LSAT Reading

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

Understanding LSAT Reading PassagesActive Reading TechniquesIdentifying Question Types
Mastering Passage MappingHandling Complex or Dense PassagesAdvanced Inference and Logic Skills
Applying LSAT Reading Skills in Law SchoolProfessional Uses of Reading ComprehensionCollaborative Reading and Study Groups
Time Management During the SectionEliminating Wrong Answer ChoicesPrephrasing Your Answers
Understanding LSAT R...Active Reading Techn...Identifying Question...Mastering Passage Ma...Handling Complex or ...Advanced Inference a...Applying LSAT Readin...Professional Uses of...Collaborative Readin...Time Management Duri...Eliminating Wrong An...Prephrasing Your Ans...
Basic Concepts

Active Reading Techniques

Why Read Actively?

Active reading means engaging with the text instead of passively absorbing words. The LSAT rewards readers who annotate, predict, and question as they go.

How to Be an Active Reader

  • Annotate: Underline thesis statements, circle transition words, and mark shifts in tone.
  • Predict: Pause after each paragraph to guess what might come next.
  • Question: Ask yourself why the author introduces certain details or arguments.

Annotating Efficiently

Use quick symbols or shorthand — for example, “A” for author’s opinion, “C” for counterargument, or “!” for surprising facts.

Beyond the LSAT

Active reading is a life skill! Whether you’re preparing for a class discussion, drafting an email, or reading a news article, annotating and questioning improves retention and understanding.

Examples

  • Marking the author’s opinion and evidence in a passage about social policy.

  • Noting a shift in tone from neutral to critical in a science article.

In a Nutshell

Active reading helps you stay engaged and understand LSAT passages more deeply.

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Identifying Question Types