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The road to law school may seem challenging, but consider this - every lawyer, from renowned barristers to influential policymakers, began right where you are today. Navigating the Law Admission Test (LAT) for the University of New South Wales (UNSW) may be your current hurdle, but remember, every hurdle crossed is a step closer to your dream. In this guide, we'll share five critical steps to help you master the LAT, from understanding the test structure and gathering your study materials to honing your persuasive writing and practice strategies.
Understanding the LAT Test
The journey to mastering the LAT test starts with understanding its structure. As of 2023, the LAT is a computer-based written exam with two sections requiring the crafting of two distinct essays within a two-hour time frame. In the first essay, you'll dissect an argument such as from an opinion piece, scrutinising its strengths and weaknesses. The second essay will have you create a persuasive piece, integrating information from various provided sources.
An important aspect of this test is time management. With only sixty minutes for each section, it's vital to read the prompt, plan your response, and write a succinct, clear, and expressive essay. Remember, quality trumps quantity, so focus on producing well-reasoned arguments over long-winded responses.
For an in-depth understanding of the test and specific strategies, check out our Student Guide to the UNSW Law Admission Test (LAT).
Step 1: Start early for the LAT Test
Embarking on your LAT journey may seem daunting, but remember, the sooner you start preparing, the better. Starting your preparation early allows you not just to understand the LAT's intricacies but also provides ample opportunities to practise and refine your skills.
Early preparation is not about burning the midnight oil or diving headfirst into rigorous study schedules. It's about pacing yourself, allowing time for the lessons to sink in, and giving yourself room to return to challenging topics. The beauty of an early start is that it enables a gradual buildup of knowledge, allowing you to avoid the stress and potential burnout associated with cramming.
The first part of an early start is self-assessment. This involves understanding your current skill set and identifying your strengths and weaknesses related to the LAT. You might be an ace at dissecting arguments but need some work on your persuasive writing, or vice versa. To help you with this crucial first step, we've designed a free quiz that can provide insights into your readiness for the LAT. It's a helpful tool to gauge your current level and will give you a roadmap for the areas you need to focus on in your preparation.
Step 2: Gather Your Study Materials for the LAT
Once you've mapped out your strengths and areas that need improvement, it's time to gear up with the right study materials. The quality and relevance of the resources you choose can significantly impact the effectiveness of your preparation.
ACER, the body that administers the LAT, provides valuable preparation materials. These resources include practice questions and sample papers which are accessible through the 'Manage Registration' section of your LAT account. While the responses in the online sample tests are not saved, you can access a paper version of the sample online test on the Practice material page.
These materials are excellent starting points. Completing the writing tasks under test conditions can mimic the pressure of the actual test and provide useful practice. It's also beneficial to have someone else read your responses and suggest improvements or alternative approaches. You can also set aside your completed tasks for a few days and then revisit them with fresh eyes. This strategy can help you spot areas of improvement that you might have missed in your initial review.
Remember, the focus should be on the quality of your writing rather than the length. When your writing is assessed, examiners consider several factors: the sophistication of your ideas, how well you've explored the ideas and issues in the stimulus, the structure and organisation of your piece, the clarity and fluency of your writing, the precision and appropriateness of your language, and the degree of nuanced and critical perspective you demonstrate in your response to the stimulus.
While ACER's resources provide a firm foundation, complementing these with our Premium Masterclass can elevate your preparation to the next level. Our 10-hour Masterclass has been designed with a keen understanding of the LAT's requirements and offers targeted guidance on building the necessary skills to ace the test. It's like having an experienced coach guiding you, providing strategies and techniques that align with your learning style and strengths. Combining these resources can give you a comprehensive and effective preparation strategy that maximises your chances of success in the LAT.
Step 3: Understand the Test Format and Question Types of the LAT Test
Sun Tzu famously said, "Know thy enemy and know thyself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated." The principle applies to the LAT test as well. Understanding the format and question types of the LAT is critical to strategise your approach and maximise your efficiency during the test.
As you know, the LAT is a two-hour exam split into two sections, each requiring you to write an essay. There are no multiple-choice questions; instead, the focus is on your critical thinking, reasoning skills, and ability to express your thoughts succinctly and persuasively in written form.
In the first section, you'll respond to an opinion piece, which could be a blog post or an article. You're required to analyse the argument presented, dissect its strengths and weaknesses, and conclude how persuasive you find it. This part of the test assesses your critical thinking abilities and your ability to express your analysis clearly and succinctly.
The second part presents you with various sources and asks you to construct a persuasive essay. This section is your chance to convince the reader of your viewpoint. The skills assessed here include your ability to coherently assemble information from different sources into a persuasive argument, focusing on clarity, succinctness, and expressiveness.
An in-depth understanding of the test format and question types can help you anticipate what is expected from you in each section and frame your responses accordingly. It gives you the ability to optimise your test-taking strategy, manage your time effectively, and ensure your answers align with what the test assessors are looking for.
For a deeper dive into understanding the LAT format and honing the skills necessary for each section, you can consider joining our Premium Masterclass. By marrying knowledge of the test format with solid preparation strategies, you'll be well-equipped to face the LAT with confidence.
Step 4: Learn to Write Persuasively for the LAT
Mastering persuasive writing is a critical component of excelling in the LAT, particularly in the second essay section where you are asked to present a compelling argument using various sources. The persuasive essay assesses your ability to express yourself clearly, make logical arguments, use evidence effectively, and sway the reader towards your viewpoint.
To become an effective persuasive writer, you need to:
1. Understand your audience:
Keep in mind that the markers of your essay are likely experienced legal professionals. This means they value logical argumentation, clear expression, and respectful communication. Understanding this can help you tailor your responses appropriately.
2. Have a clear thesis:
A persuasive essay should have a clear position or argument, which is your thesis. The thesis should be a succinct statement of your viewpoint on the issue at hand.
3. Support your thesis with evidence:
A persuasive essay isn't just about stating your opinion, but about convincing the reader that your opinion is valid. This involves providing supporting evidence, which in the context of the LAT, would come from the sources provided in the test. You need to demonstrate an ability to incorporate this information effectively into your argument.
4. Structure your essay effectively:
Good structure is vital to a persuasive essay. You should have an introduction that presents your thesis, body paragraphs where each paragraph presents one main idea or piece of evidence supporting your thesis, and a conclusion that summarises your argument and restates your thesis in light of the presented evidence.
5. Enhance your reasoning skills:
This is a key criteria for success in the Law Admission Test because it enables you to write in a coherent and logical manner. Learn more from our complete guide on How to Enhance Your Reasoning Skills for the Law Admission Test (LAT).
6. Use language effectively:
Persuasive writing also involves using language that is clear, precise, and impactful. You want to draw in your reader with compelling language, while also ensuring your points are expressed clearly and unambiguously.
To help you master persuasive writing, consider our Premium Masterclass. This course provides you with in-depth strategies and practice opportunities to hone your persuasive writing skills. Remember, persuasive writing is not just about expressing an opinion—it's about crafting a well-reasoned, evidence-backed argument that sways the reader to your viewpoint.
Step 5: Practise Regularly and Reflect on Your Performance
Imagine you're training for a marathon. Would you just read about running techniques, study the race course, and show up on race day hoping for the best? Probably not. You would lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement regularly, gradually increasing your distance while analysing your pace, form, and endurance. Preparing for the LAT test is no different - consistent practice and reflective learning are crucial for success.
Regular practice accomplishes a few things. Firstly, it helps you get familiar with the test format, question types, and time constraints, reducing your test-day anxiety. Secondly, practising under test conditions can help you develop effective time management strategies. Remember, you'll have two hours to write two essays, so learning to manage your time is key.
Moreover, the act of writing enhances your understanding of language structure, grammar, and syntax. It gives you an opportunity to apply what you've learned about crafting persuasive arguments and analysing arguments presented in opinion pieces. Remember, the more you write, the more comfortable you'll become with expressing your ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively.
However, merely practising is not enough. Reflective learning is equally important. After each practice test, take time to review your responses critically. Assess the sophistication of your ideas, how well you explored the stimulus, the structure and organisation of your writing, your language use, and your overall perspective. Don't shy away from seeking feedback from others, such as teachers, peers, or the friends you make in our Premium Masterclass. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into how you can improve your writing and argumentation skills.
Preparing for the LAT test is a journey that involves understanding the test, gathering relevant study materials, mastering persuasive writing, and consistent practice coupled with reflective learning. Like any meaningful journey, it demands commitment, resilience, and a positive mindset. Remember, every practice essay you write, every argument you dissect, and every piece of feedback you receive takes you one step closer to your goal. Arm yourself with the right tools, strategies, and mindset, and you'll be well on your way to acing the LAT and stepping into the world of law at UNSW. Believe in your potential, embrace the process, and the path to success will unfold before you.
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Written by: Ikjot Singh
Ikjot Singh, an accomplished legal professional and proud graduate of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our LAT guidance. During his time at UNSW, he didn't just excel academically but was also an integral part of both the Law Society and Business Society, adding another layer of practical experience to his theoretical knowledge.
His professional journey includes rich experiences at reputable organisations such as Kailash Lawyers & Consultants, Refugee Advice & Casework Services (RACS), Legal Aid NSW, and Insurance Australia Group (IAG). Through these varied roles, he has amassed a deep understanding of the legal landscape.
Ikjot's passion lies in leveraging his experiences and expertise to empower future law students to excel in their LAT journey. His mission is to demystify the LAT and provide aspirants with actionable strategies to achieve their law school dreams.