Writing techniques and style - Strategies for proofreading a...

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this article, you will be able to apply effective techniques for proofreading and revision under time constraints. You will understand how to spot common writing errors, prioritise improvements, and manage your revision time during the LSAT writing sample. These strategies will help you produce clearer, more accurate written responses, even when working under exam pressure.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand time-efficient approaches to written communication. This article covers the key revision and proofreading skills necessary for the writing sample component of the exam. When revising, focus on:

• effective proofreading strategies for clarity, grammar, and argument structure
• prioritising and correcting the most critical errors under time constraints
• practical techniques for quickly improving sentence flow, coherence, and accuracy
• tactics for managing stress and maintaining accuracy when reviewing your writing in limited time

Proficiency in these skills is essential for demonstrating clear, logical, and precise written arguments on the LSAT writing sample.

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 is a recommended final step when revising your LSAT writing sample?
   1. Begin a new section
   2. Proofread the entire text once, slowly
   3. Only check the introduction
   4. Add complex vocabulary
2. Which error is most important to correct under time pressure?
   1. Minor stylistic tweaks
   2. Spelling a key legal term incorrectly
   3. Word order in non-essential sentences
   4. Choice of synonyms
3. What is the best action if you notice lack of transitions in your conclusion?
   1. Ignore to save time
   2. Add a connecting phrase like 'Therefore'
   3. Rewrite the whole essay
   4. Delete your conclusion

4. True or false? You should always prioritise removing entire sentences for clarity, even if time is very short.

Introduction

Proofreading and revision under pressure are essential skills for the LSAT writing sample. During the exam, you may have only a few minutes to revise your text. Knowing how to spot and correct high-impact errors can make the difference between a clear, credible response and a confusing one.

This article sets out clear, direct methods for reviewing your writing rapidly and efficiently. You will learn how to major on error correction, sentence clarity, and style while managing limited revision time.

Key Term: proofreading
Quickly reviewing written work to spot and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style before final submission.

Key Term: revision under pressure
Rapidly improving written work during time constraints by focusing on the most serious errors and clarity of argument.

The Role of Proofreading in the LSAT

The LSAT writing sample is not scored, but law schools may scrutinise your essay if your application is borderline or inconsistent. Proofreading is your last opportunity in the exam to ensure your writing is logical, clear, and free from distracting errors.

Common Types of Errors

When reviewing under pressure, you must focus on errors with the greatest impact:

• misspelt key words, especially legal terms
• grammatical mistakes that alter meaning
• confusing or missing argument transitions
• incorrect use of pronouns or subject-verb agreement
• unclear references or ambiguous phrasing

Key Term: priority errors
Errors that most undermine clarity or accuracy, such as spelling mistakes in legal terms, logic gaps, or grammar mistakes affecting meaning.

Worked Example 1.1

A student writes: "The plan should be adopted. This would have good benefits. It is under the circumstances where the policy required more people to act responsibly, obviously."

What are the main problems to fix in two minutes of revision?

Answer:
Remove wordy, unclear phrasing ("have good benefits" → "would improve public safety"; "under the circumstances where...obviously" → direct connection or simple transition). Focus first on sentence clarity, then on removing unnecessary words and clarifying the main claim.

Strategies for Proofreading Under Time Pressure

1. Prioritise High-Impact Corrections

Start by skimming your work for major errors. Under time constraints, correct:

• misspelt words, especially legal, argument, or topic terms
• grammatical errors that render sentences unclear or ungrammatical
• missing or inconsistent structure (like absent conclusion or missing transitions)

Leave minor stylistic tweaks until only if you have time at the end.

2. Read for Meaning, Not Just Form

Don't just fix spelling—read each sentence aloud (or subvocally) to check for meaning. If it sounds awkward or confusing, rephrase simply.

3. Use Transitions to Clarify Logic

Effective transitions (e.g., "therefore", "however", "as a result") guide the reader through your argument. If a paragraph shift feels abrupt, insert a transition phrase.

4. Check Paragraph Structure

Under exam pressure, ensure:

• every paragraph has one main idea
• the paragraphs follow a logical sequence—no repeated points
• the introduction and conclusion are present and clear

5. Scan for Consistent Style

Use active voice and avoid unnecessary jargon. Make sure key points are stated directly—especially conclusions and recommendations.

Key Term: transition phrase
A word or group of words (e.g., "therefore", "however") that signals connections and logical relationships between sentences or paragraphs.

How to Maximise Your Revision Time

Step-by-Step Process

1. Scan for Structure: Confirm presence of introduction, clear main argument, and brief conclusion.
2. Look for Major Errors: Find and fix spelling, grammar, and argument gaps.
3. Read Conclusion and Topic Sentences: Do these directly address the prompt? Clarify or restate if not.
4. Read Quickly for Transitions: Add or clarify any missing logical connections between paragraphs.
5. Do a Fast Line-by-Line Pass: Where time permits, read each sentence for any awkward phrases or unclear statements and simplify.
6. If Time Is Very Short: Focus only on the most damaging errors—ignore stylistic issues.

Worked Example 1.2

A candidate ends their essay with: "This is why policy A is probably better. Further, benefits, by chosen responsibility, are for policy success."

How should you revise this under strict time pressure?

Answer:
Restate the conclusion clearly, e.g., "In conclusion, policy A should be chosen because it offers greater clarity and achieves the objectives set out." Remove vague, unclear ("by chosen responsibility, are for policy success") language and replace with a precise statement.

Revision Tip

Always leave two minutes at the end of your LSAT writing sample to revise key sentences and correct spelling of legal terms. Prioritise clarity and visible logic over minor style tweaks.

Worked Example 1.3

Suppose a sentence reads: "It can not be understated that good result will improve by support of the second recommendation."

What revision would most improve clarity in the last moments before submitting?

Answer:
Simplify to "A clear result can be achieved by supporting the second recommendation." Remove "It can not be understated," which is ambiguous and confusing.

Managing Stress During Last-Minute Revision

Pressure can make it easy to overlook errors. To stay accurate:

• take two deep breaths before reviewing your essay
• cover your text and re-read with "fresh eyes" to notice mistakes
• use a checklist (see below) to focus on priorities
• do not obsess over perfection—get the essentials correct first

Exam Warning

Under pressure, students sometimes overlook obvious spelling errors or completely omit their conclusion. Always check for spelling of key terms and presence of a clear, one-sentence conclusion.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Proofreading and revision are essential, especially for high-impact errors
• You must focus on priority errors (spelling, argument structure, logic gaps) when revising under pressure
• Use transition phrases to improve flow and argument clarity
• Leave time to check your introduction and conclusion are present and clear
• Always re-read topic sentences and conclusion before submission
• Do not spend time on minor style improvements unless all essentials are addressed

Key Terms and Concepts

• proofreading
• revision under pressure
• priority errors
• transition phrase