- Summary
- Transcript
Meeting Purpose
To provide instruction on approaching comparative passages in LSAT Reading Comprehension sections.
Key Takeaways
- Comparative passages are not inherently harder than solitary passages; difficulty depends on placement within the RC section
- Use the same reading techniques for comparative as solitary passages, applying them to each passage individually
- Always keep both passages' main points in mind while reading and answering questions
- Pay close attention to differences in tone, purpose, and level of technicality between the two passages
Topics
Comparative Passage Difficulty
- 75% of comparative passages are designed to be as hard as the hardest solitary passages
- If placed in passages 1-2, comparative will be easier; if in 3-4, it will be harder
- Don't assume comparative is always more difficult
Reading Approach
- After each paragraph, ask: 1) What happened here? 2) How does this connect to other paragraphs?
- At end of each passage, determine main point by identifying subject and author's opinion
- Synthesize passages with simple sentence: "Passage 1 does X, Passage 2 does Y"
- Must keep both passages' main points in mind at all times
Question Strategies
- Evaluate answer choices individually on their merits, not comparatively
- For relationship questions, focus on differences in tone, purpose, and technicality between passages
- Use process of elimination, but be willing to select a strong answer without reviewing all options
Sample Passage Analysis
- Passage A: Introduces concept of virtual economies in online games, expresses curiosity/excitement
- Passage B: Discusses tax policy implications of virtual economies, more academic/technical tone
- Key relationship: A presents interesting phenomenon, B explores policy responses
Next Steps
- Practice maintaining awareness of both passages' main points while reading
- Focus on identifying tone and purpose differences between passages
- Apply individual passage reading techniques to comparative passages