It's Steve here.
I'm explaining why you're slow at LSAT reading comp.
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When you read things:
-You saw on social media.
--or--
-You found in BuzzFeed, BusinessInsider, the newspaper, etc.
...they write in a way to make it easy for you to understand. And they make it interesting.
HERE'S AN EXAMPLE:
Pretend you're reading the NYTimes.
Think about the articles that get your interest.
They tend to be one of two things.
1. Hard news stories
2. Human interest stories
Hard news stories tend to include the key details first, then zoom out to give the context.
Ex. "The President signed a bill into law yesterday to _______."
The article then continues by giving other people's' reactions, including opinions on why or why not this new law might be important and/or good.
Human interest stories usually start with a short anecdote, then zoom out for the larger story.
Ex. "Yesterday, a giant squid attacked Joe as he relaxed in his in-ground swimming pool the other day. Sadly, this is only the latest in a long string of giant squid attacks. Local law enforcement is doing everything they can to prevent future attacks. The mayor recommends citizens check their swimming pools before entering."
Okay, maybe a giant squid attack is more along the lines of hard news, but you know what I mean. Newspapers want to get most important info to readers first. They get to the point quickly, engage you, and want to keep you reading.
The Truth About Reading Comp:
The Passages Aren't From The Real World.
I don't blame you for thinking they were, since the test-makers talk about "source material" for each PrepTest.
Don't believe me? Just turn to the page right after Section 4 ends.
It says something like: "Acknowledgment is made to the following sources from which material has been adapted for use in this test booklet."
The key word there is "adapted."
*** Reading Comp passages are actually written by LSAC. ***
They "rework" (I'd say "remix," but they're not that hip) the source material and paraphrase it in the most boring way possible.
One of them (LSAT PrepTest 30, RC Passage #4) was adapted from a New York Times book review.
I compared the passage to the actual NYTimes article, and here's what I discovered:
LSAC purposely "boring-ified" the article for the LSAT!
The NYTimes article included things like:
>>>>>>> Naturally, she would ask, "Do you remember anybody growing rice?"
-and-
>>>>>>> Here is another discussion that I wish the author had placed in the text
You'll never see language that simple in LSAT books.
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