Writing techniques and style - Using appropriate tone and fo...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to produce written responses for the LSAT that demonstrate formal style, precise vocabulary, and an objective tone. You will know how to avoid informal or emotive expressions, structure sentences for clarity, and apply a neutral, professional style—ensuring your arguments are clear, credible, and assessment-ready.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand how to communicate arguments and analysis using a formal writing style. In revision, ensure that you focus especially on:

• distinguishing formal from informal language use in written arguments
• maintaining an objective, professional, and neutral tone throughout responses
• avoiding contractions, slang, and direct address
• selecting precise academic or legal vocabulary instead of vague or emotive expressions
• removing bias and emotive language
• structuring writing for clarity, conciseness, and directness

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 version best demonstrates a formal LSAT writing style?
   1. "This is a weak argument."
   2. "The reasoning does not support the stated conclusion."
   3. "No big deal if the logic is off."
   4. "They really messed up here."
2. Which word is most appropriate for formal LSAT writing?
   1. stuff
   2. individuals
   3. loads of
   4. cool

3. True or false? It is correct to use contractions (like "can't," "won't") in your LSAT Writing Sample.

4. What is the main disadvantage of using emotive or aggressive language in LSAT writing?

Introduction

Clarity, objectivity, and formality are core features of effective LSAT writing. Examiners expect clear, directly stated arguments, and a careful, neutral approach to analysis. Using casual language, direct address, or emotive phrasing quickly reduces the credibility of your work.

Tone in LSAT Writing

The tone of your writing signals your attitude towards the question, argument, or analysis. On the LSAT, maintain a professional, detached, and even tone at all times. Avoid emotional, sarcastic, or overly assertive statements.

Key Term: tone
The attitude, mood, or stance expressed by your writing, reflected in word choice and sentence construction. LSAT responses should use a neutral, professional, and objective tone.

What is Formal Language?

Formal writing avoids idioms, colloquialisms, contractions, and direct address. Instead, it uses standard vocabulary, proper syntax, and impersonal structures to communicate serious appraisal of arguments and issues.

Key Term: formal language
Writing style that uses standard, precise English vocabulary and structure, avoiding conversational expressions, contractions, and ambiguity to suit assessment and legal argument.

The Importance of Tone and Formality

Throughout the LSAT, the way you present your evaluation is as important as the points you make. A formal style ensures the examiner can focus on your argument, not your delivery. Unprofessional tone or language makes examiners less likely to accept your analysis.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Stay alert for common errors:

• Using contractions ("don't," "won't")—always write the full words ("do not," "will not")
• Employing slang, filler words, or casual phrases ("lots of," "pretty bad," "fix it up," "guys")
• Asking rhetorical questions or using direct address ("You can see this is wrong" or "Don't you agree?")
• Making aggressive, exaggerated, or emotive evaluations ("It is obvious that..." or "This argument is ridiculous.")

Replace these with clear, specific, objective statements and direct explanations.

Worked Example 1.1

Which of the following sentences matches LSAT writing standards?

a) "This point is totally absurd and makes no sense." b) "The argument's evidence does not adequately support its conclusion."

Answer:
Sentence (b) is formal, objective, and concise. Sentence (a) is informal and emotional.

Ensuring Neutral, Objective Evaluation

Always provide evaluation or analysis in measured, evidence-based language. Condemn only the reasoning—not the writer—and explain flaws using clear reasoning. Avoid words like “clearly,” “obviously,” or “everyone knows,” which are subjective or exaggerate.

Worked Example 1.2

Make this sentence formal and neutral:

"They didn't try hard, so their answer was kind of weak."

Answer:
"The response lacked detailed analysis and supporting evidence."

Being Impersonal in Academic Writing

Legal and academic writing rarely uses first-person or direct address. Avoid starting sentences with "I think," "In my opinion," or "You should." Instead, state analyses impersonally:

"It can be seen that the evidence is insufficient" instead of "I think you can see the evidence is not enough."

Worked Example 1.3

Revise for impersonal, formal style:

"Obviously, you see this case doesn't make any sense."

Answer:
"The logic of the case is not supported by the facts presented."

Exam Warning

Avoid instructing or questioning the examiner. Refrain from statements like “You should agree” or rhetorical questions. Focus on analysis, not persuasion by assertion.

Choosing Academic Vocabulary

Select precise terms with defined meaning in law or written argument. Prefer "insufficient," "unfounded," "unsupported," "individuals," "evidence," or "analysis" over vague words like "bad," "stuff," or "things." If a more specific term exists, use it.

Structuring Sentences for Formality

• Use clear, simple sentences. Long, rambling constructions lead to mistakes and ambiguity.
• Where necessary, use impersonal structures (“The evidence suggests...”) or the passive voice (“It is submitted that...”) to maintain objectivity.

Revision Tip

Before submitting any LSAT writing sample, review for informal language, contractions, first-person expressions, and vague or emotional terms. Replace with exact, standard equivalents.

Summary

Table 1.1: Informal vs. Formal Language

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• "Tone" is the attitude your writing projects; a neutral, professional style is required.
• Use "formal language" throughout; avoid contractions, casual vocabulary, or direct address.
• Objective analysis is standard—never attack persons, always analyse reasoning.
• Replace any vague, emotional, or aggressive words with clear, precise academic terms.
• Sentence structure should favour short, declarative statements for clarity.

Key Terms and Concepts

• tone
• formal language