Changes to Logical Reasoning on the LSAT in 2024
The LSAT’s Logical Reasoning section has never not been an important part of the exam. But with Logic Games departing the exam in August 2024, it is more important than ever that you focus on Logical Reasoning. Because the LSAT will still have an experimental section that’s either Reading Comprehension or Logical Reasoning, there’s a chance you may encounter up to three LR sections on the LSAT. And even if you only get two, both will be scored, meaning that Logical Reasoning will account for two-thirds of your score.
So, we repeat, if you’re taking the LSAT in August 2024 or later, focus on Logical Reasoning (and obviously, you should also focus on LR even if you’re taking the test before August, too)! Here are some tips to buckle down on LR.
Adding Logical Reasoning to your LSAT study routine
It may sound obvious, but the best way to improve at the Logical Reasoning section is to practice these types of questions a whole lot. You may already be used to taking individual Logical Reasoning sections in your PrepTests, but your stamina will be different with two LR sections, so it’s worth prepping for the new structure. Our digital tester now gives you the option to take PrepTests in the new exam format. We suggest trying it out to see how you score on this version of the test.
How to drill for Logical Reasoning
Beyond PrepTests, you should also be doing focused Logical Reasoning drills—these will help you improve your speed and accuracy. You shouldn’t be drilling every kind of LR question, though. It’s important to know which question types you most often get wrong, and which types you usually answer correctly.
Choose your top three priority question types. Among the question types you get wrong most often, you should prioritize the ones that appear on the LSAT most often. Our analytics can help!
Don’t just play to your strengths (even if getting almost every question right on a drill is an ego boost!). Instead, focus on your problem areas. If you’re struggling with Parallel Flaw questions, for example, drill that question type individually. You can use the 7Sage drill builder to select specific types of Logical Reasoning questions you want to practice. You can also adjust the difficulty level.
While you’re studying, keep a wrong answer journal so you can keep track of trends in the types of errors you’re making. When you get a question wrong, think of it as two mistakes—the incorrect answer you chose, and the correct answer you didn’t choose. Make sure you walk away from reviewing with a clear understanding of not only why the right answer is right, but why your previous wrong answer was wrong (our explanation videos can help).
7Sage’s new Logical Reasoning curriculum
Unlike Logic Games, Logical Reasoning is not something you can just improve from sheer repetition. You don’t just need to increase your speed—you need to develop a better understanding of the material in front of you. A good LR curriculum is key to improving your performance in the section.
We’ve recently upgraded the Logical Reasoning section of our Core Curriculum (here’s how to access it). The new version has many pedagogical and technical improvements designed to help students prepare for the new LSAT.
The new Logical Reasoning curriculum features more interactive elements, including a flipped-classroom structure. We’ve also provided written explanations alongside videos to make our lessons more accessible to more learners.
In addition, we have enhanced the organizational scheme, moving all foundational modules into a separate unit and streamlining core question types. The new Logical Reasoning curriculum also categorizes question types and subtypes better, allowing for a more focused, granular learning approach.
Transferring LSAT skills from Logic Games to Logical Reasoning
If you started studying before LSAC announced the change in the LSAT, you may feel worried about the pivot. But if you’re dreading the loss of Logic Games, remember that you can tap into some of the same skills in the Logical Reasoning section. For example, some test-takers find it helpful to diagram LR questions, similar to how one diagrams Logic Games. Many of the types of thinking you use in Logic Games can be cross-applied to Logical Reasoning. Both question types require critical thinking, pattern recognition, and careful reading. The strength you’ve been developing in these areas is cross-applicable.
One advantage to LR is that each question is about a different stimulus. In other words, if you make a mistake in your understanding of a game, you could get several questions wrong at once. With Logical Reasoning, every question is a fresh start.
Don’t despair! You can learn Logical Reasoning.
Logical Reasoning may seem intimidating, but just like the rest of the LSAT, it’s a skill that you can learn. Will it take work? Sure. A lot of work? Probably. But the LSAT was going to be hard already, and you’re no stranger to putting in the effort. So, get out there and study Logical Reasoning. We believe in you!
LSAT tutoring for Logical Reasoning
Having trouble getting Logical Reasoning to click? Our one-on-one LSAT tutoring program can help. Every 7Sage tutor is an LSAT expert who scored in the 99th percentile. We’ve helped thousands of students reach and exceed their goal scores. Want to learn more? Schedule a free 30-minute consult.