Many LSAT takers say that the multiple-choice section of Reading Comprehension can be quite a choppy ride. It contains four passages of 400-600 words with anywhere between 5-8 questions for each. Overall there are around 27 questions that need to be answered in 35 minutes.
If you think that’s a task in itself, you need to look at the passages that you often encounter in the section. They are often dense, dull and downright boring. We have prepared a rundown of LSAT reading comprehension tips for you to go through
Top 10 LSAT Reading Comprehension Tips
1. Focus on the main idea of the passage
When you come across author’s summarization of his or her point of view, underline it. Then find evidence that supports the point of view and whether the author agrees with each point of view or not.
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2. Spot the certainty keywords
Words like never, always, most, all are indicative of certainty. Also look for the difference between singular and plural.
3. Figure out the relationship between evidence and conclusion in each paragraph
This might seem tricky but can be arrived at by asking yourself questions like does the author promote guiding principles, does the conclusion follow from principle, does the passage include sub-conclusions, what is the author’s tone, etc.
4. Understanding Reading Comprehension questions
Main idea questions are the easiest and you encounter them first. Specific – according to questions are quite straightforward and focus on author’s argument. Inferences require you to make predictions based on the argument and this is where you should refer to the summary of argument from point 1.
5. Coping with comparative reading passages
Since 2007, this section contains two short passages, which will be compared. They might not directly refer to each other but will be based on similar subjects. To deal with these questions, you might want to focus on one of the passages to get the relevant information. Then look for variations, points which author agrees or disagrees with the other passage.
6. Comparative Reading question types.
The common issue, agree / disagree, method of reasoning / style and analogy are different types of questions you will come across in the two short passages.
7. Steer clear of incorrect answers
You will find that answers in the section are incorrect because of few reasons like extreme statements that have no evidence, exact opposite of the argument, irrelevant information, etc.
8. Taking notes
Rule of thumb, though you need to take notes to make things easier, you are better off taking fewer notes because it costs you time.
9. It’s only words
But they have a lot of significance. That’s the reason you need to spot words like opponents, others, advocates, argue, criticize, support, reject, scholars, politicians etc.
10. Answer smart
It’s considered a good strategy to start with the passage with the most questions and save the one with the fewest for the last.
Coupled with plenty of practice, these tips will help you conquer the fear of the tedious LSAT reading comprehension section.
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