How to write your essays for the LAT Test and get into UNSW Law

Aftab Bismi
Jun 22
4 min read

If you're preparing for the Law Admission Test (LAT), you're already aiming high. UNSW Sydney is home to Australia’s top-ranked law school, and the LAT test is a crucial part of your application. Run by ACER (the Australian Council for Educational Research), this two-hour exam is designed to test your ability to think critically, evaluate arguments, and write persuasively.

At LAT Academy, we specialise in helping students unlock the skills needed to succeed in the LAT. One of the most important and often overlooked skills is the ability to write simply. Simple writing is not basic writing. It is clear, focused, and powerful. This is exactly what the UNSW Law Admission Test is looking for.

In this guide, we will break down three key strategies that will help you write simply and effectively in the LAT test.

Tip 1: Keep Your Sentences Short

Markers at ACER are looking for clarity and structure in your writing. Long, complicated sentences with multiple clauses or filler words can cloud your ideas. Shorter sentences help your argument stay sharp and easy to follow.

For example, instead of writing:

“In order to support this idea, it is important to understand that governments have a responsibility to protect citizens.”

You could write:

“Governments must protect their citizens. This supports the argument.”

Clear, direct language shows confidence and strong reasoning. As we teach at LAT Academy, short sentences do not mean short ideas. They reflect disciplined thinking. In the pressure of the LAT exam, the ability to express your points efficiently can make all the difference.

You can still vary sentence length slightly to keep the rhythm natural, but your default should always be clarity. If a marker has to reread your sentence, you risk losing marks.

Tip 2: Use Simple Word Choice

Many students think they need to use complex or advanced vocabulary to impress UNSW markers. In reality, simple word choice reflects clearer thinking. Use strong verbs and precise nouns instead of dressing up weak ideas with adjectives and adverbs.

For example:

Use “sprint” instead of “run quickly”
Use “injustice” instead of “very unfair rule”

At LAT Academy, we train students to choose words that convey meaning directly. The Law Admission Test is not about sounding impressive. It is about being clear, logical, and persuasive under time pressure.

Avoid legal jargon or technical terms unless they appear in the source material. The LAT test is not testing your legal knowledge. It is testing your ability to argue and explain. Simplicity helps your reasoning stand out.

Always ask yourself: “Can I say this in a simpler way without losing meaning?” If yes, make the change.

Tip 3: Balance Your Paragraphs for the LAT Test

Your writing in the LAT should feel structured and intentional. One common issue we see among students is paragraphs that are unbalanced, such as long, detailed first paragraphs followed by rushed, short final ones. This signals poor planning to LAT markers.

Each body paragraph should:

Focus on one main idea
Provide one or two pieces of evidence
Include clear explanation and analysis

Before writing, map out how many paragraphs you will have and how long each should be. At LAT Academy, we teach students to plan their structure so that each paragraph is roughly equal in length. This makes your response more professional and polished, which is exactly what UNSW Law is looking for.

Do not neglect your conclusion. It should briefly summarise your position and leave the marker with a sense of closure. A missing or rushed conclusion can weaken your entire response.

Tip 4: Limit Each Paragraph to a Single Theme

Your paragraphs in the LAT should each revolve around one clear theme. ACER markers reward structured, organised thinking. Using frameworks like PESTLE can help you identify relevant themes easily. For example, if the LAT prompt discusses climate change policies, you might structure paragraphs around clear themes such as:

Political: government leadership or policy consistency.
Economic: financial impact or job creation.
Social: community attitudes or public health implications.

At LAT Academy, we teach students to focus each paragraph explicitly on just one theme. This makes your argument straightforward for the marker to follow. Remember, paragraphs with multiple themes tend to confuse markers and weaken your analysis. Simplicity is strength.

Tip 5: Write Clear and Purposeful Topic Sentences for the LAT Test

Every paragraph you write in Question 1 of the LAT should start with a clear topic sentence. A strong topic sentence does two important things:

Clearly states the theme your paragraph will discuss.
Clearly identifies whether you found the author’s argument persuasive or unpersuasive for the intended audience.

For example, instead of starting vaguely with:

“The author discusses several ideas.”

You could write clearly and purposefully:

“The author persuasively appeals to economic fears to influence readers.”

This immediately helps markers see your argument and understand exactly what your paragraph will analyse. At LAT Academy, we emphasise clear topic sentences because they keep your writing focused, confident, and easy for LAT markers to reward.

Why This Matters for the LAT and UNSW Law

The UNSW Law Admission Test is designed to assess how well you can argue, reason, and communicate under pressure. That is why LAT Academy places such a strong emphasis on writing simply. Our top-performing students do not use flashy language or overcomplicated sentences. They use strong ideas, logical structure, and concise writing to score highly.

Here is why simple writing matters:

It is easier to write under time pressure
It helps markers follow your argument clearly
It reduces your chances of making grammatical errors
It reflects the kind of thinking required for success at UNSW Law

Final Thoughts from LAT Academy

If you want to succeed in the LAT, make simplicity your superpower. Keep your sentences short and purposeful. Choose clear, direct language. Structure your paragraphs evenly. These techniques are not just helpful. They are essential.

At LAT Academy, we provide expert training in persuasive writing, critical thinking, and time management, all tailored to the specific demands of the LAT test. With ACER overseeing the exam and UNSW Law setting the standard, you need every strategic advantage you can get.

If you are in year 12, it is time to sharpen your writing and master the LAT. Join LAT Academy and get the support you need to maximise your score and secure your place at UNSW Law.