LSAT Reading Comprehension: the passages and how to read them

How the section is built

• Four sets of questions, each on one reading selection followed by five to eight questions.
• A selection is either a single passage or two related shorter passages. Each section has 3 or 4 single passages, and either one comparative reading set or none.
• The passages are densely written, with high-level vocabulary and sophisticated arguments or complex structures, such as several points of view.

What the questions ask

LSAC lists these:

• The main idea or primary purpose
• Information that’s stated outright
• What can be inferred
• What a word or phrase means as it’s used
• How the passage is organized
• Applying the passage to a new situation
• The principles at work in the passage
• Analogies to its claims or arguments
• The author’s attitude, shown by tone or word choice
• How new information would affect its claims

Comparative reading

In a comparative set, the questions are about how the two passages relate: one might give a general claim and the other an example, or one a principle and the other its application, or they might argue opposite sides. LSAC compares it to law school work, like reading a trial court decision next to the appeal that overturns it.

What are LSAC’s tips for LSAT Reading Comprehension?

LSAC suggests three ways to work a set: read the passage closely and then answer; read the questions first, then the passage, then answer; or skim both, reread the passage closely, then answer. Because the test is timed, it says the first may work best, but try all three to see what suits you. Its other tips:

• Separate the main ideas from the supporting ones, and the author’s opinions from the facts.
• Follow the structure: why the author makes each point and how the conclusion is reached. Words like “although”, “nevertheless” and “however” are signposts.
• Mark the main idea, key arguments and words that show the author’s attitude.
• Start with subjects you know and leave hard or unfamiliar sets for later.
• Read every answer choice before you pick one, and don’t choose an answer only because it’s true.

From August 2027

Reading Comprehension moves to the start of the test and becomes one 52-minute section with 40 questions from six passages. 27 still count, and LSAC says the question types stay the same.

Where to practice

LawHub has free Reading Comprehension drill sets with hints, explanations and a performance report. Our practice test has 7 Reading Comprehension questions on shorter passages.