Prepare

The LAT is a 2 hour computer-based written test. Candidates can access the online sample Preparation Material through the Manage Registration section of their LAT account. Please note responses in the online sample test are not saved and will disappear once you click Finish. Candidates can access the paper version of the sample online test on the Practice material page. 

You should try to complete the writing tasks in 2 hours under 'test conditions'. Once completed, it is often helpful to ask someone else to read the answers and to suggest improvements or alternative approaches to the stimulus (note that it is not necessary to agree with the stimulus). It can also be useful to put the tasks aside for several days before re-reading them to look for ways to make improvements. Note: for the interactive version, candidates will have to print out a copy of their responses.

Candidates are often concerned about the expected length of the writing tasks. Within reason, the quality of the writing is much more important than the length. Candidates only have 60 minutes to plan and answer each task, and the examiners do not have unrealistic expectations of what can be produced in that time.

When candidates’ writing is assessed, the assessors consider the following questions:

• How sophisticated are the ideas that the candidate has developed in response to the stimulus?
• To what extent and how well has the candidate explored the ideas and issues in the stimulus?
• Has the candidate developed a structured and organised piece of writing?
• Has the candidate written clearly and fluently?
• Is the language precise and appropriate?
• To what extent does the candidate demonstrate a nuanced and critical perspective through their response to the stimulus?

Please note that responses to the stimulus are to be typed directly on the online response form for each question. Candidates can use the reverse page of the printed admission ticket to plan their responses.