While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to acing the analytical reasoning section of the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT®), one of the most effective strategies is to study the pattern of the analytical reasoning questions, develop a strategy for approaching them, and practice as many timed sections as possible. The analytical reasoning section of the LSAT® is often regarded as the most difficult of all the sections. The analytical reasoning section is also known as the “logic games” section, and with good reason: the questions require test takers to apply a set of rules and limitations to a highly specific fact pattern in a manner that resembles a brain teaser. Getting good at LSAT® analytical reasoning questions usually takes a lot of practice. Students must devise a strategy for deciphering the fact pattern and learn to work quickly.
Each LSAT® analytical reasoning question is completely answerable on its own. The majority of students have a problem with timing. The analytical reasoning section of the LSAT® exam is made up of four separate logic games. All games are followed four to six multiple-choice questions, with the entire section taking about 35 minutes to complete.
One of the best ways to gain control of the logic games section is to approach it with a strategy. Although no two logic games are ever the same, you will most likely notice some patterns and recurring themes in the way the questions must be answered with practice. Many test preparation experts advise students to draw diagrams of LSAT® analytical reasoning questions. Most questions require you to sequence, order, and arrange information, which is easier to visualize on paper than it is to think about abstractly. When it comes to the LSAT® analytical reasoning section of the test, developing a strategy that works for you will give you confidence and help you manage your time effectively.
Analytical reasoning questions on the LSAT® are unlike any other type of question you’ve seen on a standardized test before. The LSAT® test is designed to assess your deductive reasoning and ability to apply rules to even the most complex fact patterns. Practice, practice, and practice some more is one of the only surefire ways to do well on this section. Even the most logically gifted person is likely to struggle with the games section the first time they encounter it, but with repeated exposure, the issues can be successfully overcome. Depending on what works best for you, you can practice with a commercial test prep course, an LSAT® review book, or past LSAT® exams.
It’s also important to remember that the logic games section is only one of five scored LSAT® sections, accounting for roughly a quarter of your total score. While nailing the games section will undoubtedly boost your score, it will rarely compensate for poor performance elsewhere. The deductive reasoning section of the LSAT® and the reading comprehension questions are also important and must be practiced in order to achieve a high overall score.