*Also check out other LSAT prep materials available through LSAT Blog.*
LSAT PrepTests 19-65 (June 1996 LSAT - December 2011 LSAT)
by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
For the first time ever, these exams are available for instant PDF download along with free Logical Reasoning explanations!
The test has significantly changed in the last decade, so make sure you get several of the newer exams.
Use: when you've finished the other exams.
The Next 10 Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
by LSAC (identical older edition)
This book includes PrepTests 29-38. You'll need to get a copy of this to adequately prepare.
Use: during your exam preparation.
(Check out my unofficial LSAT Logic Games questions, which accompany the Logic Games included in this book.)
10 More Actual, Official LSAT PrepTests
by LSAC (identical older edition)
This book includes PrepTests 19-28.
Use: during your exam preparation.
10 Actual Official LSAT PrepTests
by LSAC (identical older edition)
This book includes most of the PrepTests from 7-18. It's only worth your time to do these if you've begun your prep early enough that you will have plenty of time to complete the newer PrepTests also.
Remember: These PrepTests are from 12/1992 - 9/1995. There's no need to worry if you find some of the Logic Games tricky. These game types hardly ever surface on newer exams.
Use (if at all): at the beginning of your preparation to help you get used to the LSAT.
The Oldest LSAT PrepTests
by LSAC
For the first time ever, LSAT PrepTests 1-6 (June 1991 - October 1992), 8 (June 1993), and 17 (December 1995) are available for instant PDF download along with accompanying complete Logical Reasoning explanations!
These exams were previously out-of-print, but I've licensed them from LSAC.
Use: if you'll have time to complete the more recent exams as well.
The Official LSAT SuperPrep
by LSAC (identical older edition, except for tiny difference noted below)
This book includes a couple of exams you won't see anywhere else: 2/1996, 2/1999, and 2/2000. However, the book's biggest selling point is the fact that it includes complete explanations of each exam. It's important to know how the test-makers think.
Use: Read the introductory section covering each section of the exam prior to attempting questions of each type in the first few months of your prep. The introductory section is pages 1-62 (in newer edition) or pages 1-54 (in older edition).
(That 8-page difference consists of a comparative reading passage you won't find anywhere else, as well as a detailed explanation of it. This is the only difference between the editions that I spotted.)
Save the 3 exams in the book (and the explanations of each) for later in your preparation. The explanations are rather technical, so you may benefit more from them after working through my Logic Games and Logical Reasoning plans.
However, if SuperPrep's introductory section is smooth sailing for you and you feel like LSAC's writing style doesn't confuse you, then feel free to work through the three exams (and read their explanations) in the same manner that I recommend working through Next 10 in my 3-month sample study schedule.
The Official LSAT Handbook
LSAT Grouped by Logic Game Type
LSAT Grouped by Question Type
Kaplan LSAT Mastery Practice
June 2007 LSAT exam (PDF)
by LSAC
This is a free sample PrepTest. When you're making a study schedule, treat this exam as if it were PrepTest 51 1/2.
Sample LSAT Questions and Explanations (PDF)
by LSAC
From the folks who write the exam. Released in 2008.
About the LSAT
by LSAC
More sample questions and explanations, as well as a great overview of the exam.
LSAT Logic Games Bible (2008)
(shorter 2003 edition)
Good overview of Logic Games diagramming techniques. The book's drills are helpful, its organization is clear, and it only uses real LSAT PrepTests to demonstrate its techniques.
However, I disagree with its style of diagramming Pure Sequencing games, its approach to Grouping games, and much of its categorization system. (See my approach to various types of Logic Games.)
Note #1: The 2008 edition is almost twice the size of the 2003 edition. The extra size is mainly due to extra drills and the inclusion of more games from newer exams. The extra drills can be useful if the basics give you a lot of trouble.
However, many of the newer games included in the 2008 edition are games you'll want to save for your full-length exams. If you're exposed to these beforehand, they'll taint the results of those full-length exams. Be sure to skip any games in the book from approximately 2003-present since these are from exams you'll likely be taking for practice later.
If you're pressed for time, you can just use the 2003 edition.
Note #2: Don't stress over the book's overly-complicated sub-classifications. As long as you're able to distinguish between the main game-types (linear/sequencing, grouping, and combination), you'll be okay. Also, skip over the chapters on "Pattern Games" and "The Forgotten Few" unless you're already an expert on the more common types of games.
Use (if at all): Prior to attempting Logic Games from actual PrepTests.
LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible(nearly-identical older edition)
Good general overview of the Logical Reasoning section, but it's far from perfect. It emphasizes diagramming far more than I'd recommend.
Also, it fails to distinguish between Must Be True and Most Strongly Supported questions, doesn't do enough to distinguish between Necessary and Sufficient Assumption questions, and categorizes Necessary Assumption questions incorrectly. (See more of my LSAT Logical Reasoning approach and how it differs from this book's approach.)
Use (if at all): Prior to attempting Logical Reasoning questions from actual PrepTests.
LSAT Reading Comprehension Bible(identical older edition)
If you're already scoring decently on Reading Comprehension, this book will repeat much of what you already know. It won't do much to help you get those last few questions.
If you're struggling on Reading Comprehension, this book will make this section more manageable.
Note: Like the other "Bibles", this has a tendency to over-classify. The book goes into detail on every question type, every passage type, etc. If you majored in biology, you might find these taxonomies interesting, but most folks won't benefit from thinking about RC in this degree of detail.
Use (if at all): If you decide Reading Comp is a weak area worth focusing on, complete this book before doing several RC passages.
Logic Games Bible Workbook
Starts off with 70 pages of drills and explanations of those drills. It then presents 30 Logic Games from recent exams, along with explanations of each game and its questions.
Problem #1: All of the Logic Games it includes are from PrepTests 39-51 (December 2002-December 2006). These are very recent exams that are best to save for full-length practice closer to your test date, a point by which you should already have the fundamentals down.
Problem #2: The Logic Games Bible (reviewed above) is just a jumping-off point. This workbook might lead you to rely too much on its techniques rather than developing your own modifications and a flexible approach as you get closer to Test Day.
Use (if at all): If the Logic Games section is a weak area, you can use this as a source of drills after completing the Logic Games Bible (listed above). However, save the rest of the book for when you've already completed the recent PrepTests used in this book (to avoid exposing yourself to exams that you'll want to take as full-length timed practice tests).
However, you may want to order the 2008 edition of the Logic Games Bible instead, which has plenty of drills, and just erase and redo the drills in there.
A Rulebook for Arguments
by Anthony Weston
If you're only going to order one book for your LSAT prep aside from LSAT-specific books, make this it.
Weston will show you how to spot gaps in arguments and flawed reasoning. His book is clear, simple, and concise (104 pages). It serves as an excellent outline and how-to guide for the LSAT's Logical Reasoning section.
It's a great (and amusing) framework for LSAT-style thinking. It's really cheap (compared to the other books, anyway). Don't buy an older edition of this one to save money, though. The author has improved/added significant content for each new edition.
Use: Before you start studying for the LSAT, or before you start the Logical Reasoning section.
Logic Made Easy: How to Know When Language Deceives You
by Deborah Bennett (older edition)
Even though this book is not specifically written for LSAT prep, it includes many Logical Reasoning-style questions. It also discusses several common fallacies. Bennett is clearly familiar with the LSAT, which makes the book useful for LSAT prep. The book is clearly-written, contains basic examples, and it's concise.
Feel free to skip the chapters on the history of logic (and chapter 10 on truth tables) and focus on the everyday-life examples throughout the book instead. Be sure to check out the section on fallacies in Chapter 11, as well as the final chapter.
Also see my interview with Dr. Bennett on Logic Made Easy.
Use: Before you start studying for the LSAT, or before you start the Logical Reasoning section.
Informal Logic: A Pragmatic Approach
by Douglas Walton (older edition)
Clearly demonstrates and explains several types of valid and invalid arguments. Walton loves reviewing logical fallacies, and he discusses several common ones that appear on the LSAT.
Use (if at all): Before you start studying or before you start the Logical Reasoning section.
Elementary Logic: Revised Edition
by William Quine (older edition)
It's only 144 pages, but it manages to cover several fundamental issues in logic, such as necessary and sufficient conditions. If you're interested, and you have enough time, look it up, but you don't need to.
Use (if at all): Before you start preparing or before you start the Logical Reasoning section.
How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method
by George Polya (older editions)
Basic suggestions for logical thinking and problem solving. Why use it? Because it provides a framework you can use to identify and analyze relationships between evidence and conclusion in a given argument. Wikipedia, this summary, and these questions should be enough.
Ask the following questions when you encounter each Logical Reasoning stimulus or Logic Game.
1. What info is provided/unknown? Does the evidence support the conclusion?
2. How does this stimulus/game differ from other ones you've seen?
3. Does restating the argument help? (Consider the contrapositive.)
4. Can you make any inferences from the given information?
5. What can you do with the inferences?
Another good summary.
Use (if at all): Before you start preparing or before you start the Logical Reasoning section.
LSAT Blog's Sudoku Puzzles for LSAT Prep
I've put together 208 easy-to-moderate sudoku puzzles, along with a brief introduction to sudoku. They're presented in increasing order of difficulty.
You can download and print out multiple copies of each puzzle.
Sudoku puzzles will sharpen your brain and prepare it for the Logic Games.
Use (if at all): Before you start studying or when you need a break.
The Little Luxe Book of Sudoku: 335 Easy to Hard Puzzles
by Will Shortz
Book of sudoku puzzles by the guy who also writes the NYTimes crossword puzzle.
The Little Black Book of Sudoku: 400 Puzzles
by Will Shortz
More sudoku puzzles.
***
See my LSAT Study Schedules for tips on how to use these LSAT prep books effectively.
Also see Law School Admissions | Book Recommendations and LSAT Analog Watch / Timer for Test Day.
Thank you for the reviews!
ReplyDeleteJust started studying for the lsat, so I began reading Logic Made Easy by Bennett. Worth the read, but, my goodness... Faulkner would be proud of the tortured...ahem, sorry, complex sentence structures. Certainly exercises the brain. Being Logical by McInerny is a quick and easy read. By the way, I really like this blog and the direction it provides.
ReplyDeleteSo I decided to read Logic Made Easy by Deborah Bennett, since formal logic, even with the assistance of the LR Bible, was definitely a weak point for me on the June test (and the book is offering me a "break" of sorts from studying, though it's definitely not as much as a break as an episode of 30 Rock or a stiff vodka tonic might be...but you take what you can get). Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely -- and I think my understanding of some really key logical concepts has improved as a result of reading it.
ReplyDeleteI also have to admit that reading this book has given me a new reason why I should like this test, and why I should appreciate--rather than begrudge--the chance to study for it. I remember hearing someone say that they believed that studying for the LSAT made them smarter, and I 100% did NOT believe them (in fact, I saw the opportunity cost of this test as taking away from things that I "knew" made me smarter, like reading...and activism...and taking classes). But after reading Bennett, I feel like mastering LSAT material (and, consequently, getting much better at logical reasoning) will, indeed, contribute to my intelligence, or at least intelligence of a certain sort (and God knows I've studied my ass off for some tests that haven't come close to doing that!) She quotes Lewis Carroll, who said:
* Once you master the machinery of Symbolic Logic...[i]t will give you clearness of thought--the ability to see your way through a puzzle--the habit of arranging your ideas in an orderly and get-at-able form--and, more valuable of all, the power to detect fallacies, and to tear to pieces the flimsy illogical arguments, which you will so continually encounter in books, in newspapers, in speeches, and even in sermons, and which so easily delude those who have never taken the trouble to master this fascinating Art. Try it. That is all I ask of you!*
*Quoted in Bennett at 23.
In other words: To be as smart and funny as Jon Stewart, you have to know logic really well. [Or, to be more accurate: the mastery of logic is a necessary condition for being as smart and funny as Jon Stewart. It can't guarantee that you will be (it's no sufficient condition). But hell, if you don't have it, you've got no shot... And that's good enough for me.]
* Smart and funny as JS --> Good at formal logic
* Not good at formal logic --> Not as smart and funny as JS
One miscellaneous thing I really liked about this book was that Bennett makes you feel (sort of) better if logic doesn't come "easily", or "automatically", to you.* Almost every concept she discusses includes examples of studies that psychologists and others have done on real people to see if they can reason correctly using, say, the conditional, and -- shocking! -- how real people screw up, and screw up often. The studies are also used to explain common mistakes, which I think helps the reader A) understand the entire concept better, and B) avoid making similar mistakes in the future.
Bottom line: I highly recommend this bad boy. It will bring your LSAT studying back to the "real world", and it will help improve your score. What more can you ask of something that costs $12?
*(I say "sort of" because law itself doesn't come easily to much of the population, and the median LSAT score sucks, and thinking that I have a (lack of) reasoning skills in common with the "majority" of American society scares me quite a bit, so you can't exactly fall back on this fact--but for some reason it was a psychological boost for me, particularly when she mentioned times when study subjects could improve their reasoning).
I am sooooooooooo glad to see that you wrote out that the early books have hard logic games because I was getting extremmmmmmmmmely disheartened with the fact I wasn't getting places EVEN after reading the logic games bible from Powerscore.. but I'm feeling a LOT more confident...
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am consistently averaging only 16-18 correct answers on the Reading Comprehension section of preptests. I can't seem to increase the score. Is my score low enough, and is the RC Bible good enough, that you'd recommend buying it to boost my score?
Thanks.
@Nadia
ReplyDeleteGlad to help!
@Anonymous 9/4:
You still have a lot to learn for Reading Comp. I'd recommend the RC Bible for you (which I reviewed above) along with my Reading Comp tips.
Good luck!
Steve
Steve,
ReplyDeleteDo you think the logic games in the second two "10 Actual, Offical LSAT Preptests" (i.e. tests 19-38) are any harder than the games on the current tests?
Zack
here here on ash's comments about logic made easy, I just skimmed through it today as I only slept a couple of hour last night and needed a break.
ReplyDeleteSteve, great work with the books, they have really built my confidence up as december approaches (although I have a long way to go). I also just saw you great reviews on amazon.
How much do you think the powerscore setup guide for LG's helps? Some of the more advanced games I struggle with, but I obviously have a good bit more studying to do. Does it enhance speed and efficiency in setups (and instinct for templates, or reusing info from other q's), or will that just come with more practice?
ALSO, since your amazon reviews were great (especially for many of the one you DIDNT recommend), I only wish I read them sooner! Anyone who is tempted by the $25 dollar price tag, and hasn't done much investigation should be warned not to be seduced by the Harvard Law "Curvebreakers" Conquering LSAT Logic Games (McGraw Hill). It is the absolute, worst, most shameful piece of publishing that I have ever seen. It is overflowing with typos in the text and answer keys, and the questions are made up (you made me realize that you need the real deal) and even more laughably most questions have the answer for E. as "none of the above."
I guess I just wanted to thank you for this site, it has been a very impactful resource for me.
Also, I don't know why my sign i
I found your blog on a Google search, and it is, by far, the most helpful one out there. I have been following your suggested schedule and reading the books you recommended, and I can really see progress. Thank you for your guidance!
ReplyDeleteSteve, thanks for the list.I am currently going through Logic Made Easy by Mrs. Bennett.There is a lot of theoritcal stuff( the 64 moods of syllogisms, for example) that are not really relevant for thE LSAT.I am skipping some of that material, and trying to skim over for the distilled principles, while going through the examples in detail.
ReplyDeleteAny advice?
@Saim- I am reading the same book and experiencing the same situation. While interesting, I need to make good use of the time that I do have. The historical and theory are interesting, in my unprofessional and inexperienced opinion, will not help me on the LSAT. I am also curious to see what Steve has to say.
ReplyDeleteI agree that many parts of Logic Made Easy are not relevant. However, many parts of it are. As I suggested in my review of it (in the blog post above), feel free to skip over the areas of it that aren't relevant.
ReplyDeleteIf you're pressed for time but want a general logic text, read A Rulebook for Arguments instead. I've recently added to the blog post above.
For LSAT prep purposes, I prefer it to Logic Made Easy.
I am a year and a half away from taking the LSAT but I am wanting to start studying early. I have found your site to be very helpful, especially your list of recommended books. I am looking forward to becoming very familiar with your blog. Although I don't have many questions or suggestions now, I am sure I will in the future. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDo test questions in The Next 10 book overlap with any of the Powerscore books? My plan is to purchase 4 books and 4 Preptests:
ReplyDelete-Logic Games Bible 2003 (to avoid overlap)
-Logical Reasoning Bible
-The Next 10 (I am striving to practice on quite recent tests...)
-A Rulebook for Arguments
-Preptests 56, 57, 58, 59
Is this a good plan? I scored a 159 on my first practice test. I really feel that with some quality solo-study, I will do well. I will have 3 months to study for the June LSAT (by the time these arrive to me in Taiwan). But I need to be sure that I order every book that I will need, as shipping more will be difficult.
Thank you for your time, wonderful website and assistance. I'm hoping to purchase these books ASAP, today or tomorrow, and any tips you have will be welcome.
Thanks for posting your reviews. Your site is full of valuable information, and I appreciate your insights. I have been using the Powerscore Logic Games Bible, and plan to get the Logical Reasoning Bible based on your comments.
ReplyDeleteA post I would find helpful would be a list of books to avoid. There are so many resources available that it can be difficult to decide whether studying a certain book would waste my time or, worse, teach me techniques that might be detrimental to my score. In addition to the Kaplan book you mention above, are there any LSAT books you would avoid?
Glad you're enjoying everything.
ReplyDeleteI would also avoid this Kaplan LSAT book and this Princeton Review LSAT book. I'd also avoid the Barron's LSAT prep book (haven't done a review of it yet).
Once I've done enough negative book reviews, I'll probably compile them into a separate blog post.
Third time writer. Done all tests from 40-60. Used Powerscore. Two prep courses. Any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteSo I just wanted to share...I never spend money on things but not only did I buy that book the other day with the ten tests but tonight I bought the PowerScore LSAT Logic Bible...I am hoping it will help. I didn't spend this much on DAT prep stuff but I want a 160-170 and if these resources will help me get that score, it's worth it. Do you think I made the right choice buying the Bible? I think with your blog, the Bible and the books with old tests, I should be able to do fine- at least that's what I am hoping.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous 6/10 #1
ReplyDeleteIt recommends too much marking up.
@Anonymous 6/10 #2
Check out my retakers' study schedule.
@Anonymous 6/18
The LSAT and DAT are very different. I think getting a book with techniques such as that one is worth the investment. You don't want to reinvent the wheel.
And you are absolutely right...and I am definitely finding your blog, the emails and this "Bible" to be helpful. :) Thank you for making yourself available, putting together such a great blog and offering such great advice.
ReplyDeleteI am a beginner in this entire LSAT process. Steve, thank you for your amazing break-down techniques for those of us who are ready to pull out each strand from our hair! My question(s) is, what books would you recommend for a beginner including books to work my way up? I was really looking into the powerscore books however, if there are any recommendations to be read/studied before opening those books, recommendations will definitely not be taken for granted.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying it, Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteCheck out the informal logic books discussed in this blog post.
Hi, I am beginning study for the lsat an entire year in advance. I purchased a copy of the older logic games bible and I have found that many of the tests are sullied by them using the actual questions to teach there method. I believe that they should not use actual test questions to teach the methods but should have examples that use actual test questions. I don't see why teaching the diagraming has to use actual q's. Is there a comparable book that uses similar methods that won't ruin so many preptests? Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteHi Cody,
ReplyDeleteI really don't think it's a big deal that they use some real test questions for the diagramming portion. Most of the diagramming portion does not use real test questions, and some of the real test questions used in the diagramming portion are the same ones used as examples later in the chapter.
The older LGB still leaves more than enough tests unsullied.
I don't know of any comparable book with similar methods.
I have never utilized the "Bible" versions of LSAT's test questions. I realize you recommend them, however, if I devote the time, energy, and money in them, can you say with a great deal of certainty that those sources will improve my LSAT score?
ReplyDeleteThey provide a good foundation that's better than the books you're likely to find in most bookstores.
ReplyDeleteI believe you'll find at least some value in the LG and LR bibles.
You don't necessarily need to buy all 3. I'd recommend starting with the Logic Games Bible (around $40). If you find that useful, then go ahead and get the Logical Reasoning Bible (approx same price).
Thanks, I don't know what I'm going to do yet. The LSAT test has proven to be too much for me. I've put some long and hard hours in prepping for it more than once. I am psychologically spent where that test is concerned. It's not like a taker can study for it like the PCAT. My daughter took the PCAT after studying for it and did well the first time. The LSAT is different to me is a filtering test and filters out most takers no matter how hard and long they prep. Just my thoughts, for whatever they're worth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice, I thought the same concerning starting with the Logic Games Bible first and move on from there. I have to make up my mind about whether or not for someone like me if it is worth it again.
K, Steve, I purchased the two Powerscore Bibles for the games and logical reasoning. I am on page 70 on the reasoning, and now I see that there is a definite method to the madness. HAH!! I want my money back on the class I took, what a waste. Now, whether or not I can capitalize on it with a better score may or may not be a happin' thang. I have plenty of tests to keep my little pea brain busy too. Thanks, and I will be out of commission for some time in the distant future. Adios, Ciao, and Good Bye!!
ReplyDeleteAny idea where I could purchase preptest 61 and preptest 62? I ordered a bunch of preptests off of Amazon but couldn't find these!
ReplyDeleteNot released yet because they are the October and December 2010 exams.
ReplyDeleteWhoever sells those this early will go to prison :)
Ah can't say I'm upset about two less tests to do :)
ReplyDeleteBTW can't thank you enough for your 3 month study schedule. Everyone asks me if I'm freaking out about all the studying and I just say no, I've got a schedule to work from!
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteQuick question regarding the traciela series of books you've covered in your book recommendations (e.g., for LG, GROUPED by Game Type: LSAT Analytical Reasoning).
I've noticed that, quite recently, PowerScore has released similar books that organize questions based on type for each of the three LSAT sections (e.g., for LG, PowerScore LSAT Game Type Training).
Have you had the opportunity to review this new set of PowerScore books? If so, which set would you recommend for those books including questions from PTs 1-20, organized by question type: traciela or PowerScore?
Thanks!
I prefer the traciela series to the powerscore one because I prefer the categorization system that traciela uses.
ReplyDeleteAdditional benefit - the traciela books can be purchased as PDFs for a much cheaper price than the hard copy price of either traciela or powerscore.
I haven't begun studying yet, so these questions may be off base:
ReplyDeleteYou suggest studying with the PowerScore Bibles (referencing your suggested study plans) - would the accompanying PowerScore Training books not be categorized in the same way (which would likely make working between the two easier)?
Put another way, does it still make more sense to go with the traciela series (due to superior categorization), if I plan to do the majority of my 'approach' preparation with the PowerScore Bibles?
Thanks again!
The Traciela books will make clear some important nuances that the PowerScore categorization system does not make clear.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to expose yourself to the different systems and see what the Traciela system offers.
Question: have you ever done a review of Nova's Master The LSAT? If not, what did you think?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I really like your blog. I wish I had found it sooner...
Glad you're enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteHaven't written a comprehensive review of it, but I don't believe the book is worth getting.
It's a bit outdated and of relatively limited value simply because it was written before the vast majority of recent PrepTests - it only gives you strategies for older questions (and it also contains many simulated - non-LSAC - questions). It might be a good alternative way of looking at things, though.
Keep in mind that it's very old, though. The PrepTests it uses are 2, 7, 8, and 9. The December 2010 LSAT was PrepTest 62.