Learning Outcomes
After studying this article, you will be able to identify LSAT-style prompt requirements, systematically evaluate two competing options using written reasoning, and structure responses that weigh the pros and cons of each side according to given criteria. This competence prepares you to tackle the LSAT Writing Sample and comparative arguments where option evaluation is required.
LSAT Syllabus
For the LSAT, you are required to understand both how to respond to writing prompts that present two options, and how to construct a balanced analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each. In revising this topic, focus on:
- understanding and restating the decision problem presented in the prompt
- identifying the criteria or goals you must use to evaluate the options
- organizing arguments that weigh the pros and cons of each alternative using evidence or information from the prompt
- prioritizing considerations, and clearly stating a reasoned preference
- anticipating and addressing strengths and weaknesses of both options
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.
- You are given two options in a writing prompt and two criteria for evaluation. What is the first step you should take before planning your answer?
- True or false? On the LSAT, it is more persuasive to ignore the cons of your preferred choice.
- When should you reference criteria not listed in the prompt when evaluating options?
- Which of the following best strengthens an argument for one option over another?
a) Ignoring the other side’s benefits
b) Misstating the stated criteria
c) Showing how your choice meets the criteria while anticipating counterpoints
d) Repeating the prompt’s wording verbatim
Introduction
LSAT writing tasks commonly require you to choose between two alternatives on the basis of certain stated goals or criteria. Your response must not only make an argument for your chosen option, but also show that you have evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The task assesses your ability to identify the requirements of the prompt, analyze the alternatives, organize pros and cons logically, and make a reasoned recommendation.
Key Term: prompt
The scenario or statement on the LSAT that defines the decision problem, the two alternatives, and the evaluation criteria for the writing sample or analytical tasks.
Understanding the Task
Before writing, you must interpret the prompt carefully. The key elements include:
- The decision problem: What is the actual choice or recommendation required?
- The criteria: What goals, objectives, or standards has the prompt provided to assess the options?
- The information: What facts are relevant to weighing the pros and cons of each side?
When reading the prompt, underline the stated criteria and options. Do not assume unmentioned goals are relevant unless the prompt allows it.
Key Term: criteria
The set of stated goals, standards, or objectives you are instructed to use when evaluating the alternatives in a prompt.
Structuring Your Response to a Comparative Task
For the LSAT writing task, you must present a comparative analysis, typically following this approach:
- Restate the problem and criteria: Briefly say what is being decided and what matters for your assessment.
- Summarize each option: Identify the pros and cons of both alternatives, strictly in relation to the given criteria.
- Weigh the evidence: Explain which considerations are most important and how the facts align.
- Make a recommendation: Clearly state your choice and provide a direct rationale grounded in the criteria.
Key Term: pro and con analysis
A structured consideration of the positive (pros) and negative (cons) aspects of each possible choice, linked explicitly to the criteria set by the prompt.Key Term: counterargument
A point that challenges or diminishes an argument for an option, often anticipated and refuted to strengthen your reasoning.
Worked Example 1.1
A prompt states: "Jordan must decide whether to accept a job offer from Company A or Company B. Jordan wants the highest possible salary and direct management experience."
How should you approach the comparison?
Answer:
First, restate that the decision is between Company A and Company B, and the relevant criteria are high salary and management experience. Then, list the pros and cons of each company with respect to these criteria (e.g., Company A offers higher salary, but Company B provides management opportunities). Finally, recommend the option that better meets the more important criterion and explain your choice using the prompt's facts.
Worked Example 1.2
Suppose Option 1 has strong pros for the first criterion, and Option 2 is slightly better on the second, less important criterion. The cons for both options are weak.
Which option should you choose? Give a model argument excerpt.
Answer:
You should choose Option 1, emphasizing the importance of the first criterion.
Sample excerpt: "While both options address at least one of Jordan's goals, Company A offers a significantly higher salary, which outweighs the minor management experience advantage offered by Company B. As financial concerns are most important, Company A is the better option under the circumstances."
Revision Tip
When planning your argument, rate each pro and con by its direct relevance to each criterion and its overall importance in the decision.
Exam Warning
Do not introduce new criteria without justification. Stick to the provided goals—otherwise, your reasoning may be deemed off-topic.
Analyzing Pros and Cons
To score well, avoid simply listing advantages and disadvantages. Link each pro and con directly to the relevant criterion, and explain its impact. For weaknesses in your chosen option, acknowledge and minimize them; for strengths in the alternative, fairly assess and show why these do not outweigh the advantages of your recommendation.
Key Term: weighted evaluation
The process of prioritizing pros and cons by determining which criteria matter most to the decision and assigning greater value to those considerations.Key Term: principled justification
Grounding your final recommendation strictly in the prompt's expressed criteria—not on personal preference or unrelated factors.
Worked Example 1.3
A prompt gives two location options for a community center: Downtown (easy access, limited parking) and Suburb (ample parking, distant from most residents). Criteria: maximize visitor numbers, minimize transport barriers.
Show how you would organize your comparative argument.
Answer:
Discuss first how Downtown's accessibility promotes high visitor numbers, but parking is a drawback. Suburb offers parking but its distance increases travel barriers. Explicitly connect each factor to the criteria. Finally, make a recommendation based on which location better balances both criteria, justifying your decision using the given facts.
Summary
When responding to an LSAT prompt requiring the evaluation of two alternatives:
- Identify the decision problem and explicitly restate the criteria.
- Systematically weigh the pros and cons of both options based on those criteria.
- Organize arguments by priority and impact—address strengths, weaknesses, and counterarguments.
- State a reasoned preference, supported by principled justification.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Understanding how to restate the LSAT prompt and identify the decision problem and options
- Recognizing and strictly adhering to the criteria supplied in the writing prompt
- Structuring comparative arguments by listing and evaluating pros and cons for each option
- Prioritizing and linking pros and cons to the relevant criteria for a balanced written analysis
- Making a principled, justified decision based on a weighted evaluation, explicitly defending the choice
Key Terms and Concepts
- prompt
- criteria
- pro and con analysis
- counterargument
- weighted evaluation
- principled justification