This post is taken from a recent discussion with one of our students…
If you’re having trouble with the LSAT logic games, this method of studying often helps students break through into higher scores. The reason the repetition is effective is that there are only so many LSAT game constructions and this helps you become an expert at them. As you move on to other practice tests, and the real thing, the characters and story may change but the structure of the game will be very close to something you’ve done a dozen times and scored perfect on. Give it a shot and you might see a jump in your score on the games section.
For the games, try doing the same section over and over. It sounds strange but it works. You do the section in 35 minutes, score it. Review it. Really review it. Figure out exactly how to do the best diagram for the rules and game set up. Then make sure you know exactly why each answer is wrong and each right one is right. Also make sure you know how to answer each question. You should get to the point that when you see a “must be true” question with “additional information”, you know that you are going to plug the extra info into your diagram, apply all your rules, fill out the diagram as much as possible, then move on to the answer choices, for each answer choice plug them in somewhere other than where they say to go e.g. (A) Bob is 3rd. plug Bob in somewhere other than 3rd. If Bob only goes 3rd then the answer is correct, if Bob goes somewhere else and you can fill the diagram without violating any rules then you can cross this one off as wrong. You should be clear on this process (from the course) for each of the following:
– Must be true
– Must be false
– Could be True
– Could be false
– Cannot be True (same as must be false)
– Cannot be False (same as must be true)
– complete and accurate list questions
– additional information
– max/min questions
There are really two big hold ups on the games side that often hold students back.
- Not being able to diagram properly, and
- Not being clear on what the question is asking and how to get the right answer
Both these skills need to be so practiced to the point that you know exactly what to do immediately upon looking at the game setup or question. It will still take some time to go through the steps but at least you know you’re working towards the answer instead of wondering where to start.
The techniques mentioned here are all taught in Alpha-Score’s online LSAT prep course.
