LSAT Reading Comprehension can feel overwhelming—slow, confusing, and often the hardest section to improve. But there are ways to study smarter, not just harder. In this post, I’ll share how I approached it, what helped me improve, and what might work for you.
Also check out our guide to the LSAT logical reasoning section.
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What Is LSAT Reading Comprehension?
The Reading Comprehension (RC) section consists of four passages, each followed by 5–8 questions. You have 35 minutes total, which means less than 9 minutes per passage. One passage will feature a comparative reading—two shorter passages on a related topic.
Passages are drawn from law, science, humanities, and social science. They’re not necessarily difficult in vocabulary, but they are dense. Each one has a structure and purpose that you need to identify. You might read about legal history, psychology studies, philosophical theories, or complex natural science debates—often in a way that prioritizes abstract ideas over concrete facts.
What the LSAT Is Actually Testing
The LSAT isn’t testing whether you find the passage interesting or understand every word. It’s testing whether you can:
- Identify the author's main point
- Understand argument structure
- Compare perspectives
- Spot inferences and implied assumptions
- Maintain focus and stamina through dense material
LSAT Reading Comprehension Question Types
Main Point Questions
These ask you to identify the central claim or takeaway from the passage. Watch out for answers that focus too narrowly on a detail.
Detail Questions
These are about specific information in the passage. The answer will usually be a direct paraphrase. If you're rereading the whole passage, you're doing it wrong.
Inference Questions
You need to identify what is implied but not stated. The correct answer must be supported by the text—not your interpretation.
Function/Purpose Questions
These ask what a paragraph or sentence is doing (e.g., introducing a counterargument, giving an example, etc.).
Tone and Attitude Questions
Focus on word choice. These questions are about identifying how the author feels about the subject, often subtly.
Parallel Reasoning in RC
Less common but more advanced. These ask you to match the logic of an argument in the passage with another situation.
Check out some more LSAT prep strategies!
What Makes LSAT Reading Comprehension So Challenging?
The Time Pressure
You have just over eight minutes per passage. If you’re not reading efficiently or get stuck on one passage, it’s easy to fall behind.
Dense and Boring Material
Not every topic is thrilling. In fact, LSAT passages are often chosen for being dry. The challenge is to stay focused and analytical even when the topic bores you.
Hard-to-Spot Traps
Wrong answer choices are carefully crafted. They might:
- Use the same words from the passage but twist the meaning
- Make claims that go slightly beyond what the passage says
- Focus on an example instead of the main point
Why the Passage Format Matters
Unlike everyday reading, LSAT RC demands intense focus. Each paragraph is loaded with intent. One sentence may contain a concession; another, a pivot in tone. If you gloss over these, you miss the author’s direction—and fall into a trap answer.
My Study Journey With Reading Comprehension
What Didn’t Work at First
- Reading too fast without understanding structure
- Highlighting too much
- Trying to memorize facts instead of understanding arguments
What Finally Helped Me Improve
- Slowing down to identify structure: intro, thesis, counterpoint, conclusion
- Making quick margin notes (e.g., "author's view" or "example")
- Practicing just one passage per day with full review
What I Wish I Knew Earlier
I wish someone had told me it wasn’t about reading more—it was about reading better. Early on, I spent hours grinding through passages without improving. What changed? I stopped worrying about memorizing facts and started focusing on structure. Every passage has a blueprint: premise, conflict, resolution, tone.
How You Can Get Better at LSAT Reading Comprehension
The “Read Once, Mark Key Ideas” Method
Read the passage one time only. As you read, mentally mark:
- Main point of each paragraph
- Transitions in argument or tone
- Author’s attitude (supportive, skeptical, neutral)
Re-reading eats up time. If you read with purpose the first time, you won’t need to go back. Train yourself to trust your notes.
How to Practice Without Burning Out
RC fatigue is real. Here’s how I avoided burnout:
- One passage a day during weekdays
- Two full RC sections on weekends
- Weekly review of all missed questions
Avoiding the "Trap of Content"
A common mistake: getting sucked into the content. Yes, you might find neuroscience fascinating. But remember—you're being tested on structure and reasoning, not your interest level. Always ask, "Why is this sentence here? How does it support or oppose the main point?"
How to Know You’re Improving
You know you're getting better when:
- You can predict the answer before looking at choices
- You spot trap answers faster
- You finish passages with a few minutes to spare
Real Example: How to Tackle a Tough RC Passage
Sample Passage Setup (Summarized)
"Researchers disagree on whether Neanderthals buried their dead. Some argue burials were ritual; others say the evidence is coincidental."
How to Annotate and Stay Focused
- P1: Introduces the burial debate
- P2: Evidence for ritual burial
- P3: Counterarguments
- P4: Author’s analysis (leans toward ritual explanation)
Walking Through 3 Sample Questions
- Main Point: Passage argues that the burial practices suggest intention, despite alternative views.
- Function: Paragraph 3 presents counterarguments to the ritual view.
- Inference: The author believes ritual behavior can be inferred from consistent burial positioning.
Why This Process Works
Breaking down a passage in this way forces you to stay active. You're not just absorbing content—you're engaging with it. This improves retention and accuracy.
Study Plans That Actually Work for Reading Comprehension
1-Month Plan for High-Intensity Studying
- Week 1: Focus on question types (drill 2 types/day)
- Week 2: Full LSAT practice passages under timed conditions
- Week 3: Mix of timed sections + untimed reviews
- Week 4: Full RC sections, morning and night
3-Month Plan for Balanced Improvement
- Month 1: Learn question types, identify your weakest. Take a diagnostic test.
- Month 2: Drill weak types, simulate timing
- Month 3: Full practice tests twice weekly, review mistakes thoroughly
What to Track (And What to Stop Stressing Over)
Track:
- Accuracy by question type
- Time per passage
- Passages you misread
- Stop tracking:
- Total words read
- Number of times you re-read (should be zero anyway)
Summary: What I’d Do If I Had to Start Over
Key Takeaways
- Focus on structure, not content
- Don’t re-read unless absolutely necessary
- Drill weak question types
- Build endurance with timed practice
How to Avoid Common Burnout Traps
Don’t force yourself through three RC sections in a row daily. Instead:
- Space out study blocks (one morning, one night)
- Mix in other LSAT sections to stay fresh
- Reflect weekly on what’s improving and what isn’t
FAQs
1. What is the format of LSAT reading comprehension?
Each section has four passages with 5–8 questions each. One passage is comparative, meaning two short related passages.
2. How can I improve my LSAT reading comprehension score fast?
To improve your LSAT score, focus on recognizing structure, especially the main point and how ideas are connected. Use daily drills and weekly full sections.
3. What is the hardest question type in LSAT RC?
Inference questions. They require you to go beyond the words while staying strictly within the bounds of the passage.
4. Should I read the passage or questions first?
Read the passage first. You need context to understand the questions. But experiment during practice to see what works for you.
5. How do I avoid running out of time on reading comprehension?
Read with intent. Don’t get bogged down in unfamiliar terms. Practice with a timer and learn to mark important parts quickly.
6. Can I skip reading comprehension passages?
Yes, but try not to. Use passage order to your advantage. Start with one that feels easiest to you.
7. Are LSAT reading comprehension questions like SAT reading?
They’re more complex. LSAT RC emphasizes logical reasoning, author intent, and comparative skills more than the SAT.
8. How should I take notes on the passage?
Make quick margin marks for each paragraph: MP (main point), EV (evidence), C (counterargument), etc.
9. Is RC something I can improve with practice?
Yes. Improvement comes from deliberate practice and review, especially learning from wrong answers.
10. What’s a good accuracy goal for reading comprehension?
Aim for at least 80% accuracy on practice sections. Top scorers often hit 90% or higher with consistent review.
11. What if I don’t understand the topic in the passage?
That’s okay. You're not expected to be an expert in law or physics. Focus on the structure, author's tone, and how arguments are built. The questions won't require outside knowledge.
12. How many practice passages should I do each week?
Aim for 4–5 passages during weekdays, with 1–2 full timed sections on the weekend. More importantly, review every passage thoroughly.
13. How do I analyze my wrong answers?
Ask yourself:
- What made me choose that answer?
- What trick did the LSAT use?
- How can I spot that pattern next time?
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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