Structuring the argumentative essay - Brainstorming and outl...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will understand how to plan and structure LSAT argumentative essays under timed conditions. You will learn effective brainstorming techniques, methods for creating clear outlines, and strategies to quickly translate ideas into logically organized arguments. Honing these skills will allow you to produce well-reasoned, clearly supported essays within the LSAT writing time limits.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand how to efficiently plan and structure your argumentative essay within a strict time frame. In your revision, focus on:

• methods for generating relevant ideas (brainstorming) despite time pressure
• approaches for organizing points into a clear, logical outline before writing
• time management strategies for essay preparation and planning
• keeping your argument focused on the prompt and criteria

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. Which one of the following best describes an efficient LSAT essay brainstorming strategy?
   1. Writing the essay without a plan
   2. Listing all possible arguments quickly
   3. Spending more than half your time outlining
   4. Prioritizing only your personal opinions
2. When outlining your LSAT essay, what is the primary purpose?
   1. To memorize key facts
   2. To provide the essay grader with extra content
   3. To organize your points and support a logical flow
   4. To list every point you can think of, regardless of relevance

3. True or false? You should always spend at least 10 minutes writing out a fully detailed outline before beginning your LSAT essay.

4. Which is NOT a recommended step during your timed planning phase?
   1. Identifying both sides of the question
   2. Rewriting the prompt in your own words
   3. Planning your analysis structure
   4. Adding irrelevant examples unrelated to the criteria

Introduction

When writing the LSAT argumentative essay, you must organize your ideas quickly and logically. The limited time requires rapid but effective brainstorming and the creation of a focused outline. Planning well in the first few minutes is essential to ensure your essay answers the prompt and meets assessment criteria.

Key Term: brainstorming
Quickly generating relevant ideas, arguments, examples, and counterpoints in response to the essay prompt—before outlining or writing.

Key Term: outlining
Creating a structured, logical plan for your essay, including main claims, support, opposing arguments, and order of paragraphs.

The Role of Brainstorming in LSAT Essay Writing

Your essay must be structured, concise, and directly address the question. Begin by re-reading the prompt. Underline the goals or criteria provided. Use 2–3 minutes for targeted brainstorming: jot down bullet points for arguments on both sides, counter-arguments, and supporting examples or facts.

Revision Tip Focus initial brainstorming on relevance—limit points to those that directly support or challenge each criterion in the prompt.

Organizing Ideas: Building an Outline Under Time Pressure

With time so limited, you cannot write a lengthy or complex outline. Spend 2–3 more minutes arranging your brainstormed points. Choose your position (the stronger side or the side you can argue better given the prompt). Group related points and order them for logical progression.

A clear outline typically includes:

• Introduction: Restate the situation and your position.
• Paragraph 1: Address the first criterion or main argument (with a relevant example or support).
• Paragraph 2: Address the second criterion or key support (again, specific and relevant).
• Counterargument: Briefly consider a major point for the opposite side, and explain why your position is stronger.
• Conclusion: Summarize your argument, restate your position, and acknowledge other considerations if time allows.

Limit your outline to a short list—avoid writing full sentences at this stage. Clarity matters: each item in your outline should match a paragraph or a clear logical step.

Key Term: time management (essay planning)
Allocating your available time effectively between brainstorming, outlining, and drafting to ensure completion under exam conditions.

Worked Example 1.1

Prompt: A town council must choose between building a community fitness centre or a youth library. Write an argument for one, considering: (1) health benefits, (2) educational impact.

How should you plan your essay in 5 minutes?

Answer:

1. Brainstorm points for both sides quickly (fitness centre: health, social space, community events; library: literacy, study support, youth programs).
2. Select the side where your arguments are strongest—e.g., library if you can argue educational impact is more lasting.
3. Draft a focused outline:
   • Intro (position: support library)
   • Paragraph 1 (educational impact: literacy, grades, homework help)
   • Paragraph 2 (health benefit comparison: libraries also aid mental health, reduce screen time)
   • Counterargument (fitness centre supports youth health but fewer long-term outcomes)
   • Conclusion (library better addresses both criteria)

Essay Planning Tips for Timed LSAT Conditions

• Spend no more than 5 minutes on total planning (brainstorming and outline).
• Prioritize relevance—select only arguments linked to the actual criteria in the question.
• Use keywords and short phrases—avoid writing out full arguments at the planning stage.
• Leave room in your outline for a quick counterpoint or acknowledgement of limitations.

Exam Warning

Under time pressure, many test-takers try to write immediately without planning. This often results in rambling or unfocused essays that do not address the key criteria. Always spend a few minutes on targeted brainstorming and outlining before writing, even under exam conditions.

Common Outline Structures for LSAT Argumentative Essays

There are two main outline patterns that fit most LSAT prompts:

1. Criteria-Based Structure:

   • Introduction (position and criteria overview)
   • Paragraph for first criterion (analysis and example)
   • Paragraph for second criterion (analysis and example)
   • Brief counterpoint/concession
   • Conclusion (position restated, summary)

2. Issue/Counterargument Structure:

   • Introduction (your overall choice)
   • Paragraph for key argument 1
   • Paragraph for key argument 2
   • Counterargument and response
   • Conclusion

Pick the pattern that addresses all parts of the prompt and allows smooth progression from your thesis to supporting points.

Worked Example 1.2

Suppose you're given 35 minutes and recommended to use 5 minutes planning, 25 minutes drafting, and 5 minutes revising. How do you allocate those first 5 minutes?

Answer:

• Minute 1: Read prompt, underline decision and criteria.
• Minute 2–3: Jot bullets for both options—identify strengths, weaknesses, examples.
• Minute 4: Pick your strongest side and write 5–6 outline points (introduction, 2–3 paragraphs, counterargument, conclusion).
• Minute 5: Review outline and confirm all prompt criteria are addressed.

Practical Advice: Flexibility and Focus

If you find mid-way through your outline that you cannot support your chosen side, switch your position and reorder your outline immediately—do not continue with a weak or poorly structured argument.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Effective LSAT essays start with rapid, focused brainstorming directly addressing the prompt's criteria.
• Outlining is essential—even under time restrictions—to structure your arguments logically.
• Your outline must prioritize relevance and match the specific assessment criteria.
• Allocate time wisely: 5 minutes planning, 25 drafting, 5 revising is a model breakdown.
• Prioritize substance and logical flow over volume—each paragraph should address a prompt criterion.
• Always include acknowledgement of the counterargument for a balanced essay.

Key Terms and Concepts

• brainstorming
• outlining
• time management (essay planning)