Ace the Reading Comprehension Section

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Instructions

Ace the Reading Comprehension Section

1. Of the three sections you'll encounter, Reading Comprehension is the most old school--you've been taking tests since second grade that require you to read something and then answer questions on it. Not so bad, right?
   A reading comprehension section will offer four passages, about 500 words each, and some questions following each passage. The good news is that this section tests how well you read, not what you know. So this means that you could have a passage about the biological mating patterns of the tsetse fly, and you'll still have the chance to do fine. The reading comprehension does not test your knowledge, just how well you're able to gleam hidden information from the passage. Again, it's like a puzzle!
   
   Here are our tips:
   
   * It sounds obvious, but read carefully--rushing through will force you to need second and third glances, wasting even more time.
   
   * You have the choice of reading the questions first or reading the passage first. Whatever works best for you. But as you read the passage, you should underline the key arguments. Don't underline too much; just the most important points (because you will be asked about them).
   
   * As hard as it may seem, pretend that the passages are fascinating. If you go into the reading comprehension section with a bad attitude, you won't remember anything you read. But if you can actually convince yourself that the passages are interesting, then you'll process the information much more quickly.
   
   * Anticipate the question types you'll face:
   
   Main Idea: Look for the thesis in the first or last sentence of the first paragraph, or in the passage's concluding statement. What's this about?
   Description: These refer to less significant points, and usually paraphrase a statement in the passage.
   Writing Technique: A few different kinds of technique questions, asking you to look at the passage structure. These come in the form of compare/contrast; cause/effect; and position/supporting evidence.
   Extension: Sadly, these are not questions about hairstyles or cords. Rather, you'll be asked to draw an inference or conclusion, or to test out the author's assumptions!
   Application: Apply what the passage taught you to a hypothetical situation. Joyous, we know.
   Tone: Try to look at things from the author's point of view. Is the author being critical? Complimentary? Cautious?

Next: Practice Like Crazy

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[robinhood26]

on 9/20/2009 This information is good and dandy to explain the basics of the lsat. I did a ton of research online and I squandered more than $1000 paying Kaplan but my LSAT score remained the same. In the end, only two things worked to jack up my LSAT score one was the PowerScore Logic Games Bible and the second was lsatscientist statistical strategies. Good luck.