How did you master the logic reasoning section?

[airystelan3]

Hello!

So, I will try to make this brief for everyone.

I have taken a total of six timed exams. I understand that's not enough, but I've done my best to also go through questions from older prep tests.

By the second preptest I was completing the third game, and my last two I completed all four games (missing 1 or 2 questions because I'm stupid).

So, with that said, I know that the only way that I can reach my goal is to improve on logic reasoning. I am almost done with the LSAT Trainer, and I'm still struggling with questions. Specifically Must Be True (Inference), Strengthen, and Justify (SA) questions. Last night was my first time crying over the LSAT (it sucked). I am not only frustrated, but terrified that the September exam is in two months. At this point I've decided that I would be happy if I could at least improve by 5-6 points (8-12 questions).

What helped you improve in logic reasoning? A tutor? The Logic Reasoning Bible?

I would appreciate any advice (or words of encouragement).

Thank you.

[Jeremy Press]

Hi airy,

A question first (before I answer your question about what helped me, and what has helped my students!): have you ever gone through a logical reasoning section (or any substantial number of logical reasoning questions) in an untimed way? If you've only been doing timed sections, you're likely forcing yourself to take shortcuts that will lead to inaccuracy and frustration. Most of my students need to begin with logical reasoning by analyzing questions without time pressure. It's important to identify premises, conclusions, and flaws in argumentation. It's important to notice logical indicators of certainty, quantity, scope, etc. These skills don't come naturally for most people, and require a lot of untimed work before diving into timed sections. You need to go through a substantial number of questions from each type without a time constraint, until you can regularly answer them with a high level of accuracy. That's when you'll really be ready to sink your teeth into a timed Logical Reasoning section.

As to what helped me and my students with logical reasoning? I took a PowerScore course, which walked us through the concepts that the Logical Reasoning Bible discusses. My students often rely on the Logical Reasoning Bible. It is extremely thorough and useful for understanding the language issues, reasoning types, and question types that the Logical Reasoning section tests. I am a huge fan, and think it's beneficial for most students.

That said, you've already been studying a different publication (the LSAT Trainer) and I wouldn't want you to have to completely relearn new vocabulary in the weeks leading up to the October 3 exam (the next exam after this August exam). That's where a tutor could certainly come in handy. They'll be able to diagnose your weaknesses, give you exercises to do to improve on them, and give you guidance about how to work through both untimed questions and timed sections. Even with just a few hours of work, a tutor could get you set on the right path that you may be able to continue on yourself. If a tutor is an option that would be too pricey, I definitely recommend trying to find a study buddy, who you can talk about questions and discuss strategies with. Sometimes hearing someone else's perspective shows you issues you're missing.

Please let me know if this triggers additional questions for you. We're here to help!

Jeremy