Over in the PowerScore LSAT Discussion Forum, I've been talking with one of our students about confidence. I often write about the necessity of a positive mental outlook and of believing in yourself, and this student was concerned about a few recent practice test scores that were a few points below average. As I've discussed elsewhere, there's an element of randomness to the composition of each LSAT, and that variation affects your results so you … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in Norway
Are you taking the LSAT in Norway? Students take the LSAT if they plan to attend law schools in the US and Canada. However, the test administers across the globe. Check out this post about taking the LSAT abroad.In Norway, only one location offers the LSAT: Moss, The American College of Norway. While there is just one location option, it occurs twice per year: September/October and December. You can find a complete list of test dates and … [Read more...]
Logic Games Language and Numerical Distributions
The test makers are notoriously clever when it comes to the interplay of variable sets in Logic Games, particularly with how they word the rules and restrictions governing distributions. So how can you prepare yourself for this challenge, and what methods can be used to "test" the limits of variable interactions?Today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day addresses both of these concerns, as PowerScore Developer Jon Denning explores exactly what to … [Read more...]
Cannot Be True Questions and Conditional Reasoning
Cannot Be True questions in Logical Reasoning occasionally feature conditional reasoning (reasoning that uses sufficient and necessary conditions). Some of those questions can appear to be extremely difficult.As today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day shows, these questions often revolve around the same error. The test makers just dress it up a bit differently each time in order to throw off unsuspecting test takers. PowerScore LSAT Logical … [Read more...]
How NOT to Weaken Logical Reasoning Arguments
Here's an example of a highly misleading strategy for attacking Logical Reasoning Arguments. To weaken an argument, you must first find the central assumption of the argument and then attack it by using additional evidence that refutes that assumption.Let's Break It Down Where to begin? Conceptually, this advice is quite deceptive. Not every argument contains exactly one "central assumption". In fact, most arguments contain multiple … [Read more...]
Which LSAT Has the Toughest Curve?
Everyone and their mother takes the test in September. The fall test administrations are so popular that many students are afraid the curve is much tougher as a result. However, you shouldn't worry about a "tougher curve," because it doesn't matter how popular the test is. Let me explain. LSAT Scoring Contrary to popular belief, the LSAT is not graded on a curve! At least, not in the traditional sense of the word. In a typical college or law … [Read more...]
Either/Or and the Double Arrow
Confused by the use of the use of the phrase "either/or" in LSAT questions? You aren't alone! And, you might be even more confused when the phrase "but not both" is thrown into the mix.Dave Killoran breaks down how "either/or" works on the LSAT to a student on our LSAT Forum, and discusses the effects of the "but not both" phrasing when it is used (tip: it has a big effect). Since this phrase appears most frequently in Logic Games, you have … [Read more...]
PowerScore LSAT Bibles vs the Workbooks vs the Training Type Books
People often ask about the differences between our various self-study books. Here’s a short guide! The LSAT Bibles: These books explain the concepts that underlie the section, and detailed techniques for solving each question. They are the foundation for learning how to approach each section. The LSAT Bible Workbooks: These books provide more drills and questions, and are based on the material in the LSAT Bibles. They help cement the ideas … [Read more...]
Beware of Keywords in Logical Reasoning Questions
Bad advice appears well-justified and initially quite useful in solving a good number of questions. Unfortunately, shortcuts are easy to circumvent. What's worse, they can be used as traps—especially if you tend to use them blindly (as people often do). Let’s take a look at a common belief about Flaw in the Reasoning questions: If you come across a Flaw question where the stimulus contains conditional reasoning, the flaw has something to do with … [Read more...]
Main Point Questions on the LSAT
If you've ever taken a practice LSAT, you've seen at least a few Main Point questions. They often accompany Reading Comprehension passages, and they appear in the Logical Reasoning sections of the test as well. Regardless of the context, the ability to recognize an author's main point is a crucial part of understanding any stimulus or passage. The right approach is vital if you want to attack Main Point questions effectively and … [Read more...]
Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT Part I
The makers of the LSAT frequently create arguments that conflate correlation with causation, and thus you must understand the distinction between the two. This is the first in a 3 part series that discusses Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT. Let's get into it! Correlation & Causal Relationships In statistics, "correlation" refers to a statistical relationship between two interdependent variables (e.g. height and weight, studying … [Read more...]
Logical Reasoning Cause and Effect
The latest PowerScore LSAT Forum Post of the Day (found here), features one of our students who asked an interesting, and common, question about cause and effect relationships in LR.PowerScore Senior Developer Jon Denning weighed in to explain in a bit more detail exactly what we mean when we tell students that “causal relationships on the LSAT exist in a vacuum”. This is a great example of not only how the information and scenarios you’ll … [Read more...]
How to Increase Your LSAT Score Simply by Using Your Nose
As I've mentioned on a number of prior occasions, some of the most important weapons you have in your battle with the LSAT are your mental strength, confidence, and overall outlook. Of course, your processing speed and reasoning powers are critical, but I look at them as only half of the equation. If you process quickly and understand argumentation, that will take you a long way, but if you are also afraid of the exam and don't fully trust … [Read more...]
Taking the LSAT in China
Are you taking the LSAT in China? Students take the LSAT if they plan to attend law schools in the US and Canada. However, the test administers across the globe. Check out this post about taking the LSAT abroad.In China, four separate locations offer the LSAT:Beijing, Beijing Foreign Studies University Guangzhou, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Kowloon, Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority San Po Kong Office … [Read more...]