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Finally conquer the LSAT
LSAT Prep Without Enough Hours In The Day...
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Average LSAT scores *increase*
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The 5 Hardest LSAT Reading Comprehension Passages
Well, it’s time. I think you’re ready.
We've been going over these LSAT Reading Comprehension questions for a while now and tackled them from several different angles.
However, as I’ve said before the best way to get better at these is to just practice a LOT.
In that spirit, here are 5 of the hardest LSAT Reading Comprehension passages I could find.
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I’ll share them here in a second, but before I do that, if there’s anything you want to go back and revisit, you can do that with this list of free LSAT RC resources.
Ok, ready? Good luck - I believe in you!
Sincerely,
Steve “Reading Comp Killer” Schwartz
P.S. Next time, I’ll share one of my favorite LSAT Test Day strategies.
Recommended Resources:
1. LSAT Courses The best of my LSAT material with exclusive access to attend my Live Online LSAT Master Classes + Q&As, and on-demand video lessons you can watch anytime. Plus, LSAT study plans to keep you on track. Save hundreds of dollars with an LSAT course package. 2. Reading Comprehension Explanations The explanations that should have come with the LSAT. These don't just fall back on "out of scope," but actually tell you why the wrong answers are wrong, why the right answers are right, and the easiest way to get the correct answer. 3. LSAT Vocabulary Builder A handbook that guides you through confusing LSAT language, but not by forcing you to memorize hundreds of words. Instead, this comprehensive guide focuses on the LSAT's most commonly-used words and phrases and gives you their meanings on the LSAT. |
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August LSAT-Flex Email from LSAC
First, a summary:
LSAC announced the August 29 LSAT will be an LSAT-Flex. Like other LSAT-Flex administrations, it will not be disclosed. Most will take it on Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
Target score release date is September 18 at 9AM Eastern.
Unlike other Flex administrations, there will be a score preview option for first-time test-takers (for a fee - $45 if you pay before the test, $75 if you pay after the first day of the test).
You must complete LSAT Writing to receive your score and opens 8 days before the LSAT.
***
LSAC email text sent to August LSAT test-takers:
"Because you are currently registered for the August 29 LSAT, we want to share several important announcements about the August test:
Given the continuing COVID-19 emergency, we will offer the online, remotely proctored LSAT-Flex in August, instead of the in-person LSAT scheduled for August 29 in the U.S. and Canada. The LSAT-Flex gives candidates the opportunity to earn an LSAT score and continue their law school journeys despite COVID-19 restrictions on travel or public gatherings. The August LSAT-Flex will be administered starting Saturday, August 29. Most test takers will test on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, with a small number of tests occurring later in the week based on specific remote proctoring requirements. Due to the demands of the LSAT-Flex administration, this will be an undisclosed test. We are targeting Friday, September 18 as the score release date.
The second half of this email provides more detail on next steps, assistance, and familiarization resources.
In response to requests and feedback from test takers, we have created a new score preview option for first-time test takers who wish to see their score before deciding whether or not to keep it as part of their LSAC transcript and report it to schools. Score preview will cost $45 if you sign up prior to the first day of testing for a given test administration, or you may sign up during a specified time period after testing has concluded for $75. First-time test takers who sign up for score preview will receive their scores at the same time other test takers receive theirs (assuming they have completed their LSAT Writing and have no holds on their accounts), and will have six (6) calendar days to decide if they want to cancel or keep their score. If they take no action their scores will be added to their LSAC file and released to schools at the end of the six-day period. This feature will be available for purchase starting around August 1.
Note: First-time test takers who have an approved LSAT fee waiver will receive score preview free of charge.
You can learn more about the score preview option at our website: https://www.lsac.org/…/tak…/lsat-scoring/about-score-preview
In response to feedback from our member law schools, we are reinstating the requirement that all test takers must have a completed LSAT Writing sample on file before they will receive their score for the August LSAT-Flex or future tests. The writing sample has been a required part of the LSAT for decades, and law schools expect to see your LSAT writing sample when they review your application. Indeed, many schools have reported that they find the writing sample even more valuable due to the improved readability of the online LSAT Writing format introduced June 2019. To help candidates complete the writing portion of their test, we will now open LSAT Writing eight (8) days prior to every test administration. Candidates may complete their LSAT Writing at the time and date that is most convenient to them but must have a completed writing sample in their file in order to see their score or have their score released to law schools.
Note: Candidates only need one writing sample. August (or future) test takers who already have a writing sample on file from a previous exam do not need to complete a new LSAT Writing sample.
For more information about LSAT Writing, see https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/about-lsat-writing
What you need to do next
Because you are currently registered for the August 29 LSAT, you may take the August LSAT-Flex or opt out and receive a coupon which can be applied to any future test between October 2020 and April 2021. Please visit your LSAC account and submit the online form with your choice. If we do not hear from you by July 15, you will be automatically registered for the August LSAT-Flex on or about July 16. Note: You may withdraw from the August LSAT-Flex any time up to August 21, 2020 and receive the coupon. After the August 21 deadline, coupons are not available.
LSAC is working to help every test taker have the equipment and other resources they need to take the LSAT-Flex. If you do not have the necessary equipment or an appropriate place to test, you can make note of your situation via the same online form in your LSAC account no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday, August 9, 2020. We will work with you to try to address your needs.
Because the August LSAT-Flex is an online, remotely proctored test, we are able to offer a variety of test start times for you to choose from. We will open the scheduling sign-up process in mid-August, so that you can select the available time that works best for you. We will send more information and instructions prior to that time.
In the meantime, we encourage you to visit our LSAT-Flex Frequently-Asked-Questions page, where you can find more information about the LSAT-Flex, including answers to your questions about the test’s format, security, and technical requirements, as well as how best to prepare.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the LSAT-Flex, we recommend using the free Official LSAT Prep practice tests available on LSAC’s LawHub.
If you are a first-time test taker and wish to purchase the score preview option described above, keep an eye out for an announcement of its availability on or about August 1. And remember that if you have not previously completed an LSAT writing sample, you must complete LSAT Writing before we can release your score to you or to any law schools.
Stay safe and stay focused on your legal education journey — the world needs your voice and your advocacy now more than ever!"
LSAC announced the August 29 LSAT will be an LSAT-Flex. Like other LSAT-Flex administrations, it will not be disclosed. Most will take it on Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
Target score release date is September 18 at 9AM Eastern.
Unlike other Flex administrations, there will be a score preview option for first-time test-takers (for a fee - $45 if you pay before the test, $75 if you pay after the first day of the test).
You must complete LSAT Writing to receive your score and opens 8 days before the LSAT.
***
LSAC email text sent to August LSAT test-takers:
"Because you are currently registered for the August 29 LSAT, we want to share several important announcements about the August test:
Given the continuing COVID-19 emergency, we will offer the online, remotely proctored LSAT-Flex in August, instead of the in-person LSAT scheduled for August 29 in the U.S. and Canada. The LSAT-Flex gives candidates the opportunity to earn an LSAT score and continue their law school journeys despite COVID-19 restrictions on travel or public gatherings. The August LSAT-Flex will be administered starting Saturday, August 29. Most test takers will test on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, with a small number of tests occurring later in the week based on specific remote proctoring requirements. Due to the demands of the LSAT-Flex administration, this will be an undisclosed test. We are targeting Friday, September 18 as the score release date.
The second half of this email provides more detail on next steps, assistance, and familiarization resources.
In response to requests and feedback from test takers, we have created a new score preview option for first-time test takers who wish to see their score before deciding whether or not to keep it as part of their LSAC transcript and report it to schools. Score preview will cost $45 if you sign up prior to the first day of testing for a given test administration, or you may sign up during a specified time period after testing has concluded for $75. First-time test takers who sign up for score preview will receive their scores at the same time other test takers receive theirs (assuming they have completed their LSAT Writing and have no holds on their accounts), and will have six (6) calendar days to decide if they want to cancel or keep their score. If they take no action their scores will be added to their LSAC file and released to schools at the end of the six-day period. This feature will be available for purchase starting around August 1.
Note: First-time test takers who have an approved LSAT fee waiver will receive score preview free of charge.
You can learn more about the score preview option at our website: https://www.lsac.org/…/tak…/lsat-scoring/about-score-preview
In response to feedback from our member law schools, we are reinstating the requirement that all test takers must have a completed LSAT Writing sample on file before they will receive their score for the August LSAT-Flex or future tests. The writing sample has been a required part of the LSAT for decades, and law schools expect to see your LSAT writing sample when they review your application. Indeed, many schools have reported that they find the writing sample even more valuable due to the improved readability of the online LSAT Writing format introduced June 2019. To help candidates complete the writing portion of their test, we will now open LSAT Writing eight (8) days prior to every test administration. Candidates may complete their LSAT Writing at the time and date that is most convenient to them but must have a completed writing sample in their file in order to see their score or have their score released to law schools.
Note: Candidates only need one writing sample. August (or future) test takers who already have a writing sample on file from a previous exam do not need to complete a new LSAT Writing sample.
For more information about LSAT Writing, see https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/about-lsat-writing
What you need to do next
Because you are currently registered for the August 29 LSAT, you may take the August LSAT-Flex or opt out and receive a coupon which can be applied to any future test between October 2020 and April 2021. Please visit your LSAC account and submit the online form with your choice. If we do not hear from you by July 15, you will be automatically registered for the August LSAT-Flex on or about July 16. Note: You may withdraw from the August LSAT-Flex any time up to August 21, 2020 and receive the coupon. After the August 21 deadline, coupons are not available.
LSAC is working to help every test taker have the equipment and other resources they need to take the LSAT-Flex. If you do not have the necessary equipment or an appropriate place to test, you can make note of your situation via the same online form in your LSAC account no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday, August 9, 2020. We will work with you to try to address your needs.
Because the August LSAT-Flex is an online, remotely proctored test, we are able to offer a variety of test start times for you to choose from. We will open the scheduling sign-up process in mid-August, so that you can select the available time that works best for you. We will send more information and instructions prior to that time.
In the meantime, we encourage you to visit our LSAT-Flex Frequently-Asked-Questions page, where you can find more information about the LSAT-Flex, including answers to your questions about the test’s format, security, and technical requirements, as well as how best to prepare.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the LSAT-Flex, we recommend using the free Official LSAT Prep practice tests available on LSAC’s LawHub.
If you are a first-time test taker and wish to purchase the score preview option described above, keep an eye out for an announcement of its availability on or about August 1. And remember that if you have not previously completed an LSAT writing sample, you must complete LSAT Writing before we can release your score to you or to any law schools.
Stay safe and stay focused on your legal education journey — the world needs your voice and your advocacy now more than ever!"
LSAT Score Preview (via LSAC) I August LSAT-Flex
LSAT Score Preview (via LSAC) - first available for the August LSAT-Flex:
"In response to requests and feedback from test takers, we have created a new score preview option for first-time test takers who wish to see their LSAT score before deciding whether or not to keep it as part of their LSAC transcript and report it to law schools. This feature will be available starting with the August 2020 test administration and all subsequent test administrations, and will be available for purchase starting around August 1.
What it costs: Score Preview will cost $45 for candidates who sign up prior to the first day of testing for a given test administration, or $75 for those who sign up during a specified period after their given test administration. (Please note: First-time test takers who have an approved LSAT fee waiver will receive Score Preview free of charge.)
How it works: First-time test takers who sign up for Score Preview will receive their scores at the same time other test takers receive theirs (assuming they have completed their LSAT Writing and have no holds on their accounts), and will have six (6) calendar days to decide if they want to cancel or keep their score. If no action is taken, their scores will be added to their LSAC transcript and released to schools at the end of the six-day period."
"In response to requests and feedback from test takers, we have created a new score preview option for first-time test takers who wish to see their LSAT score before deciding whether or not to keep it as part of their LSAC transcript and report it to law schools. This feature will be available starting with the August 2020 test administration and all subsequent test administrations, and will be available for purchase starting around August 1.
What it costs: Score Preview will cost $45 for candidates who sign up prior to the first day of testing for a given test administration, or $75 for those who sign up during a specified period after their given test administration. (Please note: First-time test takers who have an approved LSAT fee waiver will receive Score Preview free of charge.)
How it works: First-time test takers who sign up for Score Preview will receive their scores at the same time other test takers receive theirs (assuming they have completed their LSAT Writing and have no holds on their accounts), and will have six (6) calendar days to decide if they want to cancel or keep their score. If no action is taken, their scores will be added to their LSAC transcript and released to schools at the end of the six-day period."
LSAT Vocabulary
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The most common LSAT Reading Comp topics (in detail)
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7 Habits of Highly Successful LSAT RC Scorers
While it might seem bit cliché, good habits can make the difference between an okay LSAT score and one that you want to put on the refrigerator like elementary school noodle art. Some of these I’ve gone over, some I haven’t. A little repetition is never bad thing, especially when it comes to LSAT Reading Comp. So, without further ado, let’s jump in! |
This is now the third time I’ve brought this up recently. You know why? Because it’s that important! Once you’ve identified the overarching theme of the passage everything else becomes much, much easier.
2. Keep track of various opinions presented by various groups
Once you identify a group with an opinion, give them a name as it will make it easier to keep up with them. If they love motorcycles, call them the Cyclists. If they are searching for a subterranean civilization, call them The Mole Men.
Whatever helps you easily identify who they are and what they believe. THEN whenever one of them presents some evidence, mark it and attribute it to the right group. At the end of the passage you’ll have a clear idea of who believes what and why. Which brings me to my next point…
3. Have a consistent and effective note-taking strategy
The LSAT is timed. You do not have time to re-read every single Reading Comp question to find every single answer. There’s no wrong way to take notes as long as it is quick and easy-to-understand. It doesn’t matter if anyone but you understands what you’re writing. If you can get to the end of the passage and have a shorthand for what you read you’ll be flying. And just as important, feeling confident.
4. Stay within the information provided in the passage
Sometimes you’ll get a passage where you actually know a little bit about topic. Believe it or not, this can actually hurt you rather then help you, since it becomes tempting to include your own knowledge in your answers. WRONG. Support each inference you make only with information from the passage. To make sure you’re doing this, mentally cite the line or paragraph from which you’re drawing your conclusion.
5. As in Logical Reasoning, focus on structure, not content
In all likelihood, you’re going to be reading about subjects that are obtuse and downright boring. They’ll be complicated and unnecessarily confusing.
To combat this, break apart each paragraph like a Logical Reasoning question. Don’t worry about the details of the argument, just identify the parts of it so you can answer the question and get out of there.
6. Get a sense of where questions will come from as you read the passage.
This is where practice comes in handy. The more Reading Comprehension questions you do, the more you’ll start to see patterns emerging. You’ll be able to identify important sections and pay close attention to them and you’ll know that’s where the answers to the questions will likely be coming from. It’s no different then any other competition. If you know your opponent’s tendencies (in this case, the LSAT), you’ll be better prepared to counter-attack. It doesn’t matter if you play chess, football, or Call of Duty. Know Thy Enemy.
7. Practice, practice, practice
Maybe more than any other part of the LSAT, Reading Comprehension can be made much easier by simply doing a lot of them. The types of questions you can be asked are relatively limited and you’ll see them asked the same way again and again. Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut, but if you put in the work, you will see an improvement If you need some more to read up on, go check out this article with more RC tips and tricks. (I mentioned some already, but there’s a lot of nuggets of wisdom I couldn’t get to today.)
Next time, we’ll get into categorizing the various Reading Comprehension passages you’re likely to see. Why? Go back to #6…Know Thy Enemy.
-Steve "the best is still to come" Schwartz
P.S. Can’t wait for my next one? Looking to go deeper?
I created an LSAT Reading Comprehension Cheat Sheet a little while ago.
It shows killer techniques to help you: 1 - understand the structure of each passage 2 - know when NOT to use strategies because they’ll take too long 3 - know the RIGHT strategy to use at the right time It boils things down to the basics. Without forcing you to read hundreds of pages. Without trying to memorize everything. Result ... you solve more questions in less time - and get a higher % correct. Big difference. You can get a copy here: LSAT Reading Comprehension Cheat Sheet Enjoy! [To be continued...]
P.P.S. We’ve only covered a few topics so far, and there’s a lot more to dive into. I’ll be covering RC more in the future, but there’s no reason you can’t get my best resources in the meantime.
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How to solve LSAT Reading Comp questions like a boss
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