Best free LNAT test practice written by experts

Welcome to our LNAT practice test guide. This specific verbal critical thinking test is used for entry to the legal profession. Good luck with your LNAT Test practice!

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Our 2023 LNAT Practice Test Guide

School Entrance Tests‘ recommends Rob Williams Assessment’s LNAT test practice. Rob Williams Assessment Ltd are assessment specialist in both work and education settings.

 

School Entrance Tests’ popular Passed Papers’ LNAT video guide: LNAT VIDEO GUIDE.

 

Register for the LNAT here

You must sit the LNAT as part of your application when applying to study at Oxford University to do a Law degree. Or Law with Law Studies in Europe.

What is the LNAT?

The LNAT:

  • Is used by law schools, universitites and other legal training institutions. It’s used a san application sift – alongside other recognized academic qualifications.
  • For example, universities use the LNAT to place students in appropriate undergraduate law courses based on individual LNAT scores.
  • Assesses an  capacity, of an individual for the critical reasoning skills needed to study law. Hence, knowledge of law does not form part of this test.
  • Ensures universities have an efficient selection process; selecting the best applicants from a pool of highly qualified applicants to join them.

This critical thinking test tips described previously also apply to Part I of the National Admissions Test for Law (the LNAT)  – which also has a second Essay-based Part II. The LNAT:

  • Was introduced internationally as an additional factor for consideration when sifting large number of applications for law degrees.
  • Performance provides unique and useful evidence of a candidate’s reasoning ability and communication skills.
  • Offers unique evidence helps to ensure that the application process is fair and objective.
  • Allows applicants to demonstrate those natural critical thinking abilities – comprehension, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, deduction – which are a core skill for the legal profession.
  • Was not designed to assess any knowledge of laws or any legal ability.
  • Contains seven subject areas for the passages (philosophy, education, law, politics, media, science and ethics) you are not expected to have any background knowledge of these.

 

Why is the LNAT used?

Consider the skills a barrister needs when:

  • Summarising the evidence of their case
  • Questioning witnesses
  • Stating their conclusions as clearly as possible to ensure that the jury understand every aspect of the legal case.

Similarly, the jury also has to use their critical thinking skills to balance all the evidence for and against the accused!

 

Critical Thinking Test Study I – the LNAT

·         The onus is on written arguments; whether these are strong or weak, contain assumptions, illogical conclusions and so on.

·         You need to answer 42 questions and will be expected to interpret shades of meaning and the “grey” areas within the arguments outlined in 12 passages.

·         Although there is no pass mark, your LNAT grade is used as part of the selection process for taking a Masters law degree. In a similar fashion to how American Law Schools use the LSAT and the GMAT; both of which also contain critical thinking tests.

·         Before taking any specific test, such as the LNAT, it’s highly recommended to practise and familiarise yourself with the test format in advance. There are plenty of excellent LNAT-specific practise testing books available. In addition to the practice test materials that are available on the official website. Self-directed and disciplined practice is likely to prove more fruitful than paying for an LNAT coach.

 

What does the LNAT consist of?

  • The LNAT test comprises multiple-choice questions (section A) and an essay (section B).
  • Marks are out of 42, usually called the LNAT score (LNAT, n.d)
  • The second section requires each candidate to write an essay based on one of three provided subjects.
  • LNAT scores here show the ability of a person to make a convincing argument and conclusion.
  • Consequently, the score determines which undergraduate program is suitable for each respective candidate.
  • The official LNAT preparation Website has LNAT Hints and some useful critical reasoning LNAT Preparation tips.

How best to use these LNAT revision materials to prepare for your LNAT exam?

This is the best place to find details of any changes in the process. It is also worthwhile to check the LNAT Onscreen. There is also the site for the slightly different LSAT test for admission to Law Schools in the United States. Their official Website also has critical reasoning practice questions.

 

Introduction to LNAT Scoring

  • The LNAT test comprises multiple-choice questions (section A) and an essay (section B).
  • The computer checks the scores of an individual.
  • Then determines marks out of 42, usually called the LNAT score (LNAT, n.d),
  • The second LNAT section requires each candidate to write an essay based on one of three provided subjects.
  • LNAT scores show the ability of a person to make a convincing argument and conclusion. Consequently, the score determines which undergraduate program is suitable for each respective candidate.

What type of questions are in the LNAT?

example LNAT questions

Here is a quick summary of what you need to demonstrate:

  • Identifying statements which are not supported by any facts
  • Separating facts from inferences and opinions
  • Analysing the implications of a factual statement
  • Making logical deductions from a passage of prose

Our Practice Critical Reasoning Test Book

  • Passing Verbal Reasoning practice test book. This is regularly featured in Amazon’s top ten study guide. It includes a section on LNAT and other critical thinking tests.
  • Infact, our Passing Verbal Reasoning Test Practice book reached Number One when the publisher Pearson offered it for free (throughout the UK’s first 2020/21 lockdown).

 

How to prepare for Critical Thinking tests

These are a learned skill. With the right training, most individuals who have an average or above the ability to learn can develop reasonable critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills include the ability to define a problem clearly, the ability to formulate and select relevant hypotheses and to judge the validity of inferences. A good grasp of these skills enables a person to ‘think on his feet’, to assess evidence and arguments and to communicate clearly.

 

Rob WilliamsAsk ROB (expert test developer) your questions by emailing passedpapers@gmail.com

An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests.
Rob has worked for the school entrance test publishers ISEB and GL – as well as the leading global psychometric test publishers including SHL, Kenexa IBM, MBTI, CAPP and SOVA Assessment.

 

free LNAT test practice SECTIONS

it is a 2-hour 15-minute test divided into two sections. The first LNAT section (Section A):

  • is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam consisting of 42 questions.
  • 12 passages, with 3 or 4 multiple-choice questions on each.
  • 95 minutes.

In the second LNAT section (Section B):

  • 40 minutes to write an essay from a list of 3 topics.
  • Marked by the tutors at your prospective college.
  • This LNAT essay is in our opinion your best opportunity to demonstrate your superior critical reasoning abilities. And also your aptitude for studying Law.

 

What does taking the LNAT cost?

  • The LNAT costs £50 (UK)
  • And £70 (non-UK).
  • Although there is also an LNAT bursary scheme – see LNAT bursaries here.

 

Why do I have to take the LNAT?

  • Most applicants to Oxford University have outstanding academic credentials.
  • Thus, it’s difficult for Oxford Colleges to differentiate amongst the many many applicants come from all over the world and take different qualifications.
  • The LNAT pass mark, like the pass mark for school entrance tests such as the 11 plus, varies each year. This depends upon the diffficulty of the LNAT questions set that year. And, of course, on the standard (and to a lesser extent the number) of that year’s applicants..
  • In fact, you also have to pass the Oxford College interview.
  • Both methods in combination provide separate bits of info on a prospective student’s critical reasoning skills. And critical thinking potential.

How to Find a Specialized LNAT Tutor Online

  • Hiring expert tutor to aid preparations for the LNAT test can significantly contribute to good scores.
  • Several tutors usually advertise on online platforms to reach potential students.
  • However, some individuals posing as tutors are not experts in LNAT and may mislead candidates.
  • Therefore, applicants should know methods of identifying specialized tutors.
  • It is essential to conduct background checks on a tutor before seeking his or her services.
  • A potential tutor should have adequate experience in LNAT tests.

So, what’s the most useful LNAT preparation?

The most useful preparation that you can do is to try some of the practice question tests presented in the next section. There are 3 broad types of critical thinking question in this practice test section. Firstly, Interpretation-type questions, for example: – Which sentence best summarizes the passage – Identify the word that could be substituted for another in the passage.

How do I take the LNAT?

  • Pearson VUE usually provides the LNAT scores to universities on 20th October. Admission tutors of each university then use these scores as part of candidates’ application, Along with other admission criteria, universities use the LNAT test marks to select suitable students (LNAT, n.d).
  • Therefore, universities can utilize LNAT in the best way that satisfies their admission requirements or policies.
  • Notably, LNAT is not a replacement to A levels but used together with other criteria including formal qualifications, performance at interview, the information provided on the UCAS, and personal statement.
  • Majority of law firms such as Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, and Hill Dickinson utilize Watson Glaser test when hiring legal professionals. It enables such firms to select individuals capable of critical reasoning that is.vital in legal careers.(The Lawyer, n.d).
 

 

What’s the LNAT’s critical thinking?

The terms might sound a bit scary, but critical thinking skills are a learned skill. With the right practice most individuals who have a learning mentality, can develop sufficient critical thinking skills to pass this type of verbal reasoning test.

  • More specifically, you use these skills whenever you try to win a argument by focusing on your own argument and point of view. It is your critical thinking skills that allow you to tear apart other people’s arguments and use of facts/opinions. In fact you probably have used exactly these skills when accusing someone of ignoring the facts and just giving their own opinion.
  • Critical reasoning skills allow you to consider different perspectives on an issue, and to perceive the logical consequences of reading or hearing someone’s argued position.

This could be in conversation, what you hear on TV or the radio, and/or written emails/books/articles. You need to reason verbally with this information in order to get to the key points of an issue. To determine what is fact, from what is an opinion or an assumption.

How does the LNAT critical thinking test work?

  • In many job roles that require verbal reasoning skills one of the specific abilities required is that of critical reasoning. The critical reasoning skills that are key to many senior managerial and executive positions require you to assess evidence effectively and to communicate your position clearly.

Critical thinking tests and verbal reasoning tests are high-level analytical tests that assess how you think about and process verbal information. These tests are used – typically in addition to a verbal reasoning test –  for graduate and managerial assessment. Within certain professions where verbal dexterity is needed to interpret complex verbal information (e.g. the legal profession’s LNAT critical thinking test – see case study below) critical thinking tests are more commonly found.

What skills does the LNAT test?

  • Now the passage is likely to be longer and comprise of more complex written material then the verbal reasoning test formats presented in this book. Again, as with a verbal comprehension test, some questions will ask the candidate – just as a verbal comprehension test does – whether a statement is True or False.
  • However there is a much wider variety of other types of critical reasoning question, including the analysis and interpretation of arguments, assumptions, inferences and deductions.
  • There are plenty of excellent LNAT-specific practise testing books available – in addition to the practice test materials that are available on the official website. Self-directed and disciplined practice is likely to prove more fruitful than paying for an LNAT coach.

Test-taking tips for passing your LNAT

  • The LNAT specifically asks you to use different types of logical reasoning to “test” the accuracy and the interpretation presented in the passage of a particular topic.

  • Read the passage quickly the first time to get a feel for the main points. Then read the passage a second time more carefully, mentally noting the key content of each paragraph.

  • Critical verbal reasoning is quite literally applying a critic’s eye (i.e. critical analysis) to verbal information. It encompasses the logical analysis of the following features of complex written arguments and viewpoints: assumptions; inferences; opinions; facts and interpretations.

  • Improving the speed with which you can digest complex prose will help your test performance.
  • Focus on the core of the argument and its supporting evidence, together with the author’s stance on the issue.
  • Expect that each passage contains at least two sides from the “undecided debate” of a contentious issue.
  • Whilst you need to absorb the test passages as efficiently as possible, that does not mean that you need to rush your answers. Quite the opposite since there will be many different question formats. Some questions will be relatively easy. For other more involved questions you will need to allow yourself more time.

More LNAT preparation tips

  • Double check that you are 100% clear on what the question is asking for.
  • Take care when interpreting the meaning of complex words.
  • Look out for any words that imply something absolute, such as “always”, “never”, “all”. Do not confuse these with similar words or phrases that are not so definitive (e.g. “almost always, most of the time, invariably” and “often”) and the weak forms (e.g. “sometimes”, “some of the time” etc).
  • You need to understand the development of an argument. In particular what points are relevant to a specific argument and what points are irrelevant. Familiarise yourself with how journalists write comment and Opinion articles online or in the broadsheet newspapers.
  • The most useful preparation that you can do is to try some of the practice question tests presented in the next section. There are 3 broad types of critical thinking question in this practice test section. Firstly, Interpretation-type questions, for example: – Which sentence best summarizes the passage – Identify the word that could be substituted for another in the passage.

 

LNAT sample questions

– How are individual’s opinions, counteracts and factual evidence expressed?

– Is there one or more argument? One or more conclusion?

– Look out for any assumptions and consider which specific pieces of information are being used to make a conclusion.

– Is each piece of information reliable? Would you draw the same conclusion yourself?

– What additional information would you need to frame a counterargument?

 

 

 

LNAT summary questions

Secondly, summary-type questions. For example:

– Which is the most accurate summary of what the author means by ” “?

– The main point of the second paragraph is to illustrate what?

– Which of these does not form part of the passage’s discussion of ” “?

  • Yes, there are a wide range of other types of question format which occur in different types of critical verbal reasoning tests. When completing tests such as the LNAT if you are applying to law school (the LSAT or the GMAT in the United States then you will need to understand terms such as inferences, assumptions, opinions and deductions

 

Critical Reasoning Test Introduction

  • Critical reasoning tests, such as the LNAT, ask you to identify assumptions, inferences and the points made within “overall” arguments.
  • It’s the critical analysis of verbal information. It encompasses the logical analysis of the following features of complex written arguments and viewpoints: assumptions; inferences; opinions; facts and interpretations. The term “critical reasoning” might sound a bit intimidating, but it is a skill you can learn. With the right practice, most individuals can develop their skills sufficiently to pass this type of verbal critical reasoning test.

Who uses critical reasoning skills?

Everyone uses these skills sometimes, but some job roles specifically require a high level of verbal critical reasoning. For example, many senior managerial and executive positions require you to assess evidence effectively and to communicate your position clearly.

Lawyers, in particular, need excellent critical reasoning skills. Consider the skills a barrister needs when:

  • Summarising the evidence of their case
  • Questioning witnesses
  • Stating their conclusions as clearly as possible to ensure that the jury understand every aspect of the legal case.
  • Remain objective and not to be prejudiced by their own opinions.
  • Analyze large amounts of verbal information to build a case for their client.
  • Identify the different ways legal doctrine can be interpreted.
  • Present their evidence in court and state their conclusion based on it.