LSAT Analytical Reasoning Section

LSAT Analytical Reasoning section

LSAT analytical reasoning questions evaluate your ability to draw logical conclusions based on a group of rules or facts. Many test-takers consider this section of the exam difficult due to its unique structure and complicated prompts. Luckily, we have some LSAT analytical reasoning strategies to help you perform well on this part of the test.

Format

Analytical Reasoning Logic Games

Questions on the analytical reasoning section of the LSAT take the form of about 24 complex logic games. Each prompt presents a scenario with a set of specific conditions, and test-takers must use their logical thinking to correctly answer five to eight multiple-choice questions about the passage.

Not Necessarily About Law

You might expect these questions to cover various legal topics. However, LSAT analytical reasoning logic game prompts cover a wide range of general subjects. For example, one question might ask you to order a list of tasks according to the highest and lowest priority. Meanwhile, another prompt may require you to assign work shifts to a set number of employees with conflicting schedules.

Purpose

While the LSAT analytical reasoning passages may seem unrelated to law school, they showcase your ability to process information (which you'll need when reading through dense evidentiary documents) and adhere to specific rules (like upholding prior rulings and legal statutes).

Doing well on this exam lets you display the critical thinking and problem-solving skills you need for a successful legal career.

Practice

It's difficult to enhance your reasoning abilities through traditional study methods. Working through a few LSAT practice questions is a much better way to sharpen your skills for this portion of the exam. Along with helping you familiarize yourself with the structure of logic games, studying with practice questions lets you develop strategies for approaching these prompts on test day.

Strategies

One approach you can use when completing LSAT analytical reasoning practice questions is to pick out the important details within the passage and jot them down. After you strip the problem down to the essential points, you can make a diagram to show the relationships between each detail and come up with a fitting solution. Time yourself and practice answering the questions faster each time.

Exams

When you've practiced with a few sample questions and prompts, put your abilities to the test by taking a mock exam. Grad Prep offers LSAT analytical reasoning practice tests that give you a feel for the look and pacing of the real LSAT. Depending on your score, you can adjust your study methods and complete as many practice exams as it takes to improve your skills before test day.

Study Resources

Online LSAT Test Prep

Types of Logic Games

Logic Game Strategies

Overviews of Other LSAT Sections

What to Expect on the LSAT

LSAT Scoring

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