The Perfect Essay Structure for the ACER Law Admission Test

Are you preparing for the ACER Law Admission Test (LAT) and wondering what the best essay structure is? A well-structured LAT essay can significantly enhance your chances of securing admission to UNSW Law at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Previously we have covered the test format and preparation strategies in our comprehensive student guide. However, in this guide, we break down the ideal essay structure for the LAT, covering how to write an analytical and argumentative essay with clarity, logical progression, and a strong balance of evidence and analysis.

Introduction: Understanding the LAT Essay Structure

The ACER Law Admission Test (LAT) is a crucial component for gaining entry into UNSW Law at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. The exam requires candidates to complete two essay-based questions:

• Question 1: Analytical essay

• Question 2: Argumentative essay

Despite differences in approach, both essays require a well-structured response. Every high-scoring essay should include: An introduction that clearly states your argument Body paragraphs structured with logical reasoning and supporting evidence which you can read more about it here A conclusion that reinforces your argument effectively

However, knowing the basic structure is not enough. Many students struggle with key questions such as:

• How much detail should the introduction contain?

• Should my paragraphs be ordered by relevance or persuasiveness?

• How can I make my essay more compelling to the examiner?

This guide will answer these questions and more, ensuring you can craft a high-scoring LAT essay that meets the expectations of UNSW Law School.

The Three Key Elements of a High-Scoring LAT Essay

To write a persuasive and well-structured LAT essay, you must focus on three essential elements:

1. Clarity – Clearly articulate your thesis and the structure of your essay.

2. Logical Flow – Present your argument in a structured and persuasive manner.

3. Balanced Evidence & Analysis – Support claims with well-explained evidence.

By focusing on these three pillars, you will create an engaging and convincing essay that impresses examiners at UNSW Law.

1. Clarity: Establishing a Strong Foundation

Clarity is essential in a high-scoring LAT essay. The examiner should immediately understand your thesis statement and how you intend to structure your response.

How to Structure Your Introduction for Maximum Clarity

Thesis Statement: Clearly state your position in one precise sentence. Essay Roadmap: Outline the key points (one for each body paragraph). Compelling Opening Sentence: Engage the examiner with a confident introduction.

Example:"The concept of justice is intrinsically linked to the impartiality of the legal system. This essay will argue that judicial independence is fundamental to democracy, examining historical precedents, the impact of societal biases, and contemporary challenges faced by the judiciary."

This introduction:

• Clearly states the position (judicial independence is crucial to justice).

• Outlines the key points that will be explored in the body paragraphs.

• Uses concise and confident language.
  

2. Logical Flow: Structuring a Persuasive Argument

A well-organised argument is fundamental to success in the LAT. Your essay should progress logically, with each paragraph building upon the previous one.

How to Ensure Logical Flow in Your LAT Essay

✔ Use a Syllogistic Approach: Each paragraph should present a claim, followed by evidence and analysis. ✔ Follow the PEE Structure: Point → Evidence → Explanation ensures clarity. ✔ Arrange Arguments Strategically: Present points in progressive complexity or from strongest to weakest.

Paragraph Structure Example:

• PEE 1: Introduces the core premise (e.g., legal precedents supporting judicial independence).

• PEE 2: Expands on the premise by addressing counterarguments.

• PEE 3: Applies the argument to a modern legal context (e.g., recent judicial reforms).

Example paragraph:

Cardiovascular endurance is crucial for a successful tennis career as it enhances overall performance and stamina on the court. High endurance levels allow players to sustain intense rallies and extended matches without experiencing early fatigue. For example, elite tennis players such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal undergo rigorous endurance training to maintain peak performance throughout lengthy Grand Slam tournaments. This endurance advantage ensures they can compete at the highest level, outlasting opponents in physically demanding matches. Additionally, improved cardiovascular fitness aids in faster recovery between points and sets. Research in sports science shows that players with greater aerobic capacity recover more efficiently, reducing muscle fatigue and enabling consistent performance across multiple matches. This is particularly vital in professional tournaments, where players may compete on consecutive days. Some argue that strength and technique outweigh endurance, but without sustained stamina, technical skills decline due to exhaustion. For instance, players who lack endurance struggle with maintaining footwork, precision, and decision-making under pressure, leading to unforced errors. Thus, cardiovascular endurance is fundamental to excelling in tennis, as it supports sustained performance, effective recovery, and overall match consistency.

This structured approach strengthens your argument, making your response more persuasive and coherent.

3. Balancing Evidence with Analysis

A common mistake, apart from others, among LAT candidates is providing evidence without sufficient analysis. Evidence is important, but analysis is what sets high-scoring essays apart.

How to Balance Evidence & Analysis in Your LAT Essay

Introduce evidence: Use case studies, legal principles, or expert opinions. Explain relevance: Clarify why this evidence supports your argument. Make connections: Show how each point reinforces your thesis.

Weak PEE:

"Cardiovascular endurance is important for tennis players. Studies show that players with better endurance last longer in matches. This means they can keep playing without getting tired."

Average PEE:

"Cardiovascular endurance plays a key role in tennis performance, helping players sustain energy levels during long matches. Research indicates that athletes with greater endurance can continue competing at a high intensity for extended periods. This enables them to move efficiently across the court and remain competitive even in later stages of a match."

Strong PEE:

"Cardiovascular endurance is essential for elite tennis players, as it enables sustained performance throughout long matches. A study by the Journal of Sports Science found that players with higher aerobic capacity experience significantly less fatigue in five-set matches. This endurance advantage allows them to maintain speed, agility, and accuracy, preventing a decline in performance during crucial points."

The strong PEE: ✔ More Specific Point: Instead of just stating that endurance is "important," it specifies that it helps sustain energy levels during long matches.

✔ Improved Evidence: Mentions "research indicates" rather than a vague "studies show," adding credibility, though still lacking a named source.

✔ Clearer Explanation: Explains how endurance helps players maintain intensity and remain competitive, rather than just saying they "keep playing without getting tired."

This approach demonstrates critical thinking, a crucial skill tested in the LAT for UNSW Law.

Additionally, reading opinion editorials is a supplementary way to improve your reasoning skills.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for a High-Scoring LAT Essay

To excel in the ACER Law Admission Test (LAT), your essay must be:

✅ Well-structured – A clear introduction, logically arranged body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. ✅ Persuasive – Each argument should build upon the previous one. ✅ Balanced – Evidence should be carefully analysed, not just presented.

By focusing on clarity, logical flow, and balanced evidence analysis, you will produce an essay that stands out to examiners and enhances your chances of being accepted into UNSW Law at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Ultimately, this will help you become a high-earning lawyer in Australia.

Want expert guidance on how to perfect guidance on your LAT essay? Join our Premium Masterclass at LAT Academy and gain insider techniques to boost your score and secure your place at UNSW Law. Schedule your screening call today to see if you would be a good fit!