Let’s be blunt: the Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT can be daunting.
It demands a high level of concentration and you must go through it quickly. Many students get overwhelmed by this portion of the LSAT.
First of all, take a deep breath. This section is manageable. You can become good at it through practice and by following specific strategies.
In this article, we’ll share the top tips for LSAT Logical Reasoning and break down how it’s structured.
So, read on and find the best Logical Reasoning tips to ace this part of the exam.
Quick Summary
Before the test:
- Consistent Practice.
- Do Timed and untimed Practice.
- Go through the questions with other people.
- Review your results.
- Don’t neglect your health.
During the test:
- Read actively.
- Predict your answer.
- Keep an eye out for keywords.
- Use a process of elimination.
- Manage your time.
- Stay calm & focused.
- Review your work.
What is LSAT Logical Reasoning
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Logical Reasoning section tests the student’s ability to critically analyze and evaluate arguments.
This is a fundamental skill that every legal worker must have.
You’re going to read a short passage based on arguments from different sources (eg.: newspapers, academic articles, or everyday discourse).
Then, you’re going to answer questions that test skills central to legal reasoning, by choosing from a list of multiple-choice answers.
Some of these skills include drawing a conclusion from the evidence, spotting flaws in arguments, and reasoning by analogy.
Others include identifying points of disagreement, misunderstandings, assumptions, and differences/similarities.
How Is LSAT Logical Reasoning Structured?
In the past, there used to be two logical reasoning sections on the LSAT, but not anymore. There’s only one.
The LSAT Logical Reasoning section consists of 24 to 26 questions and lasts 35 minutes.
That means you have around 80 seconds to tackle each question.
Yep, it’s tight. Although fast, plenty of test takers manage to succeed, and so can you.
Question Format
Let’s break down the structure of a typical LSAT Logical Reasoning question. It includes the stimulus, question stem, and answer choices.
- Stimulus
The stimuli is a short passage that presents an argument or a set of facts.
You must read it very carefully to understand the argument’s main point and correctly identify key components (premises and the author’s conclusion).
- Question Stem
The question stem immediately follows the stimulus. It’s typically a single sentence that tells you what to do with the stimulus and to identify the correct answer choice.
The stem determines the type of question.
- Answer choices
There are five answer choices, labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Only one is the right answer, while the others are wrong.
You have to be extra cautious when selecting the correct answer choice, as the incorrect answer choices can be tricky and confuse you.
Logical Reasoning Question Types
Logical Reasoning questions can be grouped into different types, based on the skills and actions they require from you.
Let’s take a deeper look into the most common question types you’ll encounter in this section.
Most Common Question Types
- Assumption Questions: this question type requires you to identify the unstated premise in the stimulus.
In other words, you have to pinpoint the missing link in the argument’s reasoning, giving it sufficient assumption for it to stay valid.
- Flaw Questions: in a flaw question type you have to be able to recognize the errors or weaknesses in an argument.
You must carefully analyze the argument structure and conclusion. Then, identify any logical fallacy, unsupported evidence, and other errors that weaken the argument.
- Strengthening & Weakening Questions: “Strengthen” questions will ask you to identify an answer choice that strengthens the credibility of an argument.
“Weaken” questions, on the other hand, require you to select an answer choice that undermines the argument’s validity and the conclusion reached in the stimulus.
- Inference Questions: this question type asks you to make a logical conclusion based on the information given in the stimulus.
The goal is to test your ability to make informed deductions based on the available evidence.
- Parallel Reasoning Questions: here you’ll have to identify the choice that has the most similar argument to the one in the stimulus.
The most important thing is the underlying structure, not the content of the argument.
- Parallel Flaw Questions: similar to a parallel reasoning question, this one requires you to select which argument among the answer choices has an equivalent flaw in reasoning.
- Main Point Questions: this type of question asks you to identify the central conclusion of the argument.
Less Common Question Types
Less common Logical Reasoning questions include Principle questions, Paradox questions, Method of Argument Questions, Role of Statement Questions, and Point at Issue Statements.
However, it’s still important for you to be very familiar with them. Make sure you learn more about them and study all the question types!
How To Prepare For The LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Let’s dive right into some strategies on how to prepare for the LSAT Logical Reasoning section before the actual test day.
- Have a Consistent Practice
The best way to learn and become good at Logical Reasoning questions is simple: a whole lot of practice. Consistent practice is the golden rule here. Students who do it get the best results.
There are several resources, either online or through manuals for example, that you can use to prepare for the LSAT.
Also, make sure you practice using the LSAT questions from previous years, as they’ll be similar to the ones on your exam.
We also recommend that you take full-length practice tests, so you get a real feel of the test’s timing and format.
- Try both Timed and Untimed Practice
It’s a fact that you don’t have a lot of time to spend on your LR questions. Putting yourself through timed conditions will train your brain to get used to the pressure of the exam.
Don’t get discouraged if your timed practice starts with disappointing results. Slowly work your way through reducing the timings of your answers.
We also recommend that you do some practice questions without any time pressure.
Give yourself time to understand the argument and conclusion and make note of those questions that took you the longest to complete.
- Go through LR Questions with Other People
It can be very helpful to study and go through LSAT questions with other students or even some friends and family.
This strategy encourages you to articulate your thought process. It can help reinforce your understanding of the concepts.
There’s also the advantage of hearing different approaches to solving the questions. Plus, unique insights and strategies that can inspire you to become better.
- Review Your Results Carefully
Once you finish your Logical Reasoning practice tests, make sure you do a thorough review of your work.
Are there certain question types that you struggle with more than others? Are there patterns of mistakes?
Identify your weaknesses and strengthen those areas with extra work.
- Don’t Neglect your Mental and Physical Well-Being
The best tips in the world will not help much if you’re not taking care of your health. Make sure you develop habits that prioritize your well-being overall.
Get proper rest, take breaks, and avoid coffee-fueled late-night study sessions that leave your brain in a mush.
Meditation and breathing exercises will help with anxiety, as well as talking to your loved ones.
Staying calm during the test will be very important for a good performance.
Tips For LSAT Logical Reasoning
Now it’s time to take a look at some top strategies you should keep in mind while doing your LSAT Logical Reasoning questions.
- Read Actively
Doesn’t matter if you read the stimulus or the question stem first (there’s no definitive answer in this debate, it’s about what works best for each person).
But it’s highly recommended that you read the passage actively before rushing to the answer.
Spend time to really understand the argument structure, the premises, and, above all, the conclusion.
Underline key information if needed. After that, you can determine the question type.
If you do this, the right answer will come much more easily.
- Predict the Answer
If you understand the argument and conclusion well, you’ll be able to accurately predict the correct answers.
Do it before reading the answer choices.
This will help you feel less confused, will likely reduce the time you spend on the question, and will help you quickly eliminate wrong answers.
- Pay Attention to Certain Words
Paying attention to certain words in your Logical Reasoning test can be important.
They can impact the meaning of an argument and the correct answer choice.
Quantifiers like “sometimes”, “most” or “never”, for example, will give you a hint of the scope or extent of a statement within the argument.
Logical connectors such as “thus” or “therefore” will usually indicate a conclusion after the premises of the argument.
Conditional statements like “if… then” set up a cause-and-effect relationship. This means a condition is established and it leads to a conclusion. Your answer should consider this.
There are also contrasting words such as “but” or “however”. They often imply that the statement following it contradicts or contrasts with what was said before.
Keep an eye out for these words as they can impact the answer choice.
- Use a Process of Elimination
If you’re unsure about the correct answer, do a first pass through the choices and try to quickly eliminate the wrong ones.
Oftentimes there will be obvious incorrect answers. By narrowing down your choices, you’ll increase your chance of finding the correct answer.
After getting rid of the wrong answers, take a close look at the remaining answers and carefully select the best one.
Please remember to answer each question based on the information that is given to you.
Work only with what the passage gives you and avoid bringing external assumptions.
- Manage your Time
It’s a fact that students don’t have a lot of time for each question.
We recommend that if you get stuck on a challenging question, don’t dwell on it for too long. Make a quick note on it to return to it later and move on to the next question.
Remember, all questions are worth the same amount of points, so maximize your chances by answering the ones you are most confident about.
Also, don’t get obsessed with the clock.
Yes, you should keep track of your timings so that you don’t waste too much time on a single answer.
But glancing at the clock frequently will take away precious time that should be used to focus on the question.
- Stay Calm and Focused
We know… easier said than done.
However, if you encounter a difficult question, make sure you don’t go into panic mode. That will hinder your chances of performing well.
Remain methodical, trust the strategies you used during your preparation, and stay positive.
If you feel like you’re becoming too anxious and distracted, make sure you inhale through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth.
This breathing exercise will help you stabilize your heart rate and relax your nerves.
- Review your Work
First of all, make sure you answer every question, even if you’re unsure. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so take a chance.
If you have some spare time, go and review your answers. You may have made a careless error or misinterpreted a question.
Reread the question stem, skim through the argument, and double-check the accuracy of your answer.
However, this is not the time to second-guess yourself. Reviewing is meant to catch possible careless mistakes or unanswered questions. Remember to trust your instincts.
FAQs About LSAT Logical Reasoning
Is LSAT logical reasoning hard?
LSAT Logical Reasoning can be challenging. However, it’s definitely manageable.
Difficulty will vary depending on your logical reasoning skills and how much you practiced.
The more you practice, the easier it’ll be.
How much time should I spend on each LSAT Logical Reasoning question?
You have an average of around 80 seconds for each question.
Make sure you spend less time on easier questions to give you some leeway for harder ones.
What is a good logical reasoning LSAT score?
The LSAT score ranges from 120 to 180, the average being around 152. The Logical Reasoning section makes up for 33% of your score.
Anything above the median can be considered good, but it will depend on which law school you’re applying to and your personal goals.
How do I master the Logical Reasoning LSAT section?
You can master this section through a combination of consistent practice, an understanding of question types, and good time management.
Paying close attention to arguments and conclusions is a must as well.
Conclusion
You can master LSAT Logical Reasoning through consistent practice, strategic preparation, and a focus on essential skills.
These top tips will help you succeed in this crucial section of the LSAT. With dedication and hard work, you’ll find your way to your dream law school.
