To round out our discussion on the different sections of the LSAT, today we're going to look at the logical reasoning portion. These sections will ask you to analyze arguments and evaluate their components. Much like the rest of the test, logical reasoning sections ask test-takers to first read a passage and then answer the follow-up questions.

Number of sections: 2

Length: 35 minutes for each

Format: 24-26 questions per section

Objectives: Analysis and evaluation of arguments

Question types: Assumptions, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, principle, analysis, inference, and application

The above format leaves test-takers with about 1.4 minutes per question.

A few tips to get you started with logical reasoning practice:

• Watch for qualifying words like “many” and “some”
• Pay attention to the wording of each question and answer choice
• Analyze the passage's structure as well as its content
• Diagram the arguments if helpful

This week, we're continuing our look at the sections that make up the LSAT with a look at the logic games. Officially known as the analytical reasoning portion of the test, the objective of the games is to test your ability to understand relationships and draw conclusions from their structure. The games typically begin a with a short paragraph of information and details on rules or conditions important to the outcome.

Just like with the reading comprehension, how you approach the games is critical to your preparation. Although you cannot predict the precise content of each game, it is important to recognize the type of game you have in front of you. With that in mind, let's look at the format for the games.

Length: 35 minutes

Format: 4 games with 22-24 questions total

Objectives: Logic, systems of order, and outcomes

Game types: linear, grouping, grouping and linear combinations, mapping, pattern, sequencing, numerical distribution, and limited possibilities

That format means that you will have about 8 minutes and 45 seconds per game (or 1.5 minutes per question).

A few tips to get you started:

• Pay attention to the rules for each game
• Use diagrams to make sense of the information presented to you
• Practice each type of game without timing yourself at first

With the October test date behind us, we're starting to work with students taking the LSAT in December. We think it will be helpful to break down the test section by section with answers to students' frequently asked questions. If you don't see the answer to one of your questions in our breakdowns, let us know, and we'll be happy to add it.

The first section we will look at is the reading comprehension portion. Not unlike the SAT and ACT, the LSAT aims to test how students make sense of different styles of prose. The passages you will encounter cover a spectrum of topics, from the sciences to the humanities, and the corresponding questions will ask for answers about both the structure and the purpose of the material. 

Since the passage topics differ from version to version, it's best to focus on how to approach the passages, rather than on a specific topic. In order to do so, let's take a look at the section's format.

Length: 35 minutes

Format: 4 sets of reading passages with 5-8 questions each (typically 26-28 in total)

Focus of the questions: 

• Detail, 
• main idea and purpose of the passage
• logical reasoning
• logic function
• inference

That works out to about 1.3 minutes per question. With those time constraints in mind, it's important to use your time wisely. 

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Pay attention to key words
• Read through the passage once before going back to reread specific portions
• Don't get stuck on tough questions – you can come back once you've tackled others

From what we have seen across the Internet, the Reading Comprehension passage with a scientific focus and the Logic Game were the sources of some frustration. Overall though, it sounds like the sections were as challenging as expected. Despite that, we have no doubt that you're anxious about getting your scores back, and so we thought we would tackle some of the more frequently asked questions.

When will scores be available?

If you have an LSAC account, you will not have to wait quite as long as everyone else. Look out for an email from LSAC on Wednesday, October 30^th (so only 22 days to go!). For those of you without LSAC accounts, they plan to send scores by mail starting Thursday, November 7^th.

Can I cancel my score?

Yes, you have through this Friday, October 11^th to cancel your score. The proper way to do so is to submit a written request to LSAC using this form: http://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/jd-docs/scorecancellationform.pdf?sfvrsn=2 . You must fax or send by expedited or overnight mail; LSAC will not accept the requests by email. The fax number and address can be found on their site: http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/score-cancellations#written

Now, more importantly, should I cancel my score?

Most likely not. The odds are your test performance on Saturday was not a complete disaster, and as such, you should wait to see how you scored. If you were ill on test day or made errors when filling in your answers, then canceling your score does make sense.

Ok, that helps, but what if I did not score as well as I hoped?

The next test date is December 7, 2013, and you can register until close of business on Monday, November 4^th. This offers some of you the chance to see your October scores before making a decision to register or not. And if you feel that you need to retake the test, but December is too soon, then LSAC also offers a test date in February 2014.  

Test day is almost here, so we at Strategy want to remind test takers of a few ways to limit anxiety going into tomorrow.

Courtesy of one of Ben's old tip posts, here are a few pointers:

On the morning of the test you’re going to be tempted to think about many different things. It’s really important, though, to go into the test with a positive and excited attitude. Tackling the test with the right mindset is important; you want to be motivated and ready to do your best. Try not to let test-day jitters get the best of you.

Your Own Breakfast of Champions
One way to avoid the jitters: While you’re eating breakfast on test day, run through the following little mind exercise. It’s simple. Just write as many reasons as you can that explain why you’re going to do awesome on the LSAT. It doesn’t matter what the reasons are. You could write how well you did on that fifth grade spelling bee. Anything! The key here is to just keep writing. In this way, you force yourself to think nothing but positive thoughts for a good portion of your morning. You’re inevitably going to be thinking of something, so it might as well be how awesome you are!

Your Own Rocky
Another thing you can do is to just create a mix of your favorite songs that pump you up. Spend a couple minutes starring in your own personal Rocky sequel with Eye of the Tiger playing in the background, and then let that excitement and intensity carry you into the test.

Beating the Bell Curve
No matter how much the test makers like to praise their test’s objectivity and accuracy, they are secretly banking on your being nervous. To maintain the LSAT’s predictably smooth bell curve, they need many students to rush and miss the details. Otherwise, too many folks would do well, and they’d have to develop a better test. But if you take the time to really get excited about doing well and overcome your jitters, you’re going to beat them at their own game.

Planning to apply to law school? Have questions about the application process or a specific program?

If you're in DC next Monday, October 7th, you're in luck because George Washington University is hosting this year's Washington, DC Law School Fair. The event is completely free and open to anyone interested in hearing more about law schools across the country.

Details:

October 7, 2013
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Foggy Bottom - Charles E. Smith Center
600 22nd Street NW
Washington, DC 20052

To read more about the fair, check out the website: http://go.gwu.edu/lawfair13 or contact Michael Gabriel at dclawschoolfair@gmail.com.