
• 30 Full-Length Practice Tests
• 360 LNAT-Style Passages
• 1,260 Multiple-Choice Questions
• All Answers Include Explanations
• 90 Essay Questions - with model answers
• Access for 12 months from the date of purchase
• Option to Repeat All Tests Thrice for Enhanced Practice
• Random Shuffling of Answers for Repeat Practice Sessions
• Try the Free Full Length LNAT 2024 Practice Test

The Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) was started by some of the popular Russell Group of Universities, to assist them in shortlisting and selecting students for their Law programs, from among the thousands who applied every year.

The LNAT helps understanding the abilities and competencies of the applicants from a perspective of their suitability to study the undergraduate law programs.

The LNAT is intended to assess your intellectual aptitude rather than your expertise in a specific subject.

Considering that applicants from diverse backgrounds apply for the Law programs, the LNAT is a standardized test that presents a similar challenge to all test-takers.

The ground rule for the LNAT is that no specific external knowledge is required or expected from the candidates. All the MCQs in section A need to be answered strictly on the basis of the information within the passages. There are no facts or figures to memorize for the text.

The LNAT does not have any pass or fail marks. The maximum marks that can be scored are 42 (out of 42), in Section A, which is automatically graded by the system.

The LNAT essay is sent ‘as is’ to the universities, to be internally assessed by them as per their specific criteria.

Unlike some other tests (e.g., GMAT), you can sit for the LNAT only once in every admission cycle. Therefore, it is very important to make your attempt count!

Format of the LNAT 2024

The LNAT is divided into two sections and candidates have 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes) in total to complete the test.

Section A – There will be 42 multiple-choice questions based on 12 passages, each accompanied by three or four questions. Test-takers have 95 minutes to answer all questions.

Section B – candidates are given 40 minutes to respond to one of three essay questions on various topics. Candidates are expected to write an essay of between 500 – 700 words in length.

Any time saved in one section cannot be carried over to the other section.

Typically, we have seen that candidates are pressed for time in section A; and not so much in section B.

LNAT 2024 Section A – Explained

In section A, there will be 12 passages in total. 6 passages will have 3 questions following them and 6 will have four questions.

So, in total there will be 42 questions – each carrying 1 mark.

There is no negative marking in the LNAT, therefore, the minimum marks a candidate can theoretically score is 0 and the maximum is 42.

As per the official information, the passages for LNAT section A, will cover seven broad areas:

This list of seven is very deceptive – since most newspaper articles, book extracts or general essays will fit into one of these categories. Don’t believe it? Just pick any article from today’s Guardian website and it can be classified under one of these seven topics.

In short, the passages in the LNAT may be derived from anywhere and on any subject.

While no prior knowledge of any specific subject is necessary, practically speaking, having a good general awareness is beneficial.

While designing the LawMint LNAT practice tests, we analysed the lengths of the LNAT passages, and we found that they are typically between 400 to 700 words in length. With some exceptions, a majority of them are closer to 500 words.

We have ensured that the passages in our LNAT practice tests cover a wide range of topics; and average around 500 words.

Time management for Section A of LNAT

The LNAT is not a difficult test per se. If taking the test without any time constraint, many candidates can score 35+.

However, the average LNAT score of all test takers in the recent cycles has hovered a little over the 50% mark, i.e., 22/42. Why is that?

The key to getting a high MCQ score in the LNAT is time management.

Candidates will have 95 minutes to complete section A, which has 42 questions – which means that on an average, test takers will have 135 seconds per question – a little over 2 minutes per question.

You will have to read the passage, read the questions and the answer options and select the correct answer, all within 2 minutes per question.

• 6 passages will have 3 questions each – that translates to 6 minutes per passage
• 6 passages will have 4 questions each – that translates to 8 minutes per passage

This is where extensive practice is very essentially:

• to develop the skills required to read lengthy passages in a couple of minutes
• to train your eyes and your brain to skim over superfluous info and focus on the main content
• to quickly understand the context and the content of the passage and the questions
• to comprehend dense and vaguely written passages on a wide variety of subjects

When we designed the LawMint LNAT practice tests, we first selected 360 passages, from a wide variety of sources. From 18 th century books on philosophy and politics, to extracts from the latest scientific journals.

Even the questions are intentionally longer and a little more complex than what you will see in the actual LNAT.

If you score at around the 50% mark in the LawMint LNAT practice test series, you will score higher in the actual test.

Can verbal reasoning skills be taught?

The LNAT is first and foremost a test for verbal reasoning. The questions are designed to assess components of verbal reasoning, such as:

• Comprehension
• Interpretation

The multiple-choice section aims to assess some of your skills such as

• Do you possess an attention to detail or tend to make hasty assumptions?
• Can you draw reasonable conclusions from the data provided to you?
• Can you effectively discern between facts, opinions, and deductions?
• Are you able to recognize the constraints of a given assertion?
• Can you detect unspoken inferences or implications?
• Are you able to identify when claims lack sufficient evidence?

Nobody is a born expert. Be it physical or mental tasks, practice does make a person perfect.

So, yes; All of the skills required for acing the LNAT can be taught, developed and honed with practice.

Dealing with the MCQ section of the LNAT 2024

The most important rule for lnat section a – mcqs.

When you start practicing for the LNAT, you need to train yourself to ignore outside information.

The most basic rule for LNAT section A is that all the answers have to be within the given passage. Do not introduce any external data or information when you are going through the passages and the questions.

Anything that is not specifically stated, implied or can be inferred on the basis of the passage is external information.

For example, read this passage and answer the question that follows:

Passage: In the current European landscape, the United Kingdom holds a unique position within the European Union. As one of the largest economies in the bloc, Britain plays a pivotal role in shaping EU policies and regulations. Although it opts not to adopt the Euro as its official currency or join the Schengen Area, the UK enjoys the benefits of the European Single Market, enabling the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This access fosters economic growth and stimulates cultural exchange between Britain and the rest of Europe. The UK’s participation in the EU facilitates cooperation and collaboration, strengthening the region’s global influence.

Question: Which of the following statements is incorrect?

I. The United Kingdom holds a unique position within the European Union. II. Britain plays a pivotal role in shaping EU policies and regulations. III. UK enjoys the benefits of the European Single Market.

Option 1: All of the statements are correct Option 2: None of the statements are correct

As per your general awareness, the correct answer as of today, will be Option 2. However, there is nothing given in the passage to support Option 2. The passage explicitly supports Option 1. Therefore, Option 1 will be the correct answer, even though it is outdated.

How to answer LNAT section A questions

• Read the passage and understand the context, intent and content.
• Understand the progression and structure of an argument – in the passage as well as the question
• Pay close attention to the author’s tone – e.g., factual, neutral, opinionated, sarcastic, ironic, mocking.
• Differentiate between Facts, Assumptions, Inferences and Opinions – strictly on the basis of the passage.
• Read the questions carefully and understand what is being asked. For example, are there any double negatives? E.g., Isn’t it true that you don’t dislike pizza?
• Practice filtering out relevant information from extraneous material
• See which reading technique works for you – a thorough reading in the first pass, or a quick skim through first and focussed reading next
• Some test takers prefer reading the questions frost and then reading the passage. Some prefer an opposite approach – try and see which approach works best for you.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Tests, there are 360 passages, with 1260 questions. Experiment with different techniques and see which ones work best for you.

When you repeat a practice test, the order of the questions under each passage, and the answer options – both are shuffled for better repeat practice.

The LNAT 2024 Essay – Section B

The section ‘B’ essay part of the LNAT requires you to write a 500-to-600-word essay on one of the three given essay questions or prompts. The time limit is 40 minutes.

In each of our LNAT practice tests, you will be given three essay questions or prompts to choose from. Such as:

• Can a policy of complete open borders be justified? Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks.
• Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of fake news? Explain your answer.
• Should the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement be regulated? Explain your answer.

Unlike the MCQ section, the LNAT essay is not marked. The LNAT essay is sent ‘as is’ to the universities chosen by the test-taker.

The universities evaluate the applicant essays as per their own admissions process. Some may give the essay significant weightage in the overall candidature; whereas others may use it as an additional parameter, used marginally at best.

The important thing to remember about these essay questions is that they do not have a right or a wrong answer.

The essay is being used to evaluate your:

• Ability to understand the topic
• Ability to write a concise and compelling argument
• Ability to defend a point of view
• Command of the English language

Each of the three essay questions will appears in its own screen. Answer only one question. You can view all three of them by using the ‘Next’ and ‘Back’ buttons and select the essay question you like.

The LNAT essay question screen will have buttons for ‘cut’, ‘copy’, ‘paste’, ‘undo’ and ‘redo’. There is no spelling or grammar check function.

The system has a built-in word counter at the bottom of the text field. The ideal length of the essay is 500-to-600-words, translating to approximately one A4 page of content; to be written in around 30 minutes. The remaining 10 minutes should be used to review and polish your essay.

How to approach the section B essay

In our LNAT practice tests, we have provided 90 essay questions for extensive practice. By writing essays on a wide array of topics, you will become comfortable with structuring the information you have in a compelling manner.

• Plan a balanced essay – The essay should display your ability to consider multiple aspects of the topics, both pros and cons.
• Put your thoughts down – Type out your thoughts to create the basic outline of your essay. You can then build on the outline.
• Keep an eye on the clock – Remember, thirty minutes for planning and typing out the 500–600-word essay; and 10 minutes to edit and polish it.
• Argumentative not Opinionated! – Your essay should be based mostly on arguments and not simply on opinions. Your data and evidence to support your arguments.

Practicing for the LNAT 2024

Try out the free LNAT practice tests available on the official website and other sources.

The more you practice, the better prepared you are for the real LNAT.

Check out LawMint LNAT 2024 Practice Test – which includes 360 passages, 30 full length tests with 1260 questions and 90 essay questions.

Stay tuned for more articles on how to crack the LNAT.

• UCAS Guide >

LNAT Section B: Ten top tips to smash section B of the LNAT!

Section B of the LNAT can be tricky, students often worry that the examiners are trying to test their knowledge. Don’t worry, LNAT Section B is not about knowledge, it’s about showing the examiners that you can think through issues, argue in a clear way, and write persuasive and impressive answers. We are going to be talking about planning, structure and clarity in your answers, with easy essay hacks that jump your grade up in no time at all.

So, are you ready to improve your essay grade quickly and easily ? Here are my ten top tips for hitting top marks in section B …

1. Planning is essential 

The best essays come out of great plans . Planning helps to make your answer clearer, better structured and more coherent. 

Here’s my top tips for creating a great plan …

Step 1 – Create a little mind map about the question, scribbling down any ideas that first come to mind.

Step 2 – Decide whether you are going to argue for or against, and what evidence you are going to use.

Step 3 – Split up your arguments into themes (e.g. reason 1, reason 2, counter argument, counter counter argument).

Step 4 – Assign each theme a paragraph.

Step 5 – Stick to your plan! It can be tempting to add in new ideas as they pop into your head, but avoid this unless you have the time to rework it into your plan.

2. Structure – how to organise your writing

Essays read much better when they follow a clear structure . This can also help you streamline your ideas and make your argument more impressive.

Here is a handy essay structure you can use in your next essay:

Introduction – Briefly outline what you are going to say in your essay and your position on the topic in the question.

Argument 1 – Begin this paragraph with a one line topic sentence summarising your argument, then go on to develop and consider your point.

Argument 2 – This paragraph should look similar to ‘Argument 1’ but make sure that you are making a new argument here, and not just repeating yourself.

Counter argument and counter- counter argument – In this paragraph, you summarize the counter argument (what things might somebody who disagreed with your argument say). After outlining the counter argument, you need to think of a counter counter, this is where you dismiss the counter argument and reassert your position. It’s very important to do this – don’t sit on the fence!

Conclusion – Here, you summarize your overall position and the key arguments. You might also want to make a snazzy final comment – for example, what is the significance of your conclusion, how might your conclusion change things in the future.

3. Clarity – how to declutter your writing!

LNAT Section B essays that are clear do much better in the exam. Students often think they need to impress examiners with big words and complex language, but the examiners are not testing your vocabulary, so stick to simple language that makes your point stand out. A quick tip to improve clarity – read through your sentence, then close your eyes and say your argument in your head as if you were telling it to a friend. The sentence you say in your head will probably be clearer, so use it as a template to tweak your answer. 

Here’s an example …

“One might wonder if technological advancements in educational learning based environments are outweighed by the increased cost of transferring education online, but, I consider that the monetary cost is worthwhile for the following reasons …”

“Some argue that the benefit of using technology in education is not worth the cost of the technology. However, I believe the cost is outweighed by …”

4. Timing – split up your time for maximum efficiency

You have 40 minutes for this section. You will probably feel less time pressured than in Section A, but it can be easy to get caught up and not use your time efficiently .

Here is how I would divide up my time for maximum marks …

5 minutes: Planning

30 minutes: Writing

5 minutes: Reading and Checking

5. Practice, Practice, Practice!

The more you practice, the better you will get. Practice writing out essays with no time limits first, and then start introducing a time limit. Each time you write an essay, take another look at this checklist and think about how well you did each one. You might also find it helpful to redo an essay so you can see where you went wrong and where improvements could be made.

The LNAT website is great for practice tests. You can use the website to practice for LNAT Section B, the questions will be laid out in the same format as the test will be on the day.

Click Here for LNAT practice tests

6. A snappy intro and a clear conclusion

Your introduction needs to be snappy and clear. It should be obvious what your position on the topic is and what arguments you are going to make to support it. Your conclusion should summarize your arguments and reassert your overall position. One tip for a great intro and conclusion that some students find helpful is The Backwards Method.

The Backwards Method …

• Start by writing the main body of your essay (the argument and counter argument paragraphs).
• Write the conclusion – this reasserts your main point and summarizes why you dismissed the counter argument.
• Now write your introduction – you should be able to summarize your arguments much more easily by looking at your essay, especially re-read your topic sentences as reminders of your point.

7. Which question to pick

The LNAT Section B Questions usually cover a variety of themes (for example Law, Philosophy, Media, Education), and you will probably have a preference. But remember, the essay section in LNAT Section B is not a knowledge test ; sometimes picking something you know lots about can make your essay a bit messy. You don’t also have to accurately represent your true thoughts and opinions. So, try out lots of different topics when you’re practicing, and make sure to do a practice essay on the topic you would least like to write about. That way, if you have to write on a tricky topic in the exam, you will have at least had a go at writing a harder essay in your practice.

8. Label each paragraph and cut everything that is irrelevant

Give your paragraph a label – this should tell you everything that is going in the paragraph. Then, cut anything that is in the wrong place or doesn’t fit. Let’s do an example together …

LABEL – 

The law should be clear because it helps people guide their behaviour 

PARAGRAPH –

Clarity in the law is important because one of the functions of the law is to guide behaviour. If the law is overly complex, or if it is inaccessible, people will not be able to ascertain what the law requires from them in a certain situation. Further, people might get annoyed or frustrated at the lack of clarity in the law and this may reduce public confidence and discentivise people from behaving well. One way in which the law might be unclear is if it requires two different and conflicting things from people such that you break one law if you act one way, and another law if you act in the opposite way.

CUT –

This line ‘Further, people might get annoyed or frustrated at the lack of clarity in the law and this may reduce public confidence and discentivise people from behaving well’ does not fit with the label. It is not an argument about the law being clear so that it helps guide behaviour, but a completely different reason for clarity in the law. We might like the argument, but it does not go in this paragraph and we need to put it somewhere else.

9. Checking over

Always leave 5 minutes to check over your work . You should look out for misspelt words and grammar problems. You should also look for clarity and points of confusion. Once you have spotted the problem areas, fix them using the tips and techniques above.

You can also create a checking checklist, where you create a mental or note down things you know you commonly need to check over. This can be helpful in the exam, as it can help you to remember what problems you want to avoid. Do this when you are doing your plan to help.

10. Confidence

Confidence is key ! No matter how tricky the topic or how little you think you know about the area, you are being tested on your clarity and argument skills. So, be confident in your ability, get writing, stay clear and you will do really well in LNAT Section B!

FAQs for LNAT Section B

Is lnat section b hard.

The LNAT can seem like a hard test. But, you have to remember that tests are not always about getting everything correct; instead, you need to focus on doing well compared to other candidates. Every extra hour you spend practicing and reading up on the exam is going to put you ahead of others.

Do you have to take the LNAT to study law?

Not all universities require the LNAT, you should check the admissions requirements for the universities you are applying to.

What does LNAT stand for?

Law National Admissions Test.

How do you structure an LNAT Section B Essay?

Scroll up to tip 2 for a helpful LNAT Section B essay structure template.

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Applying for Law? Your guide to the LNAT

Whether you’ve been preparing for it for the past few months, or have read the horror stories on the Student Room forums, if you’re doing the LNAT, you’re serious about studying Law.  

So what is the lnat how do you prepare for it  , the national admissions test for law (lnat) is a law entrance exam required by some of the top universities in the uk (including oxford, kings, ucl, durham and birmingham)., things to know first, 1 — you can’t study for it.    the lnat is not a test about law, it is a test about your ability as a law student. given that law is not a subject usually studied in school, nor is it linked to other subjects (in the way that, for example, engineering is rooted in physics), the lnat doesn’t test you on the uk legal system. what it does test is your ability to interpret texts and write nuanced essays on controversial issues.  , 2 — it is meant to be hard.   if you’ve done your research, you’ve probably seen people write online about how they’ve achieved anywhere from 19-30/42. the truth is that the lnat is an inherently difficult test, with the national average reported at 20/42 and successful oxbridge applicants averaging at 26/42. so don’t get stressed if you don’t get top marks in your practice tests — you’re not supposed to  , section a:  multiple-choice  , the multiple-choice section is the biggest part of the exam and the one which gives students the most difficult time. tasked with reading 12 texts on anything from philosophy to science, you are given a set of 42 questions to answer in 95 minutes.  , given the variety of texts, this is not a test of pre-existing knowledge, but of your ability to interpret and answer questions on the specific text.  (what is the writer’s main argument  why does she put a certain word in quotation marks what is the writer trying to say when he uses x metaphor)  , here’s a useful formula for tackling each multiple-choice question:, 1 — question.    what is the question asking this is extremely important as many students trip on the subtle words used in the question. the reader may be able to infer a difference between the writer’s personal view  and  the views expressed in the text . focus on the actual words used: some of the questions will have specific word in bold type to add extra emphasis, so keep a look out for these.  , 2 — context.    make sure you read the entire text before beginning to answer the questions. even though some questions refer to specific paragraphs of the text, it is important to a sense of the text as a whole so that you don’t miss the point of a question.  having a firm understanding of the context will help you answer questions on a writer’s choice of quotation marks or his use of certain word pairings., 3 — answer.    given that it’s multiple-choice, no distinction is made between choosing an answer which is totally wrong and one which is close to the correct answer. thus, while a process-of-elimination approach will help to narrow the options, you must learn to justify your answer using evidence in the text, as a lawyer does when presenting arguments in court. when you go about answering questions, reassure yourself that your answer is correct by looking for sentences in the text which support your answer rather than going on a ‘gut feeling’. (statistics also show that if you do go with your gut-feeling, more than 50% of the time your first choice is the correct answer, so don’t overthink a question either) , 4 — timing.    remember that you are under strict timed conditions. when you get stuck on a question (as we all inevitably do), don’t spend too much time worrying over it. the cost-benefit analysis shows that losing one point on this difficult question is worth the extra 5 or 6 you can make by saving time and skipping over it. spend an average of 2.5 minutes on each question. if you get stuck on one, move on and come back to it later when you’ve answered all the other questions.  , important note : the multiple-choice section is 95 minutes long, so even if you finish the section early, do not go directly to the essay section as the time you’ve saved does not roll over to the essay section.  , section b: essay , the essay section is not marked by the lnat. your essay is sent to each university’s admissions officer for independent review, so in some respects this section is more important than the multiple-choice section.  , you will be presented with a set of 3 essay questions on a variety of topics (i.e. human cloning, censorship, doping, voting). you have 40 minutes to choose one and provide an answer. what all these have in common is that they are fairly controversial issues, with no clear answer — so avoid providing a one-sided essay. to help prepare yourself, be sure to stay up to date on current affairs  , in choosing an essay question, make sure that you have a fair level of knowledge on the issue itself for a balanced answer i.e. know both sides of the debate. also be sure to have an understanding of the question itself and what it is asking you to do., take 5 minutes to plan your essay: this will help avoid the trap of writing out half your essay only to realise that you misunderstood the question or have a better way of answering it, which may lead you to starting from scratch or making a confusing/awkward u-turn in the middle of your arguments.  , my tips for tackling the essay question:, 1 — semantics.    focus on the wording of the question. what words are used and why have they been chosen a recent essay question “cheating can be justified” found students ignoring the word justified completely and instead writing an essay on how cheating can be excused in certain circumstances.  , 2 — clashing arguments.    in every essay topic there is a specific issue in the debate which both parties disagree (for example, on abortion: the status of the foetus). a great essay will directly deal with these points of clash rather than choose arguments and counter-arguments that have nothing to do with another.  , 3 — the strong-arm.    once you have presented these clashes, the key is to justify why your argument outweighs the counter-argument. think of yourself as a judge: when you write your essay you must represent both sides of the debate, and then assert why you believe one argument is stronger than the other.  , 4 — fit paragraphs.    an issue with lnat essays is that students tend to bloat their paragraphs by taking excessive time to develop one point. while this may add more refinement and power to that point, it is important to understand that in the 40 minutes you have to write your essay you should prioritise providing a balanced analysis on 2-3 issues of clash. that means your points have to be lean, cutting down on unnecessary words or sentences. useful tool to help you do this will be using the peel (point, explanation, evidence, link) structure which you may have been taught in school. , one of the most important things to remember when doing the lnat is do not stress. stress is the #1 exam killer. so long as you practice using the free lnat practice papers on the official lnat website and follow these tips, there is no reason why you should worry. the lnat isn’t the be-all or end-all, it is just one component of your university application. prepare well and do your best, and your skills will be reflected on the test.  , to find out more about the lnat or for specific advice or lnat tutoring, you’re most welcome to book a session with one of our experts.  , max is reading law at st anne’s college, oxford ([email protected]).

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LNAT University and Score Requirements

Do i need to take lnat.

The LNAT forms a part of the undergraduate admissions processes for some of the most prestigious law schools in the world.

University of Bristol

University of cambridge, durham university, university of glasgow.

• King's College London
• The London School of Economics

University of Oxford

• University College London

If you are applying to any of these universities through UCAS for undergraduate law, you will be required to complete the LNAT. The deadline for completion will depend on whether you are applying to Oxbridge or the other universities; information regarding deadlines can be found here .

As the English Law enjoys such prominence in the commercial spheres, it is no wonder that you will find these universities in the UK.

• Singapore University of Social Sciences
• IE University

What is the required Score?

In this guide, we will also consider what LNAT score is required.

As the LNAT is split into two parts, each will be marked and given a score individually. The section A multiple choice will be out of 42. The section B essay will be given an individual score by each university and so there is no official metric for the score and nor will you receive a mark when you get your test results back.

There is no specific cut-off score for either parts of the LNAT and each university will have internal scores that they look for in applicants. It can however be useful to consider the average scores found by applicants historically at the universities. You should be aiming for a score above these levels in your preparation. Remember that the LNAT is the only genuine quantitative metric by which the admissions team can universally compare candidates. It stands to reason that doing well on your LNAT may well be that additional factor to put you across the line.

Normally the national LNAT average sits between 18-24 out of 42. Of course this mark changes yearly and you should be considerate of these when sitting practice tests. Below are the average scores achieved by students applying to some specific LNAT universities as a guide for the marks you should look to obtain.

Before launching into considering each specific university, it is best to understand what your aim is and what should be your preparation for LNAT. You should be aiming to be cut and above the average, as you wish to ensure that your application is a foregone conclusion. To expand on a previous point, consider that LNAT is the only genuine quantitative metric by which the admissions team can compare candidates: everyone has different A-levels, everyone has some work experience, everyone can write a persuasive personal statement. It stands to reason that doing well on your LNAT may well be that additional factor to put you across the line.

NB The statistics do not account for a spilt between home and international students, unless expressly stated. Usually, the level required of an international student is higher (about 5-10%).

Courses: BA Law (Jurisprudence); BA Law with European Law; BA Law with French Law; BA Law with German Law; BA Law with Italian Law; BA Law with Spanish Law

Law (Jurisprudence) at Oxford is one of the most competitive undergraduate courses in the world. Unlike other universities, Oxford admissions consider the interview, LNAT, school grades, and personal statement. The LNAT here thus plays a bigger role in ensuring you can achieve an interview before then also playing a role in your admissions decision more generally. As an approximation, you could say that since Oxford admissions are centered on the interview performance, half of the job is getting the interview in the first place. For this, LNAT is crucial.

When you average out across the years of admission cycles, the average score of a successful candidate in pervious admission years was about 29. Further, only 2% of applicants scored above 34.

• The average score for those invited to interview was 29.46
• The average score for those offered a place was 31
• The average score for those invited to interview was 64.43
• The average score for those offered a place was 64.94

High score/ranked essays will normally exhibit:

• Application Close attention to the question(s) asked and sustained and focussed treatment of the issues.
• Reasoning ability Well-drawn distinctions, a keen eye for relevance, awareness of more than one possible line of argument, and an element of independent critical judgment.
• Communication Clear and fluent writing and notable clarity and appropriateness of structure and argument.

Low score/ranked essays will normally exhibit:

• Application Poor attention to the question(s) asked, no sustained and focussed treatment of the issues.
• Reasoning ability Poorly developed arguments, a preponderance of irrelevant points, few or no well-drawn distinctions, a lack of awareness of more than one possible line of argument, no evidence of independent critical judgment.
• Communication Lack of fluency and clarity and no clear or appropriate structure or argument.

The essay is to be marked as a percentage and tutors marking the test are asked to mark by analogy to the conventional understanding of marks in examinations: for example, it will only be in the rarest of cases that a candidate would obtain a mark of 75 or above. Marks should be awarded on the following basis:

70 and above: Excellent: The essay clearly and consistently contains “high mark features”. There are no “low mark features”; or the negligible “low mark features” are wholly outweighed by the excellence of the “high mark features”. The essay is therefore at a level one would expect of candidate very likely to obtain a place.

65 to 69: Very good: The essay contains a preponderance of “high mark features” with only a limited number of “low mark features” and is therefore at a level one would expect of a candidate with a strong chance of obtaining a place.

60 to 64: Good: The essay contains a number of “high mark features” which, taken as a whole, outweigh the “low mark features”. The essay is therefore at a level one would expect of candidate with some chance of obtaining a place.

55 to 59: Moderate: The essay may provide some “high mark features” but, taken as a whole, those features are outweighed by the “low mark features”. The essay is therefore at a level one would expect of candidate unlikely to obtain a place.

50 to 54: Poor: The essay contains a preponderance of “low mark features” with only a limited number of “high mark features” and is therefore at a level one would expect of a candidate very unlikely to obtain a place.

49 and below: Very poor: The essay clearly and consistently contains “low mark features”. There are no “high mark features”; or the negligible “high mark features” are wholly outweighed by the “low mark features”. The essay is therefore at a level one would expect of candidate almost certain not to obtain a place.

Please note that the LNAT guidelines on essay length emphasise that economy of expression is important and that the ideal LNAT essay length is about 500-600 words.

Cambridge is relatively new to the LNAT (starting for 2025 admissions cycle) having moved away from the CLT. It therefore does not have any data yet available having only been through the admissions process once. It is likely that the levels will be the same as Oxford however so you should be aiming for 30 .

University College London (UCL)

Courses: LLB Law; LLB Law (Senior Status); LLB Law with French Law; LLB Law with German Law; LLB Law with Hispanic Law; LLB English and German Law Dual Degree; and M102/M145

The competition for UCL is fierce (15 applicants per place), and borders on being Oxbridge-like. The issue for a candidate is that UCL usually does not hold interviews. Therefore, one can see the importance of a rounded application, with a strong LNAT performance.

The deadline for UCL is slightly earlier than other non-Oxbridge universities being at the end of December.

On average, a successful home candidate presented a score of about 28.

On average, a successful international candidate presented a score of about 30.

• The average applicant score was 23
• The average offer holder score was 29 (27 for contextualised offers)

The Essay seems to be very important. Here are some quotes from the admissions team at UCL:

‘The LNAT essay is given considerable weight in our consideration as it is the only piece of writing that we receive under exam conditions, and demonstrates a candidates abilities to reason, argue and to construct a cohesive essay.’

As for marking criteria of the essay (which is given a numerical mark), the below should be quite illuminating to the question:

When assessing the essay, admissions tutors will consider

• Aptitude for reasoning skills Including high-level comprehension, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, ability to draw broad and fine distinctions, induction and deduction
• Aptitude for exploring arguments and ideas Including in writing, the ability to formulate, develop and defend argument
• Communication Including accuracy of syntax, breadth of vocabulary and ability to formulate ideas succinctly.

For international students, the rate of offers is about 17%. UCL is quite popular with students from Singapore and Hong Kong, who have the reputation for excelling academically. This may be in part due to the motivation to undertake a year abroad (Singapore, Hong Kong or Australia), which is offered to M100 LLB students for their third year, provided they perform at the top in the first year and go through an interview process.

London School of Economics (LSE)

Course: LLB Law

The good news is that LSE is not using any cut-off scores. LNAT forms part of the holistic assessment of all candidate data. However, LSE is express at using the Score in particular to distinguish between seemingly similar applications.

It has been reported however that the average score of applicants is around 26, although one would imagine the average score to be a little below of that of Oxbridge and UCL.

LSE does not typically use the essay part of the LNAT but they state that they ‘reserve the right to assess the essay for all applicants including those taking non- traditional qualifications or less well-known qualifications’.

Courses: LLB Law; LLB Law with Foundation

For Durham, you should be aiming for a score of at least 29 .

As for the Essay, Durham does not disclose more than that it is part of the admissions process. It may be assumed that an impressive essay would work to push the candidate across the line.

King's College London (KCL)

Courses: LLB Law; LLB Politics, Philosophy and Law; LLB English Law & French Law; LLB English Law and German Law; LLB English Law and Hong Kong Law

The average score of a successful candidate is about 27 out of 42 .

The Essay is not computed into any specific score. Its use should only come to aid for candidates who are considered borderline.

There has been a steady increase in the scores over the previous years, so it may be a sign that the application process has become even more competitive, on account of the increasing popularity and academic achievement of the Faculty.

Courses: LLB Law; LLB Law and French; LLB Law and German; LLB Law and Spanish

• A level 40%

Bristol states on its website that it has no minimum requirement for the LNAT but does note that ‘[t]he overall LNAT grade used by the University uses the following weightings: 60% multiple choice questions and 40% essay.’

In the 2022 application cycle, applicants scored an average of 23/42 in Section A.

The Essay is scored within five bands: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100.

Courses: LLB Law, all other combinations including Law (except Senior Status)

SOAS has sparse data on the role of LNAT in the admissions process. However, from a reasonable collation of anecdotal evidence, a score of minimum 25 and a solid essay performance will stand the candidate in good stead.

Courses: All LLB degrees, except LLB Scots Law (fast-track: graduate only)

Glasgow does not provide any official information regarding their LNAT requirements but on average, a successful candidate will score 23 out of 42.

The Essay is viewed as an add-on to one's personal statement: the tutor assesses the writing ability of the applicant. Indeed, the focus of a Law degree is undoubtedly on mastering the written skill.

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and IE University

Unfortunately, there is no available data regarding LNAT here. SUSS is new to LNAT and IE University looks at LNAT differently, depending on the course choice.

Word of Advice

This guide aims to give you a rough understanding of what you are up against with LNAT. Note that it is only based on the available historical data, which does not guarantee any future trends. Do well on LNAT and it will help your application, but you should not forgo all the over parts, such as Personal Statement and A-level/IB results.

You should derive a target score for LNAT that is above the average - you want to ensure that your application stands the best chance. With that in mind, you can plan and train effectively towards success. Naturally, we recommend you consider Arbitio to help.

Arbitio is the leading online platform for LNAT preparation, with the most comprehensive resources available that are delivered under real timed exam conditions. With over 700 Questions & Solutions, and 20+ Model Essays with Questions, you will be able to cover every aspect of the exam and practice so that your real LNAT is just another Practice Test.

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LNAT Sample Essays

• Updated on  
• Dec 3, 2022

LNAT or National Admission test for law is an aptitude test that is conducted across 89 universities in the UK before offering admissions into their law programmes . Due to an ever increasing competition, this test was developed by oxford university to solve the problems faced by institutes with respect to shortlisting candidates. LNAT is mandatory for both home as well as international students, applying for law courses in the UK . LNAT is a 130 minute long exam that consists of 2 sections; an MCQ type and an essay type. In this blog we bring you various practise questions that’ll help you ace your LNAT Sample essays.  

LNAT Sample Essays: Structure and Format

While writing the essay it is important to keep the following points in mind in order to write a well-structured essay.

• What – try to understand the motion that is put forward. Is the motion based on law, politics, economics or ethics? What exactly is being asked of you? While writing the essay you are required to display high levels of critical thinking which must be visible in your essay.
• Why – ask yourself why this question is being asked? What could be the purpose of such a statement? Provide evidence to suggest the accuracy or inaccuracy of the motion. Question why you are required to use certain terms, phrases or literary technique. Your analytical ability and persuasiveness will be put to test.
• How- how is this statement concluded and what are the practicalities of implementing it? What are the ways in which this can be challenged? How can it be enforced and monitored? You will be required to provide solid logical reasoning and demonstrate how your answer forms a conclusion.
• What if – another question you must ask yourself is about the alternatives you have provided in your essay. Are there any views to consider? What are the practical implications of the arguments you have put forth? Can those be challenges? If yes, how? Weigh in both the strengths and weaknesses of your argument.

Practise Questions 

Here are some of the best questions that can help you practise for LNAT essays: 

• What disciplinary sanctions should teachers be allowed to use?
• Make the best case you can for public funding of the arts.
• How should judges be appointed?
• ‘It is right that students should contribute to the cost of their degrees.’ Do you agree?
• Does it matter if some animal and plant species die out?
• What is ‘political correctness’ and why does it matter?
• Should the law require people to vote in general elections?
• We must be prepared to sacrifice traditional liberties to defeat terrorism.’
• Should private cars be rationed? If so, how?
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LNAT Sample Essay

Should the privacy of the accused be maintained in Criminal legal proceedings?

The criminal justice system is rooted on the principle that the suspect is innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. This principle is applicable whether the person is renowned in the public sphere, therefore making the case susceptible to prejudice or someone wholly anonymous. Therefore, I am of the opinion that wherever possible, the anonymity of the accused ought to be maintained. There are several reasons to believe so. Firstly and most importantly, the legal system ought to be free from biases and prejudices. Secondly, publishing the accused’s identity does not serve public interest. It would be a gross breach of an individual’s right to privacy when publishing the identity.

The nature of the legal process is a dialectic process; it is a rule of thumb that the prosecutor must prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.  the defence ought to cast doubt on the case of the prosecution or prove the defendant’s innocence. This process necessitates the gathering of evidence, familiarity with the facts pertinent to the case and precedents set by the previous cases. If a defendant’s anonymity is compromised that could potentially colour the legal proceedings with public prejudice. This would be antithetical to the very nature of legal process. 

A public bias is as dangerous as any other bias and can impact the legal proceedings in negative ways. Therefore there is the possibility that the disclosure of the accused’s identity can impact the objectivity of the court. The accused only ought to be tried by the court and not by the media. 

To elaborate on the 2nd issue, the publishing of the accused identity can be extremely counterproductive and in general unhelpful to the public interest. Media trials can be extremely dehumanizing which apart from affecting the trial can additionally impact the accused life if found to be innocent.  

Most importantly, an individual’s right to privacy has been recognized as a fundamental right. A man acquitted 100 times is the same as a man once or never prosecuted at all, but seldom do the larger public view the situation from a legal perspective. The person may never escape the humiliation and public prejudice of having once been accused. 

In conclusion, I’d like to reiterate the importance of maintaining anonymity in a case of criminal accusation. It is a fair argument that the public at large ought to know the argument of the criminal who threatens their safety and security, however the principles of law dictates that a person is innocent until proven guilty. By abiding by this view, we can maintain the objectivity of the court and preserve the dignity of the accused.

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This was all about LNAT essay questions. We hope this blog has given you a brief Idea as to how to go about your essay. In case you need additional guidance in navigating various aptitude tests and exams, get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu today! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

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Preparation guide

Your free online guide to preparing for the LNAT Test

You can now download a free guide to preparing for the LNAT test.

The guide will:

• explain what the LNAT is used for and the benefits of taking the test
• help you to prepare for sitting it by explaining which skills and abilities you should try to demonstrate
• give you advice from LNAT examiners and students on how to approach LNAT’s multiple choice and essay questions
• give you sample questions along with answers and rationales from LNAT examiners, practical preparation tips and recommended reading

To download the guide click the download link below.  You will need adobe pdf reader.

Your guide to Preparing for the LNAT

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LNAT Universities - Which Universities Require The LNAT?

Which universities require the LNAT? How do different admissions teams use your score when considering your application to study law?

Guide to LNAT Universities

• Find out which universities require the LNAT in 2024
• Explore how LNAT unis use your score
• Discover non-LNAT universities

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There are a number of universities that require the LNAT test as part of your application for the 2024 academic year, though how they each use your results can vary. Some LNAT universities have provided further insight into how they assess your LNAT scores .

This list has been updated for the 2024 academic year:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University of Glasgow
• Durham University
• King’s College, London (KCL)
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Bristol
• SOAS University of London

*University of Nottingham have dropped their LNAT requirement for the 2024 academic year entry.

International LNAT Universities

• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore
• IE School of Law, Spain

We recommend checking the official LNAT website regularly for the latest information on LNAT registration and preparation.

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What LNAT Scores Do You Need?

Some universities provide helpful insight into their LNAT scoring for potential law course candidates. This can help you better understand how your test will be viewed, aside from the standard knowledge that the universities you apply to will receive your scores from Section A and your unmarked essay from Section B. 

The University of Bristol has revealed its weighting to be 60% multiple choice and 40% essay, with the LNAT itself forming 40% of your overall application.

 At the University of Oxford, LNAT essays were anonymised, scored and a comparison process was used to categorise applicants.

 UCL implements a benchmark score that is based on the previous years’ scores – for example, the average LNAT score from 2020/21 was 27 (of those who received an offer).

LSE only takes Section A (multiple choice questions) into consideration, with the essay only being assessed ad hoc for those that hold less well-known qualifications.

The IE School of Law, Spain, an LNAT result with a minimum of 22 will be considered as an alternative to the school’s own admission test.

Other universities that require the LNAT don’t provide further insight into exactly how scores are assessed, though several do stress that it is considered within the wider context of your application and there is no official ‘minimum’ score. 

The University of Glasgow, for example, emphasises in its requirements that it is seeking ‘well-rounded individuals’, suggesting that, while important, the LNAT is certainly not the sole deciding factor in your application. 

Which Universities Do Not Require The LNAT?

All UK unis that aren’t listed above do not require LNAT. This means that you won’t have to sit the test if you apply to study law at those universities. 

In 2021, the University of Cambridge replaced its Cambridge Law Test with the LNAT test, reducing the burden on applicants to take multiple tests if they applied to other LNAT universities. This follows LSE adding the LNAT to requirements in 2019.

As such, while it’s certainly possible that more universities may join this group in the future to help distinguish between candidates in an incredibly competitive space, there are a number of universities (including those in the Russell Group) that don’t have the LNAT as an entry requirement. 

These universities often have good law schools nonetheless, and some may excel in specialisms that are of interest to you. For example, the University of Southampton has a leading maritime law department.

Find out more about how to choose the best university to study law .

Requirements For International Students

If you are an EU or international student applying to study law at one of the universities that requires the LNAT, you will need to take the test. There are over 500 LNAT test centres worldwide, of which 350 are based outside of the UK.

Some universities suggest they may be more flexible with test dates for international students taking the test, but it’s advised you contact the university you’re applying to directly for specific dates.

If you are in a country that doesn’t have an LNAT test centre, you should contact any universities requiring the LNAT and request an exemption from each of them. Each request will be considered separately. 

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LNAT Section A | Multiple Choice Questions

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