Good day to you lovers of the LSAT!
Or should that read loathers of the LSAT?
Well, let me ask you this..
Who does better on test day, the person that enjoys reading or the one that hates it?
Alrighty then, so here's how I learned to love the LSAT, and how you can do the same - I’ve talked PLENTY about logic games and logical reasoning in the past, so today let’s take a look at reading comprehension.
First of all, how can we improve reading comprehension and concentration?
Well, you’ll need to prevent yourself from spacing out on test day. Do this by reading more long, analytical articles, like those published by the NYTimes Magazine, the Atlantic, New Scientist, etc. This made a big difference for me.
You can subscribe to such publications online - so don’t tell me you don’t have access to them!
And quit watching videos all day and start reading more! There is no video section on the LSAT so watching documentaries isn’t going to help you much.
Also, most newspaper articles are no good - they don’t HIDE information the way LSAT passages do and as such are no use to you.
Instead, read about things that wouldn’t normally interest you. And read up on a broad range of topics - you never what can come up in the test. Look at how scientists write, or philosophers, or anyone for that matter.
Okay, what’s next...
Build up your LSAT Reading Comprehension Vocab
The more LSAT RC passages you read, the more you’ll notice the precise kind of language the authors use. Look out for words you don’t often hear in everyday speech (think eschew..) and make a list of them.
Study these and be sure you know the exact meaning of words like ambivalence. It’ll help prevent you from stressing out when you’re not quite sure what a word means on test day. I was constantly looking up new words in the dictionary.
Read for structure, not content
Is there an echo in here? I’ve probably said this before! Structure is far more important than content.
Look out for:
● the main points (conclusions)
● underlying facts (evidence)
● main players (supporters and critics)
● players' motivations / interests (if any)
Look at RC as a fact-finding mission and you’re the secret agent. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to search each passage for the points I’ve just listed.
Read quickly
Fast reading is a gift during the test. That time saved allows you more time to crack the puzzle. Don’t pronounce words as you speak. Remember, you can think faster than you can speak.
Break the connection between reading and speaking and you’ll soon increase your speed, while retaining more information.
Find the main point
The main point can be anywhere in the passage, depending on the content. Don’t always bank on it being in the conclusion - many a student has been fooled in this way in the past.
If the passage is about a:
● Problem, the main point is the solution.
● Mystery (cause / effect), the main point should be the explanation the author advocates.
● Person the author likes / dislikes, the main point is that the person is great / not great. Evidence will be reasons for opinion.
● Study / experiment, the main point is that the study / experiment is good / bad. Evidence will strengthen / weaken study's validity by attacking study / people conducting it.
Got all of that?
Brilliant, well then, as they say in Hollywood, that’s a wrap.
Yours truly (and now with slight finger cramp),
LSAT Steve
Btw...
..don’t forget that while there’s always more to know, you’re not alone, I’m one step ahead of you. If you really want to ace reading comprehension, you’ll need to develop seven important habits - just click the link and find out what they are!
No apologies for the long article today - it’s a gift that will improve your concentration. If you spaced out, read it again (and again).
P.S. Let me know your techniques for reading faster (and better) or if you're having any issues with it - just shoot me a message. I read each and every one!
Recommended Resources:
1. LSAT Courses
The best of my LSAT materials, with my full curriculum for each section, including video courses, guides, and study plans to keep you on track. You can 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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