LSAT Reading

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

Understanding Passage StructureIdentifying Author’s ViewpointTypes of LSAT Reading Questions
Making Logical InferencesHandling Comparative Reading PassagesDealing with Dense or Technical Material
Applying Reading Skills to Academic SuccessReading Critically in Everyday LifePreparing for Law School Reading
Active Reading and AnnotationTime Management on Test DayEliminating Wrong Answer Choices
Understanding Passag...Identifying Author’s...Types of LSAT Readin...Making Logical Infer...Handling Comparative...Dealing with Dense o...Applying Reading Ski...Reading Critically i...Preparing for Law Sc...Active Reading and A...Time Management on T...Eliminating Wrong An...
Advanced Topics

Making Logical Inferences

Reading Between the Lines—Expert Edition

LSAT passages often require you to go beyond what's on the page and make logical inferences.

How to Infer Like a Pro

  • Find the Evidence: Locate the facts or statements that support your inference.
  • Stay Within Bounds: Only draw conclusions directly supported by the text.
  • Watch for Traps: Avoid “overreaching” beyond what’s reasonable.

Practice Exercise

Read a paragraph and ask yourself, “What must be true based on this information, even if it’s not said outright?”

Everyday Application

Inferences are everywhere—interpreting emails, reading news, or understanding jokes that rely on implied meaning.

Examples

  • A passage lists reasons a project failed, but never says it was poorly planned; you infer the planning was inadequate.

  • The author supports new regulations and criticizes the old system, so you infer they favor change.

In a Nutshell

Master the art of drawing conclusions from subtle hints in the text.

Key Terms

Inference
A logical conclusion derived from evidence and reasoning, not direct statements.
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Handling Comparative Reading Passages