Essay Question

For section B of the LNAT you will need to write a persuasive argument about a given topic within 40 minutes. The purpose of the essay is to show independent, original thought and to give them an idea about your writing style. Thus, it is important that you make yourself stand out.

You only have 40 minutes and a choice of 3 questions. This is your opportunity to bring in your general knowledge to construct an argument about an aspect of society. In the weeks leading up to the test, you should read at least one good quality newspaper a week in order to introduce yourself to different arguments and figures which you could use in your essay. I would advise to choose the most controversial, complex topic which you are passionate about, as this is the way you can separate yourself from other candidates and ensure you are remembered. For example, Practice Paper 1 (which you can find on the LNAT website) gives the following example:

‘Women now have the chance to achieve anything they want.’ How do you respond to this statement?

Create a For and Against list and bullet point 3 or 4 possible arguments for each side.

For

Society has changed over time. Now, women are seen as equal to men and therefore have greater opportunity to succeed.It is now illegal to pay a woman lower wages than a man for the same job.There are influential female icons and role models – such as the film ‘Wonder Woman’ and figures like Emma Watson.

Against

While there are equal men to women ratios in most working environments, the elite of most professions have fewer women, eg there is only 1 female Supreme Court judge and less than 1% of the world’s top business people are female.Children are the biggest hindrance to women achieving the same success as men as women can be expected to give up their career to focus on children.Traditional female stereotypes of being timid, kind and impressionable impact their view of the professional world and how they are perceived from an early age.Consider whether quotas are the best way to give women the opportunity to succeed.

Decide whether you want to argue For or Against. The side you do not argue you can then use for counterpoints within your argument. Focus on making your writing persuasive and stylistic, rather than length. For the introduction, set out the arguments you will make and then in the following paragraphs explain your position. Finally, in your conclusion finish with a memorable statement to leave an impression on the reader.