LNAT Structuring a Coherent Essay 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an LNAT essay, what is the primary function of a concluding paragraph?
- To introduce new supporting evidence that strengthens your argument
- To summarize key points and restate the thesis in light of the argument made (Correct answer)
- To refute all opposing viewpoints in detail
- To provide a list of sources consulted during research
Correct answer: To summarize key points and restate the thesis in light of the argument made
The conclusion synthesizes the argument by restating the thesis in light of evidence presented, without introducing new material.
Question 2: Which transitional strategy best signals a concession followed by a rebuttal?
- 'Furthermore, it is clear that…'
- 'In contrast, the evidence shows…'
- 'Admittedly, one might argue X; however, this overlooks Y' (Correct answer)
- 'Similarly, this point demonstrates…'
Correct answer: 'Admittedly, one might argue X; however, this overlooks Y'
The concession-rebuttal pattern acknowledges an opposing view before countering it, demonstrating analytical nuance.
Question 3: An essay on whether free speech should be limited online has three body paragraphs. The most logical ordering would be:
- Counter-argument, thesis restatement, main argument
- Main argument, supporting evidence, counter-argument and rebuttal (Correct answer)
- Counter-argument, main argument, introduction
- Evidence, conclusion, main argument
Correct answer: Main argument, supporting evidence, counter-argument and rebuttal
Building the main argument before addressing counter-arguments allows the reader to understand your position before encountering challenges to it.
Question 4: A student writes: 'The law is unfair. Many people think so. Therefore it should change.' What structural flaw does this exhibit?
- Overly complex sentence construction
- Lack of a clear thesis statement
- Absence of reasoned support linking claim to conclusion (Correct answer)
- Excessive use of technical legal terminology
Correct answer: Absence of reasoned support linking claim to conclusion
The passage makes a claim and jumps to a conclusion without providing logical reasoning or evidence to bridge them.
Question 5: When writing an LNAT essay, why is it important to define key terms in the introduction?
- To demonstrate vocabulary knowledge and impress the examiner
- To pad the word count without adding substantive content
- To establish the scope and meaning of contested concepts your argument depends on (Correct answer)
- To signal which dictionary you prefer to cite
Correct answer: To establish the scope and meaning of contested concepts your argument depends on
Defining key terms clarifies the conceptual boundaries of your argument and prevents ambiguity that could undermine coherence.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'signpost sentence' in essay writing?
- A sentence that quotes a legal authority to support a claim
- A sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph will argue or has argued (Correct answer)
- A sentence that introduces the author's personal anecdote
- A sentence that ends the essay with a rhetorical question
Correct answer: A sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph will argue or has argued
Signpost sentences guide the reader through the essay's structure by indicating the purpose or content of a section.
Question 7: An LNAT essay prompt asks: 'Should jury trials be abolished?' A student spends four of five paragraphs discussing the history of juries. This is an example of:
- Effective background contextualization
- A disproportionate allocation of space that undermines argumentative focus (Correct answer)
- Appropriate use of historical evidence to support a thesis
- A valid structural choice when the prompt is historically oriented
Correct answer: A disproportionate allocation of space that undermines argumentative focus
Spending the majority of the essay on background rather than argumentation weakens the essay's focus and fails to engage with the evaluative question.
LNAT Structuring a Coherent Essay 2
In an LNAT essay, what is the primary function of a concluding paragraph?