While you can easily gain mastery in other LSAT sections by repeatedly solving questions, the reading comprehension section is highly dependent on tips and strategies.
Moreso, for an aspirant who finds reading frustrating, the LSAT Reading Comprehension will most likely seem difficult to you. This article will answer most of the questions you have about the LSAT reading comprehension, and bring back your confidence.
What is the Purpose of LSAT Reading Comprehension?
You may be wondering why the LSAT reading comprehension is worth discussing. Well, since lawyers do lots of long readings to extract facts and to also stay informed, the LSAT reading section is aimed at assessing your ability to read lengthy and unaccustomed pieces insightfully. Following that, you will demonstrate your knowledge of the passage by responding to the strategic questions that follow using information gleaned from the passage.
LSAT Reading Comprehension Question Types
The LSAT reading comprehension section consists of four parts of reading questions with each having 8-9 questions, but there are different types of questions of the LSAT reading comprehension which are often scattered across other parts. Discover the types of topics below to be sure of what to expect:
Questions about the main idea and intent
These types of questions are the most common and easy to answer because you can directly fish them out from the passage.
Approach and Order Questions
To answer questions such as these, you will need to put yourself in the author's place and decide on the method and framework the author uses to present their points of view and reasons.
Tests of Memory Questions
These are often quite simple sets of questions that ask you to recollect certain information as mentioned by the author in the passage at different points.
Questions of Facts Analysis
As with the approach and order questions, you will be evaluating the author's use of factual claims to determine why they chose those facts to prove and justify certain notions.
Inferential questions
You are expected to make deductions and come to logical conclusions based on the facts given in the passage.
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Author’s Opinion Questions
Once again, you will be required to wear the author’s hat. An argument will be presented with some options, you will then be asked to choose which option the author best depicts what the author’s opinion would have been.
LSAT Reading Comprehension TipsÂ
Just like the LSAT writing section, the LSAT reading comprehension section has its own unique tips too that can make answering questions easier. As you already know, you can never go wrong with tips.Â
Taking your time to read the passage before attempting questions is a rule of thumb. However, you can adopt any of the following suggested approaches:
Brush through the passage and questions very fast and then go back and read closely before you start answering your questions.
You can also decide to carefully read the passage first and start attempting questions.
Lastly, you can choose to examine the questions first, go back to reading the passage carefully, and start attempting your questions.
Ensure to work with an approach that works best for you and helps you manage time.
LSAT Reading Comprehension StrategiesÂ
Apply the following strategies during your LSAT prep to gain mastery in the LSAT Reading Comprehension section:Â
As you read the passage closely, identify the main theme from the supporting ideas underlining them.
Distinguish between points of view and opinions from facts.Â
Take note of the manner at which the author introduces his ideas and how they switch from one point to the next.
Establish the relationships between his ideas and notions.
Observe the author's sense of judgment and their attitudes.
Lastly, expect to see passages with content from different disciplines. Be determined to enjoy and understand the concept.
Strategies for Answering Questions
Before you pick the right answer, read all the available options carefully. Also, treat each question with its peculiarity. For instance, you can not answer an author's opinion question the same way you will approach a question of facts analysis.
Lastly, only the information provided in the passage is all you need to answer all questions. You don't need prior knowledge or information.Â
You can practice the LSAT reading comprehension with these sample questions.
How can I improve my LSAT reading comprehension fast?
Improving your LSAT reading comprehension may turn out to be easier than you thought. With the few practical points below, you can achieve this goal.
Firstly, don't be in a haste to answer all the questions. It's advised to treat the ones you are sure of or you find easy.
While doing so, be careful not to waste too much of your time on easier questions. It is always wise to take your time on the questions you find harder than the easy ones.
You can also skip hard questions that you feel stuck on for later to avoid wasting your time.Â
Have fun as you evaluate your reading comprehension skills with this LSAT reading comprehension practice game.
Lastly, practice! Practice is how you gain mastery and develop speed for the LSAT. Purposeful practice will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you can work on yourself accordingly.
Conclusion
This in-depth exploration of the LSAT Reading Comprehension section has provided you with a comprehensive framework for success. By applying the outlined strategies and diligently practicing with diverse passages, you can effectively develop the critical reading skills assessed on the LSAT. Remember, consistent practice is paramount to achieving mastery, and with focused preparation, you can confidently approach the Reading Comprehension section on test day. Best wishes on your LSAT endeavors!