Welcome back to our series on some of the common flaws you'll find in LR questions on the LSAT! We're already half way through and heading on to Part 6! Let's remember our roots with how I began the first post on Source Arguments in this series: The majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions have an argument in their stimulus and most will contain some sort of flawed reasoning. In this series, we will address a variety of the flaws that tend … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part V: False Dilemma
Part Five of our series examining common flaws in LR questions is here! But, before we continue, here's a recap of our mission as stated in the first post on Source Arguments. The majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions have an argument in their stimulus and most will contain some sort of flawed reasoning. In this series, we will address a variety of the flaws that tend to appear with some frequency. I’ll examine common mistakes that … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part IV: Errors of Composition and Division
Let's recap the purpose pf this series before we tackle Part Four. Why is it so important to understand these argumentative errors? Here’s how we started the series when looking at Source Arguments: Considering the vast majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions will have an argument in their stimulus, and the vast majority of those arguments will contain some sort of flawed reasoning, I thought I would take a moment to address a variety of … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part III: Exceptional Cases and Over-generalizations
Before continuing with Part Three of our Flaws in Logical Reasoning series, let’s review the importance of understanding argumentative errors. Here’s how I began the series when we looked at Source Arguments: The majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions have an argument in their stimulus and most will contain some sort of flawed reasoning. In this series, we will address a variety of the flaws that tend to appear with some frequency. I’ll … [Read more...]
Flaws in Logical Reasoning Part I: Source Arguments
The majority of LSAT Logical Reasoning questions have an argument in their stimulus and most will contain some sort of flawed reasoning. In this series, we will address a variety of the flaws that tend to appear with some frequency. I’ll examine common mistakes that authors on the test make. This should prove useful for Flaw in the Reasoning questions (which account for about 15% of LR questions.) It should also help with other question types … [Read more...]
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Digital LSAT
What is the Digital LSAT? Essentially, the LSAT you've grown to love (or hate,) but delivered on a tablet that you're given at the test center rather than a paper-and-pencil test. The content and structure of the test sections and questions will be exactly the same. The main difference is that the test is now delivered on Microsoft Surface Go tablets that are loaded with patented software developed by LSAC. The digital interface means no more … [Read more...]
What Should I Do Differently to Prepare for the Digital LSAT?
If you're preparing to take the LSAT in July, you are doubtlessly aware that you'll need to be prepared to take it in either a digital or old-school , paper-based format. Beyond that date, all of the tests will be digital. So what should you do differently to prepare for this new format of the test? As someone who's had the privilege (?) of taking the Digital LSAT already, let me tell you what I would have done to prepare for it. The structure … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean to “Go Grey” on LSAT Score Release Day?
One of the most common talking points you'll hear leading up to an LSAT score release—and incessantly on the day scores become available—is the notion of "going grey." A hysterical flurry of "I'M GREY!!" announcements is one of the most reliable predictors that scores are imminent. What's All This Grey Business About? How Can You Determine Your Own Color Status? Two quick notes before we begin. First, the grey/gray debate is really one of pure … [Read more...]
The Power of Positive Thinking and the LSAT
If you've been deep into the study process preparing for the LSAT, now might be a good time to step back for a moment. Instead of talking concepts, I want to remind everyone of one of the most important and sadly overlooked components of success. A positive mental outlook. When your LSAT is right around the corner, you should feel as though your conceptual preparation is complete. In the days leading up to the LSAT, focus on preparing yourself … [Read more...]
3 Myths About the Experimental Section on the LSAT
We talk a lot with students gearing up for an LSAT about the ideal way to take an LSAT practice test. One of the pieces we stress the importance of including is the Experimental Section. If you want a thorough discussion of the experimental section, go here, but for now here's a very brief description.Every officially-administered LSAT since 1991 contains four, 35-minute scored sections. 2 Logical Reasoning, 1 Reading Comprehension, and 1 … [Read more...]
Quantity or Quality?: A 2-Week Study Decision
So, your LSAT is fast approaching. Now, more than ever, you’re more eager to maximize the value of their remaining study time. That’s exactly what I’m here to discuss. How do you, with only two weeks and a mountain of materials, get the most out of the days ahead. Last Minute Game Plan There is a key to effective practice, particularly with time constraints. Recognize that the volume of work is less important than the insights that work can … [Read more...]
Crystal Ball Webinar: Predicting the 2018 November, 2019 January, and 2019 March LSATs
PowerScore LSAT Predictions Curious to know which Logical Reasoning question types have been the most frequent, the most variable, and the most consistent on LSATs the last three years? Or what trends in Reading Comp you can expect the test makers to continue to emphasize?Did you realize that two crucial skills have served as the basis of 97% of all logic games in recent history, including those you're certain to see on your own exam?And … [Read more...]
Common LSAT Question Types: Must Be True vs. Weaken
When approaching Logical Reasoning on the LSAT, I think most students clearly recognize the importance of (1) understanding the unique properties of individual question types, and (2) having dedicated strategies to consistently apply when faced with a particular type of question. That is the value in knowing how to recognize, say, a Parallel Reasoning question, and then understanding the proper approach to take when attacking Parallel … [Read more...]
Mind the Clock! The Importance of Preparing for the LSAT with a Timer
The LSAT is a remarkably challenging test, in large part because it measures both intricate conceptual understanding, as well as application of that understanding under rigorous time pressure. Put another way: The LSAT is an exam which tests a particular skill set. But it is also a test of efficiency. Start With the Fundamentals When most people begin preparing for the LSAT, the focus is on establishing that fundamental grasp of concepts. There … [Read more...]