Home > Introduction > What does the LNAT test and how?

The LNAT is a two-hour test in two parts: a multiple-choice element (80 minutes) and an essay element (40 minutes).

The multiple-choice element consists of 10 argumentative passages, with 3 multiple-choice questions on each, making 30 questions in all. The questions are designed to test powers of comprehension, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction. These are the verbal reasoning skills at the heart of legal education. The questions do not test (and do not require) knowledge of any subject except for the English language. This part of the test is machine-marked and the results are passed in numerical form to (only) those LNAT-participating universities to which the candidate has applied. Candidates will receive their marks after the admissions process is over.

The essay element gives the candidate a choice of questions on a range of subjects. Although these typically require some rudimentary knowledge of everyday subjects, the point is not to test that knowledge. The point is to test the ability of the candidate to argue economically to a conclusion with a good command of written English. This part of the test is not centrally assessed. Instead the essays are passed unmarked to (only) those LNAT-participating law schools to which the candidate has applied. The essays will be used by each university in the way that best suits its own admissions system.

The whole test is conducted on-screen. Because some candidates might otherwise benefit from better keyboard skills, and to encourage more economical writing, we have some guidelines about essay length. We suggest that the essay should ideally be between 500 and 600 words, and in any event not more than 750. More

What does the LNAT test and how?
Who needs to sit the LNAT?
Who sees the results?
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Preparing for the LNAT
Sitting the LNAT

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