LSAT Reading Comprehension: Mastering Contextual Analysis

Purpose in Context

Identifying the reason for including a specific piece of text at a particular point in a passage.

Functional Role

The job a sentence or detail plays in advancing the author's argument, such as support, objection, or illustration.

Zoom In

Restate referenced text in your own words to understand its immediate meaning.

Zoom Out

Identify what the surrounding sentences are doing, such as providing evidence or raising an objection.

Name the Role

Assign a functional label to the referenced text, such as support, illustrate, contrast, or define.

Common Purpose Roles

Frequent roles used in LSAT passages like stating main claim, providing evidence, or acknowledging counterarguments.

Identifying Purpose Questions

Questions that ask what a specific statement or detail does in the passage’s argument.

Contrast Clues

Words that signal a contrast in ideas, such as 'however,' 'although,' or 'but'.

Concession

Acknowledging a potential objection or drawback before countering it.

Paragraph Function

The structural role of a paragraph in the progression of a passage's argument.

Common Paragraph Structures

Frequent organizational patterns like Introducing a topic, presenting a view, and offering evidence.

Labeling Function of a Paragraph

Summarizing the role of a paragraph using functional verbs like 'introduces' or 'argues'.

Typical Purpose Questions

Common patterns for purpose questions like 'The author mentions ___ in order to …'.

Meaning in Context

Understanding the meaning of a word or phrase based on its use in the passage.

Local Clues

Contextual hints surrounding a term that aid in understanding its meaning.

Ambiguous Words

Words that could have multiple meanings depending on context, such as 'model' or 'sanction'.

Evaluative Words

Terms like 'significant' or 'important' whose meaning depends on the criteria specified in the passage.

Exam Timing Strategies

Effective techniques for quickly determining the structure and function of passages.

Over-reading

To interpret an answer choice as having implications not stated in the sentence.

Indentifying Rival Views

Recognizing points in the passage where the author presents a competing perspective.

Drawing Implications

Understanding what conclusions follow if the author’s claims hold true.

Author's Argument

The primary stance the author takes, often contrasted with rival viewpoints.

Function of Critique

Presenting criticism of a view or argument that the author intends to counter.

Conclusion Drawers

Paragraphs that summarize main points or implications resulting from the discussion.

Supporting Evidence

Data or examples provided within a passage to back up a claim.

Identifying pivot language

Recognizing key terms that indicate a change in argument or perspective within a passage.

Practical Techniques

Methods like paraphrasing, visual mapping, or summary for analyzing paragraph functions.

Summarizing Passage Organization

Creating a brief overview of how the ideas in a passage are structured.

Understanding Objections

Acknowledging critiques the author addresses in their argument.

Author's Position

The specific standpoint or conclusion the author maintains on the topic discussed.