Update: Taking the LSAT in August 2024 or later? Be sure you know about major upcoming changes to the test and plan accordingly. In particular, the Analytical Reasoning section (aka Logic Games) will be replaced by a second Logical Reasoning Section. There will also be a new argumentative task in the Writing section. Now that you know what’s changing, read on!
The logical reasoning section is known for formidable question types. So how can you improve? Take a look at the top 5 ways to improve your logical reasoning score!
1. Open Your Mind!
The LSAT test-writers are masters at paraphrasing. This means they can express one idea in nearly a hundred ways. You might have read a question and easily thought of the answer. But when you reached the answer choices, none of the answers seemed to match your idea. You might have then gone back and re-read the question, and then you were totally thrown off. It’s important that you develop your skills in flexibility and spotting similar language. The test-writers might use a word you didn’t expect, but the answer is still right.
For instance, you might expect an answer to say “The citizens were not prepared for the emergency.” But, that would be too simple for the test-writers to include. They might rewrite this simple idea as “Unforeseen circumstances prevented the citizens from gathering necessary emergency supplies and finalizing disaster procedures.”
As you can see, the second sentence basically has the same meaning as the first. But, without flexibility and an open mind, you might miss that on the test. Being prepared for any wording is one of the best ways to improve your logical reasoning score.
2. Remember Your Plan for Each Question Type
As you might have learned from Magoosh’s LSAT Prep lessons, there are different types of questions in the logical reasoning section. You’ll find assumption questions, weaken questions, principle questions, and several others. The key to improving in logical reasoning is knowing exactly what to do in when you encounter them.
As an example, when you reach a strengthen question, you know your first step is to identify the premises and conclusion of the argument, think of unstated assumptions, and then find ways to address the assumption.
3. Learn as Many Logical Indicator Words as Possible
When it comes to diagramming correctly, nothing helps more than knowing the vocabulary! If you hesitate because you don’t remember if “the only” hints at the sufficient condition, you’ll lose time on the section. So take your time to learn as many of them as possible to be comfortable on test day.
4. Practice Diagramming Difficult Indicator Words
Words like “unless” and “without” can be pretty tricky to diagram. (You negate either part of the statement and make it sufficient.) Avoid making test day one of the few times you practice diagramming these words.
5. Learn as Many Reasoning Flaws as Possible
Finally, one of the best ways to improve on logical reasoning is to learn the flaws. For most students, these aren’t taught in school, so they might not be well known. But on the LSAT, you’re expected to know the most basic flaws. For example, an ad hominem attack bases an argument on the character of the opponent instead of the opponent’s actual premises. This type of argument distracting and doesn’t usually add support to a conclusion. So, it’s a flaw of reasoning. Taking your time to be familiar with many flaws is one of the surest ways to improve your logical reasoning score!
With these tips, you’ll definitely be on your way to a higher score on the logical reasoning section and the LSAT!
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