LSAT Logical Reasoning: How I Tackled It & You Can Too

What Is LSAT Logical Reasoning?

Logical Reasoning (LR) tests how well you evaluate short arguments. The questions are short, but they’re packed with logic traps—and you only have about 90 seconds per question.

Why Logical Reasoning Matters for Law School

Law schools don’t just want fast readers. They want thinkers. LR shows how you’ll handle legal arguments, spot assumptions, and hold your ground in courtroom-style logic battles.

How Many Logical Reasoning Questions Are on the LSAT?

There are typically two LR sections, each with 24–26 questions. That’s nearly 50% of your score—more than Reading Comprehension.

What Skills Are Tested?

• Identifying assumptions
• Evaluating arguments
• Drawing logical conclusions
• Spotting flaws and fallacies
• Understanding abstract principles

How Logical Reasoning Compares to Other LSAT Sections

If Reading Comprehension feels like endurance, Logical Reasoning is where law school-style thinking really starts.

• Reading Comprehension tests stamina.
• Logical Reasoning tests critical analysis—across different topics.

It’s the most “transferable” section. If you get better at LR, you’ll probably get better at RC too. That’s why many LSAT tutors recommend prioritizing LR, especially early on.

What Does a Logical Reasoning Question Look Like?

Each question has:

1. A stimulus (the short argument or set of facts)
2. A question stem (the task)
3. Five choices (only one is 100% defensible)

Sample Question Breakdown

Example Stimulus:

"Increasing bus fares will reduce public transit use. But cities that raised fares saw no change in ridership."

Question Stem:

Which of the following, if true, most undermines the argument?

Strategy:

• Identify the conclusion: Fare increase → fewer riders
• Look for the flaw: The assumption is that cost is the main reason people take the bus
• Correct answer: Might show that convenience, not cost, drives ridership

More Practice: Try This Example

Stimulus:

"All law students who take internships during their second year report higher satisfaction in their final year. Therefore, law schools should make internships mandatory."

Question:

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?

(A) Not all students who took internships had positive experiences.

(B) Satisfaction in final year is influenced by many factors.

(C) Internships may limit elective options.

(D) Students who choose internships may already be more motivated.

(E) Internship availability varies between schools.

Answer: (D) introduces a self-selection bias, undermining the causal claim.

Top 7 Logical Reasoning Question Types

1. Assumption

You're asked: What must be true for the conclusion to hold?

Common mistake: Confusing supporting facts with assumptions

Fix: Ask yourself—what is the author taking for granted?

2. Flaw

You're asked: What’s wrong with the reasoning?

Watch for:

• Causal fallacies (confusing correlation with cause)
• False dichotomies (presenting only two options)
• Scope shifts (evidence doesn’t match the conclusion)

3. Strengthen

Goal: Add a fact that makes the conclusion more believable

Example:

If an argument assumes all late-night studying leads to better grades, a strengthening answer might show that students who study late perform better on exams.

4. Weaken

Goal: Show the argument’s logic doesn’t hold

Example:

If someone says “Everyone who owns a dog is happier,” a weakening answer might suggest that dog ownership correlates with income—which could be the real factor behind happiness.

5. Inference

Goal: Choose what must be true based on what you read.

Mistake to avoid: Choosing something that’s plausible, but not provable.

Strategy: Stick to facts only. Avoid “probably,” “likely,” or “could.”

6. Principle

Goal: Match the argument to a general rule or principle.

Pro tip: Think in terms of “If X, then Y” patterns. Translate the stimulus into a rule first, then look for the matching answer.

7. Parallel Reasoning

Goal: Match the logical structure of the argument.

Common trap: Getting distracted by topic instead of form

Fix: Use symbols or shorthand to map out arguments and compare.

Glossary of Logical Reasoning Terms

• Stimulus: The short passage you’re evaluating
• Conclusion: The main point the author is trying to prove
• Premise: The evidence or reasons offered
• Assumption: A missing link between premise and conclusion
• Inference: A conclusion you draw from the given facts
• Flaw: An error in reasoning

How I Studied for Logical Reasoning—and What I’d Do Differently

I did 5–10 questions a day, focusing on review more than completion. I logged every mistake, even if it felt obvious in hindsight.

What Worked Best

• Slowing down during review
• Using question type drills
• Making flashcards of confusing question stems

What I’d Do Differently

• Start with flaw questions—they build the best habits
• Avoid rushing into full timed sections
• Build a better error log sooner

Common Mistakes That Slowed Me Down

• Skipping explanations
• Not flagging careless mistakes separately from logic errors
• Ignoring timing issues

Sample 10-Week Logical Reasoning Study Plan

Week 1–2: Learning the Terrain

Took a diagnostic test. Watched videos on LSAT content, focused on Flaw and Assumption questions

Week 3–5: Drilling by Type

Built error log, reviewed wrong answers

Week 6–7: Section Practice

Timed 35-min sections, full reviews of practice questions.

Week 8–10: Simulation + Refinement

Full LSATs twice/week, final score jumped from 151 to 167

Real-Life Study Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake: Skipping Reviews

Skipping question reviews feels productive, but it guarantees you’ll repeat the same errors.

Fix: Set time aside for review—every study session should end with a 10-minute recap.

Mistake: Ignoring Question Stems

The question stem defines the task. Misreading it can lead you completely off track.

Fix: Underline key verbs like "strengthen," "weaken," "assumption," and "inference."

Mistake: Not Timing Practice

Without time pressure, you don’t know how long you really take.

Fix: Start timing as soon as you know question types. Use a stopwatch or digital timer.

How You Can Get Better at Logical Reasoning

Fixing Common Mistakes

• Misreading arguments
• Relying on intuition over process
• Not adapting strategy by question type

Practice Strategy That Works

1. Pick a question type
2. Do 5 timed questions
3. Blind review
4. Log mistakes

When to Focus on Logical Reasoning in Your LSAT Study Plan

Suggested Timeline (3 Months)

• Month 1: 60–70% on LR
• Month 2: Integrate RC and LG
• Month 3: Full test simulations

Adjustments for LR Weakness

• Start daily sessions with LR
• Review wrong answers weekly

Summary: What You Need to Know

• LR is half your LSAT score
• Focus on process
• Track your mistakes
• Learn question types early

FAQs

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Your friends at BeMo

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