ACCA

LW Exam Structure Explained: How to Manage Time and Succeed

The LW (Law) exam is computer-based, two hours long, and requires 50% to pass. It is split into two sections: Section A with objective test questions (70% of the marks) and Section B with case-based objective tests (30% of the marks). Good time management is crucial, with 84 minutes recommended for Section A and 36 minutes for Section B.

What is the structure of the LW exam?

The LW exam is two hours long, and you need to score 50% or more to pass. It is entirely word-based, so you won’t see any numbers or calculations. The exam is computer-based and divided into two sections:

Section A (70 marks, 70%)

25 objective test questions worth 2 marks each.
20 shorter objective test questions worth 1 mark each.
These may include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, multiple response, and “click-to-select” style questions.

Section B (30 marks, 30%)

5 multitask case questions worth 6 marks each.
Each question is based on a scenario, followed by objective test questions linked to it.

How should you manage time in Section A?

Section A will take most of your time. You should spend around 84 minutes here. A good approach is:

Aim for 10 questions every 15 minutes.
Flag difficult questions and return to them later.
Avoid spending too long on one tricky question, as this could cost you easier marks later.

👉 Takeaway: Treat Section A like a race against the clock. Keep moving, and don’t get stuck.

How should you manage time in Section B?

Section B has 5 scenarios, worth 6 marks each. You should spend 36 minutes total, or around 7 minutes per scenario.

Here’s a method to manage Section B effectively:

Read the scenario quickly but carefully.
Identify the main legal issues in the question.
Answer the linked objective test questions, keeping an eye on the clock.
If a question takes too long, make your best choice and move on.

👉 Takeaway: Section B is less about speed and more about applying legal knowledge to situations. Keep calm and systematic.

What is the best exam technique for LW?

Here are some simple strategies from teaching experience:

Practice under timed conditions.Get used to answering questions in 15-minute chunks.
Use the flagging tool wisely.Don’t panic if you cannot answer straight away.
Build confidence with the shorter questions first.They are quicker and help you warm up.
Read carefully.Many mistakes come from misreading, not lack of knowledge.
Review if time allows.Go back to flagged questions after completing the paper.

What should you remember on exam day?

Arrive calm, and make sure you are comfortable with the computer format.
Stay aware of the clock, but don’t let it stress you.
Answer every question, as there is no negative marking.
Keep your focus until the end. A single extra mark could be the difference between passing and failing.

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