May 2020 LSAT Section 1 Question 20

Which one of the following most accurately characterizes the relationship between the two passages?

Shula on November 6, 2023

I found this passage to be particularly difficult

I found this passage significantly more challenging to comprehend compared to others. It stands out as one of the most intricate Reading Comprehension passages I've encountered. The prose is quite dense, and the core messages the authors aim to express appear nuanced and obscured by the complexity of the text. I struggled to grasp their intended message, much less discern the main idea or the authors' tone. Could you offer any strategies for tackling particularly complex passages? Thank you so much!

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Emil-Kunkin on November 9, 2023

You're absolutely right that this is a very nuanced passage. The first passage expresses a critique of a view in no uncertain terms, and the second passage is a critique of the first passage, agreeing in part and disagreeing in part.

I think there are a few ways we can approach this. First, I would highly recommend taking your time reading. It's going to be nearly impossible to fully understand this passage if you're rushing and only skimming. I would recommend not moving on to the next set since until you feel like you've really understood the sentence you're reading.

I also like noting down authors views in my own words. For example, I would try to express the first passage's view in one sentence if possible, and then use that understanding as I navigate the second passage.

Finally, I find that taking a position can be quite helpful. Do you think that plagiarism is an appropriate or useful lense through which to view historical works? I think that taking a side can help you to not only see arguments clearer, but to think of an even anticipate where the authors are going.