Everything you need to know to perform your best on test day.
The LNAT tests your aptitude, not your knowledge. There are no facts to memorise - instead, it measures your verbal reasoning abilities, which are essential for studying and practising law.
There's no pass mark - universities use your score alongside other factors
You cannot resit in the same academic year
Questions cover law, philosophy, politics, media, science, ethics & education
No prior knowledge of these subjects is required
Verbal reasoning tests are widely used by law firms in recruitment. The LNAT gives you valuable experience with this style of assessment before you even start your degree.
The LNAT assesses verbal reasoning skills that lawyers use every day - from identifying whether legal doctrine can be interpreted differently, to spotting fact vs opinion, to forming counterarguments.
Understanding what the text actually says, not what you think it says
Understanding meaning, tone, and the author's attitude
Breaking down arguments into their component parts
Combining different pieces of information to draw conclusions
Working out what must be true based on given information
Understanding what's implied but not directly stated
42 questions • 12 passages • 95 minutes
The key insight: Unlike most exams, the answer is right in front of you. The skill is accurately deciphering what the question asks, identifying the relevant text, and choosing the most accurate statement.
"The trial found the defendant guilty" is a fact about the trial's result - it doesn't mean the defendant actually is guilty.
"Typically, ice melts above 0°C" - the word "typically" means it's not always true. Watch for qualifier words.
"It is always hotter in summer than winter" - is this a fact or an assumption? Could evidence argue against it?
"What cannot be inferred..." - watch for double negatives and multi-part questions.
Know these words
stated • inferred • implied • concluded • suggested
Watch for
NOT • EXCEPT • emboldened words
1 essay • 3 choices • 40 minutes • ~500-600 words
Define key terms, explain why it matters, state how you'll approach it
2-3 points with evidence, strongest argument last
2-3 counter-arguments, acknowledge their strengths
Weigh pros vs cons, give your reasoned position, suggest alternatives
Read quality newspapers regularly (Guardian, Times, Telegraph). Focus on comment/opinion articles. As you read, think about: the issues raised, assumptions made, evidence used, and how you'd form a counterargument.
Important: If you're late, you may not be allowed to sit the test. You cannot resit in the same academic year.
Put your skills to the test with our free LNAT practice questions. Get instant feedback and detailed explanations.
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