Learning Outcomes
After studying this article, you will be able to construct supporting paragraphs for LSAT argumentative essays using clear reasons and evidence from the prompt. You will understand how to link reasons to the essay’s main position, differentiate between reasoning and mere example, and apply logical development strategies for exam questions. Your ability to organize responses and critically assess evidence will be improved for LSAT writing and reasoning tasks.
LSAT Syllabus
For LSAT, you are required to demonstrate structured written reasoning and support. In your preparation for essay-based and argument evaluation tasks, it is essential to focus on:
- constructing paragraphs that develop a clear reason linked to your main argument
- integrating relevant supporting evidence directly from the prompt or scenario
- explaining how your chosen evidence supports your specific reason
- maintaining logical progression and paragraph coherence within your argument
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.
- What is the primary difference between a “reason” and “evidence” in an argumentative essay?
- Why should you avoid including unrelated statistics in an argument paragraph?
- Which of the following best demonstrates logical progression in a supporting paragraph: (a) stating evidence before giving a reason, (b) stating a reason, supporting with evidence, then explaining, (c) listing examples with no explanation, (d) repeating the main argument?
- True or false? Every supporting paragraph should link back to the essay’s thesis.
Introduction
LSAT writing tasks require you to present a reasoned argument, supported by structured paragraphs. Each supporting paragraph must develop one clear reason for your position and provide evidence or examples grounded in the prompt. Clear structure helps examiners follow your logic and shows your ability to form and communicate arguments—skills fundamental both to the test and legal reasoning.
Paragraph Purpose in Argumentative Writing
A supporting paragraph should present a single reason that backs your main conclusion. This reason is a claim—distinct from the conclusion—which you assert as one step along your argumentative path.
Key Term: reason
A statement in your essay that offers a justification for your main argument. Reasons are claims that support your thesis and require evidence to be persuasive.
A supporting paragraph must develop this reason, not just restate the main argument or list facts.
Linking Reasons and Evidence
After stating your reason, you must back it up using material from the prompt or question scenario. Evidence may be a fact, quotation, data point, or a detail from the provided material.
Key Term: evidence
Specific information—such as facts, examples, or details—used to support and bolster a stated reason in your argument.
Always explain how the evidence supports your reason. Avoid simply placing the evidence after your statement, as the connection may not be obvious to the reader or examiner.
Key Term: explanation
The logical statement you provide showing how your chosen evidence proves, illustrates, or strengthens your reason.
Logical Order and Coherence
An effective supporting paragraph follows a clear order:
- Topic sentence stating the reason.
- Evidence (or example) from the prompt.
- Explanation linking evidence to the reason.
- (Optional) Sentence linking back to the main argument.
Maintain coherence—only include content that drives your point forward. Irrelevant or weak evidence undermines your paragraph.
Worked Example 1.1
A prompt presents two policies for a city’s public library: Policy X (longer evening hours) and Policy Y (weekend programming for children). Write a supporting paragraph in favor of Policy X, using evidence from the scenario.
Answer:
One reason to adopt longer evening hours is that many residents in the city work until after 6 p.m. [reason]. The prompt states that “over 60% of survey respondents said they were unable to visit the library during existing weekday hours due to their job schedules” [evidence]. Because the current schedule prevents a majority of potential users from accessing library services, extending hours will allow more community members to benefit from the library’s collections and resources [explanation]. This supports the view that Policy X is the most inclusive option.
Using Multiple Examples
If a reason can be supported by more than one piece of evidence, include only those that stay directly relevant. Do not “stack” claims or examples without showing their logical connection to the reason.
Worked Example 1.2
A prompt gives: “District students who participate in after-school tutoring show a 15% higher pass rate. Tutoring programs operate only during weekdays.” Write a supporting paragraph for the argument that after-school tutoring is effective.
Answer:
After-school tutoring demonstrably improves student performance [reason]. As shown in the prompt, students in the district who attend after-school sessions have a pass rate 15% higher than their peers [evidence]. This difference suggests the additional instructional time directly enhances understanding and exam success [explanation].
Exam Warning
For LSAT essays and argument paragraphs, avoid the error of stating evidence before a clear reason. Examiners expect the logical flow to move from claim (reason), to support (evidence), to explanation.
Revision Tip
When planning each supporting paragraph, write out your reason and then, below it, the precise evidence you will use. Ask yourself: “Does this evidence logically support my stated reason?” Only then write your explanation.
Summary
Clear supporting paragraphs are constructed in four steps: state a reason, provide evidence from the prompt, explain the relationship, and connect back to your main argument. This approach gives your essay logical structure and increases your LSAT score potential.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Each supporting paragraph should present one logical reason for your main argument.
- Evidence must always be directly relevant and taken from the prompt or question information.
- Each paragraph must clearly explain how the evidence supports the stated reason.
- Logical progression follows: reason → evidence → explanation, with coherence throughout.
- Avoid irrelevant details, lists of unconnected examples, or repeating the thesis uncritically.
Key Terms and Concepts
- reason
- evidence
- explanation