Writing Sample

[Foti]

I have a few specific questions pertaining to the writing sample that I would appreciate some clarity and advice on:

1. Assuming there are two positions, position A and position B, I can use all the information given within position A to support/weaken position B, correct? I do not have to stay within the confines of what is specifically addressed in each passage? All the information from both positions is relevant and can be combined and applied however I choose?

2. When writing my essay should I speak in 1st person or avoid it?

3. After I assign each position to an objective, I have a basic checklist that I go through when addressing the pros and cons of both sides. For these specific purposes, let’s say position A better satisfies objective 1, and position B better satisfies objective 2. Please let me know if the following is a prudent approach:
1) How does position A satisfy objective 1 (the objective I assigned to it)?
2) How does position A satisfy objective 2?
3) How does position A fail to satisfy objective 1?
- Should I do this, or should I only focus on how it doesn’t satisfy objective 2? Does it
serve to weaken my argument in any way if I point out the shortcomings of the objective I feel
it fits best? Would it better to only address the shortcomings of the other objective? I’m
assuming it doesn’t matter, but I just want to make sure one way is not more
favorable over the other.
4) How does position A fail to satisfy objective 2?
5) Repeat steps 1-4 for position B

4. In my concluding sentence when I restate my stance and a broad reason as to why I chose it, do I address the other side at all, or should it be solely on my choice and why?


I apologize if this was lengthy and covered too much ground. You have all been so helpful during this process and I am very appreciative of all the guidance and advice. You are all incredible. Thank you again.

[Jeremy Press]

Hi Foti,

1. On your first question, all information presented in the facts can be applied to your analysis of either position as you see fit. For the most part, the facts presented are relevant to arguing either of the positions. However, even if some fact mentioned in relationship to the first position isn't directly relevant to the second position, you might find yourself arguing that fact is (or should be) less (or more) important in comparison to the facts supporting the other position.

2. Avoid first person altogether.

3. The approach you outline is reasonable, though you might be able to simplify it to conform to the 2-paragraph Pro/Con outline laid out at the end of this excellent posting: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/the-ul ... ng-sample/. The question you embedded in your approach is interesting, and I would recommend not being too rigid. Generally, each position will have strengths and weaknesses relative to both of the two objectives. It's okay to acknowledge any of those weaknesses, so long as you play them down (don't allow them to outweigh the strengths). To simplify this in an essay, I'd recommend following the 2-paragraph outline in a more simple way as laid out in the blog posting I linked.

4. There's no need to address the other side when you restate your choice at the end of the essay.

I hope this helps!

[Foti]

Thank you very much, Jeremy! It was entirely helpful.