LSAT Reading Comprehension Techniques

What is LSAT Reading Comprehension?

The LSAT Reading Comprehension section consists of four long reading passages, each followed by a series of multiple-choice questions. The passages typically come from subjects like law, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The questions are designed to test your ability to read dense and complex texts, identify key points, understand the author’s purpose, and draw conclusions based on the passage.

Key Skills Tested in LSAT Reading Comprehension

• Identifying the main idea: Understanding the central theme or point of the passage.
• Analyzing the structure: Recognizing how the passage is organized and understanding how different parts relate to each other.
• Understanding tone and perspective: Identifying the author’s attitude, viewpoint, or bias toward the subject matter.
• Making inferences: Drawing logical conclusions based on the information presented in the passage.
• Locating details: Finding specific information and using it to answer questions accurately.

Effective Techniques for LSAT Reading Comprehension

To improve your LSAT Reading Comprehension score, you'll need to adopt a systematic approach to reading and answering questions. Here are some proven techniques to help you excel:

1. Preview the Passage

Before diving into the passage, take a moment to preview it. Look at the title, the first and last paragraphs, and any bolded or italicized text. This quick scan will help you get a general idea of the passage’s topic and structure, allowing you to read it more efficiently.

Try to answer these questions during your preview:

• What is the general topic or subject of the passage?
• What is the author’s main argument or purpose?
• What is the structure of the passage? Does it follow a clear sequence or argument?

2. Focus on Understanding the Main Idea

The key to mastering Reading Comprehension is identifying the main idea of the passage. The main idea is typically stated in the first or last paragraph, but it may also be woven throughout the passage. As you read, focus on understanding the overall message rather than getting bogged down by individual details.

After reading the first few sentences of each paragraph, ask yourself, “What is the point of this paragraph, and how does it contribute to the overall argument or theme?” This will help you maintain focus and avoid distractions.

3. Take Notes and Annotate the Passage

As you read, it’s helpful to take brief notes or underline key ideas. This will help you retain information and keep track of important details. However, avoid excessive highlighting or writing too much in the margins, as this can slow you down and create unnecessary distractions.

Here are some things to note while reading:

• Significant shifts in tone or argument.
• Important conclusions or points made by the author.
• Definitions or explanations of key terms or concepts.

4. Read for Structure and Organization

Many LSAT Reading Comprehension passages are organized in a logical structure, with clear relationships between ideas. Understanding the structure of the passage will help you locate key information more easily when answering questions.

Look for these structural clues as you read:

• Transitions between ideas (e.g., “However,” “In contrast,” “Therefore”) that signal shifts in the argument.
• Topic sentences that introduce the main idea of each paragraph.
• Concluding sentences that summarize key points or offer final thoughts on the topic.

5. Identify the Author’s Tone and Perspective

The tone and perspective of the author play a significant role in understanding the passage. The author’s attitude may be neutral, critical, supportive, or skeptical, and recognizing this will help you answer questions about the author’s intent and viewpoint.

To identify the tone, pay attention to:

• Word choice: Is the author using positive, negative, or neutral language?
• Sentence structure: Is the author expressing strong opinions, or is the language more reserved?
• Context: What is the overall purpose of the passage? Is the author trying to persuade, inform, or criticize?

6. Make Inferences from the Passage

Inferences are conclusions that you can draw from the information presented in the passage, even if they are not explicitly stated. Making inferences is a key skill for answering LSAT Reading Comprehension questions.

To make inferences, consider the following:

• What does the author imply, even if they don’t directly say it?
• What can be logically deduced from the facts presented in the passage?
• How do the details in the passage support or contradict the author’s main idea?

7. Practice Active Reading

Active reading is the practice of engaging with the text as you read, rather than passively absorbing information. Ask questions as you read, summarize key points, and think critically about the author’s argument. The more actively you engage with the passage, the better you’ll be at answering questions and retaining important details.

8. Review the Questions Before You Read the Passage

One effective strategy is to quickly review the questions before reading the passage in detail. This will give you a better idea of what to focus on as you read and help you stay on track. You won’t need to remember every detail, but focusing on the main ideas and structure will help you answer the questions accurately.

Practice Resources for LSAT Reading Comprehension

To improve your Reading Comprehension skills, regular practice is essential. Here are some helpful resources to guide your preparation:

• Official LSAT Prep Tests: Use real LSAT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the types of passages and questions you’ll encounter on the exam.
• LSAT Prep Books: Invest in LSAT prep books that include detailed explanations of Reading Comprehension strategies and practice questions.
• Online LSAT Prep Courses: Many online LSAT prep courses offer interactive lessons and practice drills specifically focused on Reading Comprehension.

Advanced LSAT Reading Comprehension Tips

If you’ve mastered the basics and want to further improve your score, here are some advanced tips:

• Time yourself: Practice answering Reading Comprehension questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
• Analyze incorrect answers: When reviewing practice questions, carefully analyze why the correct answer is right and why the wrong answers are incorrect.
• Work on improving reading speed: Practice reading dense, complex texts quickly while maintaining comprehension.

Conclusion

Mastering LSAT Reading Comprehension requires consistent practice, effective strategies, and active engagement with the text. By using the techniques outlined in this guide, such as previewing the passage, identifying the main idea, and making inferences, you’ll be well on your way to improving your Reading Comprehension score. Stay focused, practice regularly, and develop a systematic approach to reading, and you’ll see significant improvements in your LSAT performance.