Digital LSAT interface - Highlighting and strikethrough tool...

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this article, you will be able to efficiently use the Digital LSAT’s highlighting and strikethrough tools to support your multiple-choice answering strategy. You will be able to apply process of elimination directly on-screen, annotate Reading Comprehension passages precisely, and avoid common errors in digital mark-up under time pressure. This will help you select correct answers, track logic, and work quickly.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand how to use the digital testing environment to your advantage. Effective use of on-screen tools is essential for both Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. In your exam preparation, pay particular attention to:

• the function of the on-screen highlighting tool for Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning
• how to use the strikethrough tool to eliminate answer choices and apply process of elimination (POE)
• efficient digital annotation and mark-up for main point identification and argument structure
• exam-day best practices for on-screen marking, including minimizing errors and distractions

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What is the main purpose of the strikethrough tool in the Digital LSAT?
   1. To mark supporting evidence in the passage
   2. To indicate unanswered questions
   3. To visually eliminate answer choices during POE
   4. To highlight conclusions
2. Which features does the highlighting tool provide?
   1. Striking out entire answer choices
   2. Marking sentences or phrases in passages
   3. Noting unsupported logical claims
   4. Changing font size

3. True or false? You can use both highlighting and strikethrough simultaneously on the same answer.

4. Name one common error students make when using the highlighting tool during timed LSAT sections.

Introduction

The Digital LSAT is administered on a tablet interface that includes several key on-screen mark-up tools. Two primary features are the highlighter for annotating passages and the strikethrough tool for visually eliminating wrong multiple-choice answers. Gaining proficiency with these tools is essential for POE, annotation, and managing your attention during the exam.

Key Term: highlighting tool
A digital feature that lets you mark sentences or phrases in Reading Comprehension or Logical Reasoning passages to track main ideas, logic, and arguments.

Key Term: strikethrough tool
A digital function that allows you to mark answer choices with a line, visually eliminating them as you apply process of elimination (POE).

HIGHLIGHTING TOOL: HOW TO USE EFFECTIVELY

All Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning passages can be annotated using the digital highlighter. On the tablet, you tap and drag to select the text, then tap the highlight icon.

When To Highlight

• Main points, argument conclusions, and key evidence
• Logical indicators (e.g., "however", "because", "consequently")
• Author’s opinion or attitude words

What Not To Highlight

• Large blocks of unselective text—avoid turning the passage into a wall of color
• Minor details not relevant for main idea or question answering
• Distracting your focus by using inconsistent color schemes (if multiple colors available)

Worked Example 1.1

In a Reading Comprehension passage, you read: "Therefore, many researchers argue that a four-day workweek would increase productivity. However, several prominent economists disagree, suggesting negative impacts on morale."

Question: Which words should you highlight on first read?

Answer:
Highlight "Therefore," "researchers argue that a four-day workweek would increase productivity," and "However," "prominent economists disagree," "negative impacts on morale." This captures both the conclusion and the contrast/main counter-argument.

Revision Tip

For Reading Comprehension, make no more than 15–20 highlights per passage; otherwise your annotation may reduce your speed and obscure essential information.

HIGHLIGHTING IN LOGICAL REASONING

In LR, the highlighter is used to flag premises and conclusions. It helps you spot the core structure quickly when reviewing questions.

• Use the highlighter for: argument conclusions, logical indicators ("since", "thus", "because"), and words that signal a shift in reasoning.

STRIKETHROUGH TOOL: PROCESS OF ELIMINATION ON SCREEN

The strikethrough is designed to help you apply process of elimination (POE) efficiently. To use, tap and hold on an answer choice, then select strikethrough; the answer text will appear dimmed or lined out.

Benefits

• Visually reduces clutter—leaves only contenders unmarked
• Prevents accidental selection of an eliminated answer
• Helps manage time by not rereading answers you’ve already ruled out

Worked Example 1.2

Logical Reasoning Question Stem: "Which of the following, if true, most undermines the argument?"

A) The number of workers increased
B) Recent studies support the policy
C) The predicted savings did not occur
D) The new technology improved morale
E) The tax increase was temporary

You believe (A) and (D) do not address the argument, and (B) strengthens it.

Question: What should you do with the strikethrough tool?

Answer:
Strike through (A), (B), and (D) digitally. Only (C) and (E) remain active for POE and further analysis.

Limitations and Best Practice

• Only helps if you mark off clearly wrong answers; do not use on all five answers unless warranted
• If you mis-strike an answer, you can usually tap again to remove the line (practice this to avoid errors on test day)

Exam Warning

Be careful not to strikethrough the correct answer by mistake. If you change your mind, always double-check which answers remain by reviewing onscreen markings before final selection.

COMMON ERRORS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Overusing Highlight

Highlighting entire paragraphs or all sentences slows you down and obscures key ideas. Aim to only mark the essential phrases required to answer likely exam questions.

Inconsistent Use

Using highlighting and strikethrough inconsistently (for instance, sometimes selecting all, sometimes using none) makes it harder to keep track of your process and may result in forgetting which options have been eliminated.

Not Clearing Mark-Up

If you highlight or strike through incorrectly, you can usually undo the marking. Double-tap or use the "undo" feature before leaving the question.

Practising Mark-Up

Familiarize yourself with the interface's tools before exam day. Official LSAT practice software includes a simulation of the digital highlighter and strikethrough tools. Practice using these before your test date to avoid mistakes under time pressure.

STRATEGY FOR DIGITAL MARK-UP ON EXAM DAY

• Use highlighting for main points, conclusions, and contrast/opinion words only.
• Use strikethrough as soon as you know an answer is incorrect in POE.
• Leave only one or two answers unmarked for focused review.
• Double-check all markings before final answer submission.
• If confused, clear all marks and start POE over for that question.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• The highlighting tool marks specific text in Reading Comprehension and LR; it is best used for main point, conclusion, and transition phrases.
• The strikethrough tool visually eliminates multiple-choice answers during POE, helping track live answer choices.
• Over-marking or inconsistent use of these tools can reduce efficiency and increase mistakes under timed conditions.
• Practising with digital mark-up tools before the exam is necessary for best exam-day performance.

Key Terms and Concepts

• highlighting tool
• strikethrough tool