Evolution of the LSAT

The first LSAT test was officially administered in 1948 and required a full day of testing to cover its 10 sections:

  • Verbal Analogies
  • Sentence Completion
  • Paragraphs
  • Word Classification
  • Reading Comprehension (2 Sections)
  • Figure Classification
  • Debates
  • Contrary and Irrelevant Statements
  • Reasoning

In 1949, the word classification, figure classification, debates, reasoning and one of the reading comprehension sections were removed. Best Argument, Data Interpretation, Principles and Cases and Gottschaldt Figures Test items were added.

Then in 1950, changes were made again based on the results of validity studies. The test in 1950 consisted of:

  • Principles and Cases
  • Data Interpretation
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Opposites
  • Debates
  • Best Argument
  • and Gottschaldt Figures

In 1951, the test was shortened to a half day test, sections were changed again to:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Principles and Cases
  • Data Interpretation
  • Contrary & Irrelevant Statements
  • Figure Classification Types

The test lasted this way for about 5 years, until 1956 when Contrary & Irrelevant Statements were dropped and Directed Memory and Error Recognition were added.

In 1961, a writing section was added to the test as well as a general background section, both of which were given scores in addition to and separate from the LSAT score.

In 1970 the General Background, Figure Classification, and Organization of Ideas were all removed from the test. At that time Directed Memory received a name change to “Reading Recall”.

1971 returned the test to a half day. The test at that time consisted of:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Data Interpretation
  • Reading Recall
  • Principles and Cases
  • Error Recognition
  • Sentence Correction

In 1975 Logical Reasoning and Practical Judgment were added to the test and replaced Reading Recall and Comprehension.

In ‘76, Quantitative Comparison replaced Data Interpretation, and in February of ‘78 Usage replaced Error Recognition.

In 1982 the test began to resemble the tests of today with sections of  Issues and Facts, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. In 1989 Issues and Facts was dropped and  second Logical Reasoning section was added in June 1991.

Source: A Compendium of LSAT and LSAC-Sponsored Item Types 1948-1994, Lynda M. Reese and Ruth Anne Cotter.