LSAT Reading

A comprehensive look at the skills and strategies needed to master the LSAT Reading Comprehension section.

Understanding Passage StructureIdentifying Author’s ViewpointTypes of LSAT Reading Questions
Making Logical InferencesHandling Comparative Reading PassagesDealing with Dense or Technical Material
Applying Reading Skills to Academic SuccessReading Critically in Everyday LifePreparing for Law School Reading
Active Reading and AnnotationTime Management on Test DayEliminating Wrong Answer Choices
Understanding Passag...Identifying Author’s...Types of LSAT Readin...Making Logical Infer...Handling Comparative...Dealing with Dense o...Applying Reading Ski...Reading Critically i...Preparing for Law Sc...Active Reading and A...Time Management on T...Eliminating Wrong An...
Basic Concepts

Identifying Author’s Viewpoint

Reading Between the Lines

Understanding the author’s viewpoint is key to answering many LSAT questions. Sometimes, the author is neutral; other times, they have a strong opinion.

Clues to the Author’s Perspective

  • Tone Words: Look for adjectives and adverbs that reveal attitude (enthusiastic, skeptical, critical).
  • Agreement or Disagreement: Phrases like “it is clear that…” or “some argue…” hint at alignment or distance from an idea.
  • Purpose Statements: Sentences that state why the author wrote the passage (to inform, persuade, critique).

Practice Spotting the Viewpoint

Ask yourself: “How does the author feel about this topic?” and “What are they trying to accomplish?”

Application in Daily Life

Recognizing viewpoints helps you interpret articles, reviews, and debates, making you a savvier reader and communicator.

Examples

  • The author uses words like 'unfortunately' and 'problematic' to show disapproval of a policy.

  • A passage discusses both sides of an issue, but the author ends by calling one approach 'the most promising.'

In a Nutshell

Detect the author’s attitude and intentions to understand the passage deeply.

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Types of LSAT Reading Questions