If your test is fast-approaching, here are some quick reminders for how to approach each section:

LSAT Logical Reasoning

Must Be True: Diagram if possible; if not, summarize the stimulus; answer choice is usually weak

Soft Must Be True: Look for strong statements in the stimulus; answer choice is usually weak

Main Point: Look for key words that indicate premises (“since,” “because,” etc.) or conclusions (“therefore,” “so,” etc.). Also look for shifts in the argument (“people say X; however, Y”), because if there is one, that’s where the conclusion will be.

Flaw: If you can’t find the flaw, ask yourself: “If I wanted to argue against this, how would I do it?”

Parallel: Correct answer needs to have exactly the same number of premises, connected in the same way. If you’re low on time, you’ll probably want to skip these and come back to them at the end.

Parallel Flaw: Correct answer needs only to commit the exact same kind of flaw. Another good one to skip and come back to if you’re low on time.

Strengthen and Weaken: Find the flaw in the argument before you look at the answer choices — otherwise the right answer will seem irrelevant if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Sufficient Assumption: Look for new concepts in the conclusion that aren’t supported by the premises. The correct answer is usually strong.

Necessary Assumption: Find the flaw in the argument, then find an answer choice that fixes that flaw (even if doesn’t completely fix that problem). The correct answer is usually weak.

LSAT Reading Comprehension

If there are multiple viewpoints, make sure you’re keeping track of who’s advocating for what.

If the passage cites an example, there will almost definitely be at least one question about said example.

Stay focused on how the passage is working, rather than what it’s saying — you’ll understand the overall passage better.

After you do the first two passages, take a look at the last two to see which has more questions, and do that one — that way, if you run out of time, you’ll be guessing on fewer questions.

Logic Games

Note: As of August 2024, the LSAT will no longer have a Logic Games Section. The June 2024 exam will be the final LSAT with Logic Games. Learn more about the change here.

After you write out the rules, check whether there are multiple rules about one player — that’s a good place to start for deductions.

If you’re noticing that a game can only work in a handful of ways, you’ll probably want to jot out some quick scenarios to see what the game looks like.

Some games just don’t have many deductions — if all of the questions give an additional piece of information (e.g. “If Susie pulls Bryan’s keys out of the bowl, which of the following could be true?”), you probably won’t be able to find much in the way of deductions; instead, you’ll just need to work your way through the situation posed in each question as quickly as possible.

After you finish the first two games, take a quick look at the second two to see whether one seems significantly more approachable than the other; if so, that’s probably the one you should start with.

And if you need a free practice test, get one here.