LSAT Discussion Forum

Complete Question Explanation

The correct answer choice is (C).

Answer choice (A):

Answer choice (B):

Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer choice.

Answer choice (D):

Answer choice (E):


This explanation is still in progress. Please post any questions below!

Hello,

With a number of these reading comprehension questions, I have come across instances where I identified (on my own for practice) the category to which certain questions belong. By this I mean Global Reference, Concept Reference, & Specific Reference. This question (#5 from the Art & Tech passage) says it's a Global Reference type. However, I understood this question to be a Conceptual Reference type as the viewpoint of the proponents of the usage of new technology in the arts is only found in the first paragraph.

Please provide clarification as to why this question should be designated a Global Reference type question.

Thx,

Jonathan Sloan

Hey Jonathan,

The biggest indicator that this is a global reference is the fact that the question asks "according to the passage" rather than according to specific lines within the text. New technology is referenced only in the first paragraph, however this is only a 2 paragraph passage, so another way of looking at it is that new technology is discussed in half the passage.

Thank you for the helpful explanation.

Good morning,

I went back and reviewed my RCB and its associated workbook as I’m attempting to find out how I can best recognize arguments in the VIEWSTAMP. I notice that in certain passages, the author’s viewpoint tends to be part of the argument (an argument defined as a strong position for or against a certain thing).

When diagramming reading passages I often don’t recognize that an argument is going on and instead just note down the viewpoint of the author (which ties into it). Any recommendations as to how I can improve here?

Thanks,

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,

It looks from your question/comment like you may be confusing viewpoints and arguments. While the two concepts are related, they are not identical. Viewpoints refer to the different individuals or groups of people with different perspectives on an issue. For example, in this passage you have three viewpoints: the proponents of technology in art, the opponents of technology in art, and the author's viewpoint. (While the author's viewpoint largely overlaps with the proponents' viewpoint in this passage, it's still worth identifying and tracking both.)

You wrote, "(an argument defined as a strong position for or against a certain thing)." That may be what most people think of an argument in everyday life, but that is not the definition of an argument on the LSAT and not the definition given in any of PowerScore's materials, including "The Reading Comprehension Bible."

If you check the glossary in the RCB, you will see that an argument is "a set of statements wherein one statement is claimed to follow from or be derived from the others. An argument requires a conclusion." This is further explained in the RCB under the "Passage Argumentation" section of the VIEWSTAMP chapter. This definition of argument is the also same for the Logical Reasoning section.

In general, an argument includes at least one conclusion and at least one reason supporting the conclusion (i.e. a premise). The way that you identify arguments in RC passages is the same as how you identify them in LR stimuli. A good place to start is to memorize the lists of premises and conclusion indicator words and actively look for them whenever you read RC passages and LR stimuli. They are definitely helpful, but they aren't always used, so you can't simply rely on them. The deeper level of understanding requires you to examine whether someone is trying to make a point (a conclusion) and using reasons or support for that point (premises).

Jeff,

Thanks. I now understand what I should be noting down in the argument section of VIEWSTAMP. For some reason I went off the rails and was treating it differently than the definition given in the LR and RC Bibles.

The argument may overlap with the viewpoint, but they are physically different in scope.

I appreciate the explanation.

Good afternoon,

I have taken four official Preptests (PT 64, 65, 70, & 73) so far and am only able to finish two passages within an entire passage set. That notwithstanding, my diagnostic test score was 141 (taken Nov 8th, 2023) and now it is averaging 152 (Please attached screenshots for more granular info). Obviously taking and reviewing of LR & RC practice drills and PrepTests has served me well, but I know that I can do even better.


I am struggling with the “Plus 2” timing method in Reading comprehension. Additionally, it is a struggle to finish a single passage in 8:45 seconds (19 minutes is more like it…with some passages taking only 12 minutes, etc).


Today, I attempted three passages (respectively from Drills: Reg V1, Hard science V1, & Humanities V2) in a row using the “Plus 2” timing method as discussed in Chapter 10 of the RCB; however, using this approach I barely had sufficient time to answer one question let alone two questions (guessed all of the others).


- [ ] Up to this point I have treated most practice sessions (including workbook and T&A pack online) for LR and RC as a non-timed exercise. Should I start timing everything that I do and if I don’t finish within a specific timeframe (i.e., 8:40 min) note that and then finish the problem entirely?
- [ ] I asking if doing the problem diagnostics (RCB, Chapter 10) tests would help pinpoint where my issue lies (i.e., over diagramming, not paraphrasing, not reading efficiently, etc.) Should I go ahead and do these?

I started studying with the Powerscore Bibles back in Oct of 2023, but didn’t obtain access to the T&A pack until February of 2024 because I waited for the no-logic games practice tests to become available. The plan is to take the official LSAT administration no later than April of 2025. My goal score is 158 for entry into SouthWestern Law School’s online JD program.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Hey there,

I recommend listening to the Powerscore podcast RC test episode linked here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGcmQQpUjqA). Taking this self assessment should help you pinpoint exactly what your weaknesses are on RC beyond just 'timing.' The podcast has a comprehension test, diagramming test, speed test, etc., to better define exactly what your issues are with RC and how to improve those areas.

Beyond that, to improve general timing I would recommend that your practice problem sets are timed and that you read difficult and dense passages on your own time to get more comfortable reading this type of material. You can read NY Times articles, academic articles, Wall Street Journal, or old RC passages for this.

Hope that helps!

Thank you Dana! Much appreciated