Her response:
"Many people are imprecise in their use of ordinary language. The rules of conversation allow for the listener to supply information. In fact, it is a compliment to the listener for the speaker to assume that not all information is necessary. If we are conversing, the more information I assume you know the more flattered you will be. At the other extreme, if I explain every detail necessary to be perfectly unambiguous you might be insulted that I am patronizing or pedantic—even talking down to you.
I believe that we can improve our logic in everyday life. We can improve our language and logic by thinking critically about everything we hear, read, write, and say. We should ask ourselves what language means and try not to read our own meaning into it. We should ask not only what a sentence says but also what the sentence does not say. By thinking about the logic of the language of others, our own language should become more precise."
Bottom line:
Just as you can become more logical and critical in everyday life, you can become more logical and critical in your approach to the LSAT!
***
Relatedly, I did an interview a while back where I answered students' general questions on the LSAT and its "learnability" - here it is:
1. Can the LSAT be learned?
Without a doubt, the LSAT can be learned. There's no question about it!.
The easiest and fastest way to improve is to become familiar with various LSAT question-types. This doesn't take very long, but the payoff is minimal.
The quickest way to see a significant improvement is to learn solid diagramming techniques for the Logic Games. This takes a decent amount of time.
The next step is to understand the "LSAT mindset." This is the most difficult task. It's like becoming a Jedi or seeing through the Matrix.
2. How does one acquire the LSAT mindset?
Learn to be critical and skeptical of arguments, avoid taking things at face value, consider potential alternative causes for any result and potential alternative explanations for any conclusion, devote obsessive attention to detail, understand nuances and apply general principles to specific situations.
Obviously, this is complicated. Too much for one article (or several). Showing you HOW to do this is what my courses are all about.
3. Is the LSAT a good predictor of law school performance?
Yes, I believe the LSAT is a good independent predictor of law school performance.
People born with the LSAT mindset (aka nerds) are likely to do well on the LSAT and in law school.
Good news is....people who intensively prepare for the LSAT and eventually acquire the LSAT mindset are likely to intensively study in law school and eventually get the law school mindset, too!
4. How long does it take to "adequately" prepare for the LSAT?
1-2 months isn't enough for most students, especially when they have to balance LSAT prep with school or work. Whether you're shooting for high scores or average scores, you need time.
-time to fully understand the different sections
-time to develop strategies for attacking them
-time to work on pacing and endurance strategies
I recommend a minimum of 3 months of preparation and that studying consistently during this time (that's what my day-by-day LSAT study plans help you do).
Have you felt yourself acquiring the LSAT mindset as you study? Reach out and let me know what your experience has been like.
Talk soon,
Steve "used to be normal before I met the LSAT" Schwartz
Recommended Resources:
1. LSAT CoursesThe 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. LSAT Day-By-Day Study Plans
Preparing for the LSAT is confusing. There are dozens of prep books and practice tests out there, and 1,000+ articles on my website alone. When, and how, should you use them all? These super-specific study plans give you a clear plan of attack.
3. LSAT Cheat Sheets
Based on what I'd typically do in college: read what the professor emphasized and condense it all onto a single piece of paper. It gave me a quick reference, making things a lot less threatening and a lot more manageable.
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