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...]
How to Guess Like a Pro on the LSAT Part III: Reading Comprehension
If you're going to be guessing on any LSAT questions, it will probably be on Reading Comprehension questions. Why? Because there are more questions in the Reading Comprehension section (27-28) than in any other section of the test. Moreover, it's no secret that the complexity of the passages you will be dealing with has increased over the years, with some of the latest RC sections bordering on brutal.While there is no penalty for guessing, … [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...]
Batman vs. Superman is You vs. LSAC
The title's weird, I know. Let me explain. You may already be familiar with the popular movie, "Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice". It features a showdown between two of DC Comics' most legendary heroes: the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. The Epic Battle Prior to its release, the barrage of advertising got me thinking about the epic battle of Batman and Superman. Were such a confrontation to take place in real life, who would win? More … [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...]
Practice and Over-Practicing for the LSAT
In a Time article on over-practicing, there are several good pieces of advice for LSAT test-takers. From that advice, we can draw some guidelines on how you should prepare for the LSAT. Let's take a look at what they said and what it means for you. The Article The article references a study published by the Journal of Neuroscience. In this study, researchers observed subjects performing tasks repeatedly and measured energy expenditure as they … [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...]
How is Everyone Else Preparing for the LSAT?
Do you ever wonder? Almost everyone does, but shouldn't, and here's why. First of all, how others prepare for the LSAT isn't a big deal because it doesn't directly impact you. Second, it really doesn't matter because no one else will be taking the exam for you. That is, unless you bribed someone to take your exam, in which case you've got way bigger problems heading your way than choosing a prep method! How to Study for the LSAT Fortunately, … [Read more...]
LSAT Tip! Beware of Tips…
It goes without saying that some advice is better than other. But when it comes to the LSAT, unfortunately, bad advice is quite common. This is largely due to the complexity of the exam itself, which does not lend itself easily to quick tips or easy shortcuts. More importantly, you can circumvent shortcuts. And test-makers often do just that. Guess what? They have access to the same test-prep materials as you do. If there is a shortcut they can … [Read more...]