The LSAT Is Changing
If you haven’t heard, Logic Games is being removed from the LSAT starting in August 2024! It is being replaced by a second Logical Reasoning (LR) section. So, Logical Reasoning will now be 67% of the scored portion of the LSAT going forward.
Will Logical Reasoning Stay The Same On The New LSAT?
The main question students have asked is, “How will LR change on the new test?” While LSAC hasn’t released any specific section info, we can infer two things from what we’ve seen:
- The two LR sections will largely be similar to what we have now.
- The two LR sections will likely be harder, and feature more numerically-based problems and more formal logic problems.
Let’s explore the reasoning behind each conclusion.
Why Will Logical Reasoning Be Similar?
One thing we know about LSAC is that they have a lot of history with the Logical Reasoning section. Between June 1991 and March 2020, every LSAT had two scored LR sections. So they have created a lot of content around LR, and they know how people perform and score on the section. They also have a lot of data on the “two LR” format. They’ve indicated this makes them confident that the LSAT will largely perform in a similar manner when they remove Logic Games. So, there’s a lot to suggest that when they replace LG with a second LR that they will keep LR largely similar to what we see now.
Why Will Logical Reasoning Be Harder?
At the same time, here at PowerScore we track test and experimental section usage closely (see our podcast test recaps and Crystal Ball webinars!), and we’ve noticed some trends inside the new Experimental LR sections they’ve been testing. As you may know, experimental sections are pre-tested and are then typically administered at some point later as scored sections. Inside these new Experimental sections we’ve seen an increase in the number of problems featuring more mathematically based stimuli, as well as more stimuli based on Formal Logic concepts.
What Does That Mean?
This isn’t all that surprising: these are the two question types that capture some of the skills that Logic Games tested. The test makers are just adding a bit back in to LR of what they will lose in LG. The bad news is that these two types of questions typically torment students. They can be brutally difficult and confusing.
Can I See Some Examples?
How confusing? Here are a few examples of prior questions in the vein we’ve been seeing:
- February 1993, PrepTest 7, LR #22, #19: Yearly Calendar
- October 1993, PrepTest 9, LR #22, #13: Jennifer’s Vacation
- June 1994, PrepTest 11, LR #1, #12: Dogwoods/Sycamores/Tulips
- October 1996, PrepTest 20, LR #2, #6: The Rienzi
- October 1996, PrepTest 20, LR #2, #11: John’s Work Schedule
- October 1996, PrepTest 20, LR #2, #19: Mail
If you want to try these questions out, you can look up the PrepTest number and find the question in the specific section.
For Some People, The LSAT is About to Get Harder
One thing does appear to be the case: the new format of the LSAT without Logic Games won’t automatically be easier even if you dislike LG. After all, LSAC still has tools at their disposal to make the LSAT highly challenging, and sometimes the devil you know (a test with LG) is better than the devil you don’t know (the two LR tests that are coming).
If you have any questions, please post them below. Happy studying!
Rachel says
I’m planning to take the LSAT for the first time in August 2024, so I have no exposure whatsoever to Logic Games. I have not bought a LG prep book or used any other study tool to learn about LG. Seeing as this blog post says that LR will likely incorporate some elements of LG, how can a test taker who has not studied the LG format prepare?
Dave Killoran says
Any good company will incorporate prep elements that specifically get you ready for the changes. So, you don’t need to study Logic Games directly, it will be covered in the proper context within the LR prep that we do.
Thanks!