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...
Advanced Topics

Mastering Passage Mapping

What is Passage Mapping?

Passage mapping means creating a mental or written outline as you read, noting the function of each paragraph and the flow of arguments. This skill is vital for quickly answering questions without re-reading the entire passage.

Steps to Passage Mapping

  1. Paragraph summaries: After each paragraph, jot a 3-5 word summary.
  2. Mark transitions: Note shifts in topic, tone, or argument.
  3. Track viewpoints: Especially important in comparative passages.

Benefits

  • Saves time on detail and structure questions.
  • Boosts accuracy by keeping you oriented in the text.

Real-World Application

Lawyers often outline documents before analyzing them, much like passage mapping. This skill can help you organize complex information in any field.

Try Mapping

Next time you read an editorial, write a one-line summary for each paragraph, then review your map to answer comprehension questions.

Examples

  • Outlining the structure of a passage about competing economic theories.

  • Tracking two authors’ opposing viewpoints in a comparative reading set.

In a Nutshell

Passage mapping helps you keep track of complex texts efficiently.

Key Terms

Passage Mapping
The process of outlining the structure and key ideas of a passage to aid comprehension and recall.
Next
Handling Complex or Dense Passages