How to Improve Critical Thinking Skills for the LAT

LAT Plus
Jun 4
3 min read

The Law Admission Test (LAT) isn't just another school exam — it's a test of your ability to think clearly, argue logically, and write persuasively. That means your ability to think critically is at the heart of LAT success.

But what exactly is critical thinking? And how can you improve it — especially when you're already busy juggling Year 12?

In this guide, we’ll break down what critical thinking really means in the context of the LAT, and give you practical steps to sharpen your skills and gain an edge over the competition.

What is Critical Thinking in the LAT?

In the LAT, critical thinking means:

Reading and interpreting information without bias
Evaluating arguments by identifying strengths, flaws, assumptions
Constructing your own argument in response to a prompt
Backing up claims with logical reasoning and relevant examples

It's not about memorising facts — it's about how you think about information and how well you can communicate that thinking in a clear and compelling way.

Why It Matters: LAT Assessment Criteria

The LAT marking rubric explicitly rewards:

Insight — a deep, thoughtful response to the prompt
Clarity of Expression — writing that is logical, structured, and precise
Critical Thinking — engaging with the complexities of an issue

That means the stronger your thinking, the stronger your score.

Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking for the LAT

1. Ask Better Questions While You Read

Whenever you read an article, opinion piece, or practice prompt, try asking:

What is the author really saying?
What assumptions are they making?
What evidence supports their claims — or doesn’t?
What’s missing from their argument?
Do I agree or disagree — and why?

This habit trains your mind to dig deeper, rather than accepting surface-level arguments.

LAT Plus Tip: Use this questioning strategy on a new article each week — especially opinion columns from quality outlets like The Guardian, The Conversation, or The Sydney Morning Herald.

2. Break Down Arguments into Parts

Good critical thinkers can dissect an argument into:

Premises (reasons)
Conclusion (claim)
Assumptions (unstated beliefs)

Start practising this by reading editorials or persuasive essays and outlining their structure. Then try the same with your own writing: Can you identify your own assumptions? Are your premises strong?

3. Play Devil’s Advocate

One powerful way to develop critical thinking is to challenge yourself. After writing a response to a prompt, ask:

“What would someone who disagrees say?”
“What’s the best counterargument to my position?”
“How would I defend against that?”

You don’t have to change your stance — but acknowledging and addressing opposition strengthens your writing and shows LAT markers that you’re engaging with complexity.

4. Use Real-World Examples — But Critically

Examples from current events, history, politics or ethics can strengthen your LAT response — if they’re used thoughtfully.

Here’s how:

Don’t just name-drop — explain its relevance.
Analyse the example: was it effective? What lessons does it show?
Avoid clichés and obvious choices unless you have a fresh angle.

5. Practice with Purpose: Do LAT-Specific Critical Thinking Tasks

Reading broadly and writing often are both important — but targeted LAT-style tasks are the most efficient way to improve.

At LAT Plus, our students work through:

Argument analysis exercises
Counterargument development
Timed essay responses
Feedback loops with tutors who point out logical weaknesses

These activities simulate the actual test conditions, so you're not just learning the theory — you're learning how to apply it under pressure.

Think Critically, Write Confidently

Improving your critical thinking won’t happen overnight — but it will happen if you approach it with intention.

Start small: question what you read, challenge your own ideas, and practise unpacking arguments. Over time, you’ll notice a shift — not just in your LAT responses, but in how you think about the world.

And if you want expert support, LAT Plus is here to help. Our proven strategies, personalised feedback, and deep understanding of the LAT mean we’re not just tutors — we’re your thinking partners. Sign up to one of our Accelerator Programs today - and gain that competitive advantage!