Hello 7Sage Neighborhood,

While the conversation around Reading Comp is often dominated by high-level strategy talk, I am posting this as a reminder to not forget about the simple things when it comes to, simply, Reading.

I recently had some training to become an ESL tutor, and they showed us a list of tips on how to help a student struggling to comprehend a passage. I was amazed at how relevant this advice, intended for people learning English for the 1st time, was for us as LSAT students.

The gap in English comprehension between an LSAT vs. ESL student may be wide, but the points here are just as salient. I hope you get as much utility out of them as I did. Here they are:

Reading Problem Solving Strategies

1. Reread

If a sentence or paragraph doesn't make sense the first time you read it, read it again, two or three times if necessary. A text often becomes clearer when you read it more than once.

Example: "At first I didn't understand why the character was so angry, but when I read the beginning again I saw that I had missed the part about how his father mistreated him."

2. Read more slowly

Don't rush through a text. Take your time to make sure you are understanding. Also, some texts are more difficult to read than others. Slowing down can help with dense or difficult material.

Example: "This explanation of photosynthesis is pretty complicated. I better slow down and take it step by step."

3. Keep on reading

If you're not sure of a word or if a passage doesn't make sense, keep reading to see if there is information further on that helps the meaning become clear.

Example: "I didn't understand why all of a sudden the father appeared in the story, but reading on I understood that the main character was having a flashback to his childhood."

4. Look up vocabulary (Note for us: Go on a word hunt after Blind Review.)

Sometimes you have to look up a word or check your notes. Not knowing a key word can make the rest of the sentence or paragraph difficult to understand.

Example: "I can see that the author is making an argument against federalism, but I'm not sure I remember what federalism is. I better go look it up."

5. Visualize

Create a picture in your mind. Visualizing what is happening can help you understand it.

Example: "I can just picture a whole street of little neighborhood stores where the main character works, with cups and cigarette butts on the sidewalk and the same people coming by every day. No wonder he feels trapped."

6. Retell (Note for us: During Blind Review.)

If you can retell in your own words something you have read, that means you have understood it well. Stop as you are reading and ask yourself, "Can I explain to someone what I've just read?"

Example: "I think I understand how laws are made, but I'm not sure I could explain it very well to someone else. I better go back and reread it."

7. Self-talk - Ask questions

Stop as you read and ask yourself questions to check your understanding.

Example: "Did that sentence make sense? Did that paragraph make sense? Could I explain it in my own words?"

8. Ask someone (Note for us: After Blind Review.)

If all else fails, you can always ask someone for help.

Hello, 7Sagers!

Been awhile, hope everyone's easing into a nice LDW :)

I posted this on the question's discussion board but was hoping for a variety of views if possible, so I wanted to repost this here. Here's part of the post I was responding to:

...In answer choice E) however, look what happens if we negate it. Acme’s move to OV WILL be accompanied by a significant pay raise.

This is a necessary assumption because if we knew this specific point, then there is the POSSIBILITY of a gap in the argument.

The argument wouldn’t be 100% deducible that the workers won’t be able to afford the new location. That is also the reason why the LSAT writers specifically wrote SIGNIFICANT. Hope this helps

And my reply/question:

Hello, would you be able to clarify something?

I agree that the existence of a possible gap in the argument would obviously weaken it. But it seems to me that said gap could only be said to completely invalidate the argument if we knew the possible gap were an actual gap.

I know this may sound kind of fuzzy, but as an example, if for (E) it had said, “Acme’s move to OV will not be accompanied by a significant enough pay raise to allow Acme employees to afford housing in OV,” that to me would be a clear invalidator, a true gap that “destroys” the argument as we like to say around here.

But in negating (E) as it stands, we have, as you said, allowed for the mere possibility that the conclusion may not follow if we assume certain things about what (E) is getting at. For one thing, (E) is banking on the assumption I mentioned, and maybe others.

I don’t disagree that (E) is the best of the bunch, and the only one of the bunch that could remotely be considered the correct answer. But I guess the puzzling part is this sometimes hazy spectrum b/w “greatly weaken (w/o destroying)” and “absolutely destroy” and where a negated necessary assumption is allowed to fall within it. In my view [destroy → weaken], but the reverse is not necessarily true, and I just don’t see (E) meeting the “absolutely destroy” threshold…

This has been a recurring issue of mine & your help is appreciated!

Link to discussion: https://classic.7sage.com/lsat_explanations/lsat-68-section-3-question-18/

🙏

I'm struggling to see how the "substantial" in answer choice D is justified. This AC does match the passage best when compared to the other choices, but it seems a little too strong to assume.

The question asks what's the function of the a phrase that states "people have a positive moral obligation". How in the world can I make the assumption that having a "positive moral obligation" = "substantial moral obligation"?

Without a doubt, reading for structure is one of the simplest and yet most powerful strategies you can employ when reading a passage. However, does this always apply?

Typically, a passage will be broken down into several paragraphs composed of several sentences. With most passages usually being four paragraphs. This is easy to keep track of and read for structure. What do we do when a passage has many paragraphs composed of one to two sentences? This seems to be an exception to the rule. I have continued to read for structure while going through the passage, I just don't try to memorize where things are, since I find that to be unduly difficult.

Hi,

I was wanting to see if anyone had any input regarding the 2 statements being somewhat similar. Is it okay for the 2 statements to have a similar topic (Ex. talking about my experiences as an immigrant). "How that experience shaped me"{for the personal statement), and "What this experience will bring for the school or classroom" (diversity statement). Or should I combine the two and make it either or, but not both...?

I wish there was a way to have all logic games on one pdf? can Seven sage please do that ?

I am now scoring about -3 on LR, -2 on LG, but -7 on RC. I'm lost. So what is the traditional, maybe cliche advice that can help me with reading above a 3rd grade level?

I've been studying for 2 months now, but I'm not sure if that studying is helping at all because of my PTs! My raw score seems to be decreasing...with every PT. I'm freaking out. Can someone please advise me on where I need to focus my studying to see increases?

7/31- PT 80: 158 (RS: 70/101)

8/7 - PT 81: 157 (RS: 69/101)

8/21 - PT 82: 153 (RS: 63/101)

9/4 - PT 83: 157 (68/101)

My strongest section right now is RC: 21/27(PT 80) , 18/27 (PT 81), 20/27 (PT 82), 20/27 (PT 83)

LG: 18/23(PT 80) , 19/23 (PT 81) ,14/23(PT 82), 16/23 (PT 83)

LR: getting lazy with writing it out but it ranges from 13 - 15 right on the "harder" LR section, and 16-18 right on the "easier" LR sections

Please help me. I don't get why my scores aren't increasing when I'm studying so much. When do you start to see gains/increases in your PTs after studying for so many hours? I'm not seeing progress...

Anyone willing to work together on a blind review for LR questions ?

Hi everyone,

We've updated our compilation of application requirements for 2021–2022. You'll find it here:

https://classic.7sage.com/admissions/lesson/application-requirements-for-top-schools/

We'll continue to update this as new school's release their applications.

Mr. JY KING, Theopolis Metropolis, Juliet to my Romeo - I just met up w some folks I linked with on 7Sage and I kinda want to upload the pics from our meet ups. Is that allowed? Dis crazee fam! It’s stranger danger activity but 😎

edit: OH, and how can I forget our very own Mr. Bussis with the bUs iT challenge fam@@

Hi,

I'm a nontraditional student in school PT and soon to be working PT who is looking to study with another person with similar commitments for daily communications. Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to join other study groups for those taking the LSAT in October, but they are all filled up. So I'm going to start a new one! Please let me know if you're interested in meeting up twice a week (30min-1hr) to review different sections and ask each other questions/for clarification. Both meetings could be on weekdays or one weekday and Sunday (I'm unavailable on Fri and Sat).

I've taken the june 2021 flex, and august 2021 test. I'm also signed up for oct 2021. I just want to confirm that, if i chose to, I would be able to sign up for the nov 2021 test too? Since my june 2021 test is not counted in this current cycle, at least based on my understanding of the below (from lsac's website)

"Starting with the September 2019 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:

Three times in a single testing year (the next testing cycle begins with the August 2021 test and goes through the June 2022 test)."

When I first did this question, I crossed everything off and was left with E. I almost chose it, and then I thought it felt a lot like a trap AC...

The stimulus is telling us that if a resource becomes scarce, new technologies that create the ability to use new resources arise. As people start using these new alternative resources, the demand for the original resource declines, and whatever amount is then present in that original resource can be sold to those who still want it. Then they give some examples of things that were once the sole resource for a thing, but were then supplemented by other resources. The author asserts that bc new technologies are constantly replacing old ones, (conclusion:) we can never run out of natural resources.

E says that the biological requirements for substances like air and water will not be impacted by technological change. I thought, at first, this meant that "there are some resources that technology cannot replace". But then I second guessed myself and thought, "what do we really care if the biological requirements of that thing-- not the thing itself-- is unaffected by technological change? Even if technology can't change the fact that water needs hydrogen and oxygen to be water, couldn't technology develop different resources that could replace water and air in the future?" Couldn't we use other liquids(not water) or other kinds of energy(not air) to, for example, power things? Is the assumption here that water and air, as necessary for life, are not interchangeable with anything else? Like, if water runs out and technology can't replace it, we CAN run out of important natural resources?

Using the example in the passage of trees: sure, the biological requirements of a tree -- what makes a tree a tree-- is not affected by technology. But we can make steel or plastic, a new substance entirely, to serve the same purpose of that wood.

I ended up choosing C over E after I re-read the ACs because I was thinking that if companies won't invest in the new technologies, they won't be created in the first place. I didn't love the words "at first" and I knew my reading of the AC was assuming things, but I just thought that E was sort of irrelevant but attractive.

What am I missing? #help

Hey yall I just felt like venting on here for a minute, hoping someone might relate to this. I've been studying everyday for the last month for about 5-8 hours a day and honestly feel more like an idiot then when I started. This entire process of studying for this test has just been an endless pit of depression and anxiety. Which brings me to ask this question is this for me? I of course want to be a lawyer and I wouldn't be putting in this effort if ,I didn't really want it but at some point I may have to be realistic with myself. I got a diagnostic score of 141 last month and felt pretty defeated however I gave myself a break and really put all my time in money into trying to increase my score. I've gotten better at understanding question types and really getting a grasp on thinking this way but not enough or as quickly as I need to do well. Also due to family pressure I'm forced to take the October exam so I have a month left to understand this material which I think we all know is not feasible. So I'm most likely going to bad on that and that comes with its own set of issues but I think you all get the gist. Who knows if I'm at your local McDonald's taking your order be kind and put the rest of your change in the tip jar I'm going to need it.

Am currently starting on the RC section and have decided to start from the hardest problem set and work backwards. My rational is that am excited to start RC, so I want to improve on the hardest sets first, thereby allowing me to gain momentum toward the end with the easy sets.

Hi everyone,

I just completed my first PT after going through most of the CC. My scores are quite worrisome. My BR is far better than I could have ever imagined, but my timed score is far lower. I got -13 on logic games when timed, but only -1 on BR untimed. I am taking the LSAT in October and November. How can I fix my logic games issue by then?

This link will send you to a screenshot of my scores: https://i.imgur.com/qNAihT3.png

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to establish a small group (6 or so) who is interested in studying 4 times a week for about an hour. We will be rotating sections and reviewing questions together to improve our understanding, make the LSAT studying process more social and, dare I say, have a good time. I’m hoping to get a range of people from 150s-170s. If you’re interested please comment below!

In college, I originally started with a major I wasn't well-suited to. I later changed my major but I had taken enough courses for that major that I could get a minor in it by just taking a few more upper-division classes P/NP. I ended up doing this and taking a number of additional courses P/NP for my minor. I recently found out that some law schools view a P as a C or just don't look favorably at a P. I'm stressed about how these additional courses I took will be viewed. Does anyone know what an acceptable number of P/NP courses is? Also, should I submit a GPA addendum or some kind of addendum regarding the upper division classes I took P/NP? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

#help

Hey guys, kinda in a dilemma. I took the August LSAT with only going through about 35hrs of 7Sage lessons. I'm fully prepared to cancel that score and I already signed up for the October LSAT, which I should be done with all the 7Sage lessons before taking that one. I’m not sure if I should take it a 3rd time in November, I’m afraid I won't score in the range I desire for my applications with the October test. The deadline to sign up is Septemeber 29, before the October test so that's why I’m stressed. Is this a bad idea? Or is trying for a higher score with more practice in Novemeber the right choice? #Help

Throughout school I took tests with pen and paper, so all of my testing strategy habits utilize pen and paper (crossing ACs out, putting dots next to an AC I think is correct but I don't want to commit to yet, etc). I have been working to transfer these strategies to the virtual format, but I reeeaally don't like having to take the LSAT with a computer. It's not super easy to do after using pen and paper for K-12 standard tests and all of undergrad. I feel like I have to relearn habits which were mechanic before, and it's wearing me down a bit.

Does anyone have any tips on what has been helpful for them? I have tried writing out A-E on paper, but this is a waste of time and scratch paper that I can't afford while taking a practice test. I am only 2 years out of college, so I feel like a lot of people may share this issue with me. Any advice would be appreciated!

So here's some context:

I started studying for LSAT 2 weeks ago and got a 158 on my diagnostic. Main weakness being RC (by far).

And I want to know if it's a good idea to skip through parts of core curriculum like the LR problem sets to quickly get to sections I actually struggle on. I'm planning to take LSAT during next cycle.

Thank you all

Hi,

I have an international transcript sending to LSAC. When my school send the transcript they use DHL shipping which cannot ship to a PO box address. So they send my transcript to

Law School Admission Council

662 Penn Street

Newtown, PA 18940

USA

But it seems LSAC has different departments. (LLM JD and maybe Tax/HR department) And I guess some front desk has received my transcript package. They tracking records showed it has been delivered 10 days ago but I received Nothing confirmation from LSAC.

Do you think the transcript department will still able to get my trancript?

I am really worried now.

Thanks

If I have an LOR from work does that job have to be on my resume when I apply to schools?

The LOR is impressive. But the job is not as impressive as my other work experience.