The LSAT is a test of “reading” and “reasoning”.
Reading = The identification and understanding of the relevant information. In most cases this involves understanding:
1. What – The main point/conclusion of what an LSAT argument or passage is telling you; and
2. Why – The reason given to support that main point/conclusion.
Reasoning = Taking the “What” and “Why” you have gleaned from the “reading” and understanding how those two things relate.
If you don’t understand the “What” and the “Why”, your ability to “reason” becomes irrelevant. Therefore, your first task is to understand what you are “reading” – which is what the LSAT tests.
The most important step toward improving your LSAT score is to:
Improve your ability to “read” the information on the LSAT accurately, quickly and efficiently.
Pre-LSAT Prep – How To Read The LSAT More accurately and more quickly
Your assignment: The earliest of the books of 10 Actual LSATs is called:
It contains earlier LSAT prep tests. Therefore it is the least likely volume to use for practice testing. I suggest that you make use of it in another way. It contains 10 tests with two LSAT Logical Reasoning Sections per test – for a total of 20 logical reasoning sections and approximately 500 questions.
Your assignment for each question is to determine the following:
1. Is the question an argument?
2. If it is an argument:
A. The What: What is the conclusion? This involves more than identifying where the conclusion is. It involves being clear on what the conclusion says. How far does the conclusion go? Paraphrase the conclusion. How would you state the conclusion to your friend in conversation?
B. The Why: What is the premise(s)? In other words what is the justification/reason given to support the conclusion? Put it in your own words. Paraphrase it.
C. Construct a simple sentence in the format:
– What because why
– Conclusion because premise.
3. If the question is not an argument, then what is the main point of the stimulus.
Using Twitter as a mechanism to streamline:
I will comment on your work on twitter at @LSATpreparation
What you need do is contact me in this format:
@LSATPreparation PT 9 S. Q. : What since why
LSAT Logical Reasoning - "How The Argument Goes" 