Strategies for Success LSAT EXAM Strategies for Success

LSAT EXAM FORMAT SECTION # SECTION TITLE # OF QUESTIONS MINUTES I. Logical Reasoning 24—26 35 II. Analytical Reasoning 22—24 (4 sets) III. Reading Comprehension 26—28 (4 passages) IV. V. Experimental Section Varies VI. Writing Sample 1 essay Totals 118—132 (of which 96—104 count) 210 mins. (3 hours, 30 minutes)

Reading Comprehension Introduction 35 minute section

Reading Comprehension Introduction 35 minute section Four passages, about 400—500 words from a variety of sources. No specific background necessary.

Reading Comprehension Introduction 35 minute section Four passages, about 400—500 words Expect 5—8 questions per passage

Reading Comprehension Introduction 35 minute section Four passages, about 400—500 words Expect 5—8 questions per passage 26—28 total questions (about 1.2—1.3 minutes per question including reading time)

Reading Comprehension Introduction 35 minute section Four passages, about 400—500 words Expect 5—8 questions per passage 26—28 total questions (about 1.2—1.3 minutes per question including reading time) Allow 8 ½ minutes per passage (about 2 minutes reading time and 6—7 minutes to answer the questions)

Reading Comprehension Introduction Passages from hard sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, plus one law-related topic One passage will be a paired passage: two passages on the same subject matter Combined, both passages = 400—500 words Questions ask about the relationship between the passages’ ideas

Reading Comprehension Introduction Passages from hard sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, plus one law-related topic Essential to practice at home and analyze wrong answers Practice accuracy before efficiency Understand why an incorrect answer is wrong Spot personal trends, your strengths and weaknesses

Reading Comprehension Introduction Passages from hard sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, plus one law-related topic Essential to practice at home and analyze wrong answers You may use highlighters on the test; know the pros and cons

Attack-Strategy for Reading Comprehension 1. Start with the first passage; answer all questions within the 8.5 minute time limit.

Attack-Strategy for Reading Comprehension Start with the first passage; answer all questions within the time limit. Skim the questions before reading; don’t read the answers yet!

Attack-Strategy for Reading Comprehension Start with the first passage; answer all questions during the time limit. Skim the questions before reading. Read the passage ONCE (more reading advice to follow).

Attack-Strategy for Reading Comprehension Start with the first passage; answer all questions during the time limit. Skim the questions before reading. Read the passage ONCE. Read the questions carefully.

Attack-Strategy for Reading Comprehension Start with the first passage; answer all questions during the time limit. Skim the questions before reading. Read the passage ONCE. Read the questions carefully. Read each answer choice carefully; ONLY use the information in the passage.

Reading Strategies for Great Comprehension Read the passage ONCE. Get the gist of the passage on your first reading.

Reading Strategies for Great Comprehension Read the passage ONCE. To avoid rereading, get the content by… READING ACTIVELY

Reading Strategies for Great Comprehension Read the passage ONCE. To avoid rereading, get the content by… READING ACTIVELY VISUALIZING

Reading Strategies for Great Comprehension Read the passage ONCE. To avoid rereading, get the content by… READING ACTIVELY VISUALIZING PARAPHRASING

Reading Strategies for Great Comprehension Read the passage ONCE. To avoid rereading, get the content by… READING ACTIVELY VISUALIZING PARAPHRASING ANALYZING

Skills for Reading Analysis Distinguish main idea from supporting ideas. Distinguish author’s personal ideas from mere reporting. Distinguish hypothetical or speculative ideas from author’s committed ideas. Identify transitions from one idea to another. Identify the relationship between different ideas.

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea 2. Supporting Idea

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea 2. Supporting Idea 3. Implications / Inferences

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea 2. Supporting Idea 3. Implications / Inferences 4. Applications beyond the passage

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea 2. Supporting Idea 3. Implications / Inferences 4. Applications beyond the passage 5. Author’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea 2. Supporting Idea 3. Implications / Inferences 4. Applications beyond the passage 5. Author’s Strengths and Weaknesses 6. Structure of the Passage

Reading Comprehension Question Categories 1. Main Idea 2. Supporting Idea 3. Implications / Inferences 4. Applications beyond the passage 5. Author’s Strengths and Weaknesses 6. Structure of the Passage 7. Author’s Tone or Attitude

Reading Comprehension Question Accessibility Know how to access the accurate answer; questions are written in three levels: FACTUAL QUESTIONS

Reading Comprehension Question Accessibility Know how to access the accurate answer; questions are written in three levels: FACTUAL QUESTIONS MAIN IDEA QUESTIONS

Reading Comprehension Question Accessibility Know how to access the accurate answer; questions are written in three levels: FACTUAL QUESTIONS MAIN IDEA QUESTIONS HIDDEN IDEA QUESTIONS

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Answers can be eliminated when they are… IRRELEVANT to the question

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Answers can be eliminated when they are… IRRELEVANT to the question CONTRADICTORY to the passage

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Answers can be eliminated when they are… IRRELEVANT to the question CONTRADICTORY to the passage UNREASONABLE

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Answers can be eliminated when they are… IRRELEVANT to the question CONTRADICTORY to the passage UNREASONABLE TOO GENERAL or TOO SPECIFIC

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Answers can be eliminated when they are… IRRELEVANT to the question CONTRADICTORY to the passage UNREASONABLE TOO GENERAL or TOO SPECIFIC NEVER ADDRESSED in the passage

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Elimination techniques: IRRELEVANT to the question CONTRADICTORY to the passage UNREASONABLE TOO GENERAL or TOO SPECIFIC NEVER ADDRESSED in the passage ABSOLUTES or QUALIFIERS

Reading Comprehension Eliminating Wrong Answers Elimination techniques: IRRELEVANT to the question CONTRADICTORY to the passage UNREASONABLE TOO GENERAL or TOO SPECIFIC NEVER ADDRESSED in the passage ABSOLUTES or QUALIFIERS LOOK FOR THE SPECIFIC WORD(S) THAT ARE INACCURATE

Reading Comprehension Practice Test Questions and Review

Reading Comprehension Final Advice Practice daily, concentrate on improving accuracy before efficiency Analyze why non-credited answers are wrong Analyze your own “misses” Analyze your own strengths and weaknesses Keep practicing!

You Can Do It! GOOD LUCK ON THE LSAT EXAM!