Learning Outcomes
By the end of this article you will understand how to analyse LSAT errors, create targeted drills to systematically address weaknesses, and develop a self-improving study plan. You will know how to keep an effective error log, design purposeful exercises, and transform mistakes into long-term strengths—essential skills to improve LR and RC performance efficiently.
LSAT Syllabus
For LSAT, you are required to understand not only core reasoning concepts but also how to learn constructively from your own performance mistakes. Revision using error logs and targeted drills is a powerful tool for improvement.
Focus your preparation on the following areas:
- techniques for error analysis and identifying specific reasoning flaws
- constructing and maintaining a systematic error log
- designing and performing targeted drills for specific weaknesses
- using feedback loops for ongoing improvement
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.
- What is an error log, and how can it improve your LSAT preparation?
- Why is simply reviewing explanations insufficient for consistent score improvement?
- How does a targeted drill differ from general practice?
- Which of the following best describes the purpose of recording the 'cause of error' after each missed question?
Introduction
Precision in LSAT preparation means not just practicing questions but learning deliberately from every mistake. An error-log methodology is a proven approach among top scorers to move beyond passive review and actively build reasoning strength. This article guides you in identifying your consistent error patterns, designing focused drills, and establishing a routine of reflective practice that produces measurable progress.
Why Tracking Your Mistakes Matters
Many LSAT candidates do not analyze their incorrect answers in depth. Simply reading the explanation and moving on leaves knowledge gaps untouched. If you want meaningful score increases, you must identify why you made an error and rehearse solutions for that exact weakness.
Key Term: error log
A structured, ongoing record of your mistakes, including question type, error cause, and corrective action, used systematically to improve LSAT performance.
Common Reasons for LSAT Errors
Errors are not random. They typically occur for consistent, repeatable reasons, such as misreading answer choices, misunderstanding argument structure, or failing to spot a classic flaw.
Key Term: targeted drill
A concise, purposeful set of practice questions focusing exclusively on a specific reasoning weakness identified in your error log.Key Term: cause of error
The fundamental reason for missing an LSAT item (such as logic confusion, reading error, misapplied strategy, or careless mistake) as distinguished from the superficial wrong answer.
Worked Example 1.1
Suppose you repeatedly miss assumption questions because you confuse necessary and sufficient conditions. How would you use an error log to design a targeted drill?
Answer:
Each time you get a necessary/sufficient assumption question wrong, you write it in your error log, noting the precise logic error. After spotting a trend, you collect 8–10 such questions and drill only those, then immediately review strategy and explanations for that specific logic type.
Building an Effective Error Log
A simple notebook is better than nothing, but for best results, record:
- Section/question number
- Question type or concept (e.g., "necessary assumption")
- Your wrong answer and reasoning
- The correct answer
- The cause of error (logic confusion? misreading? overthinking?)
- Corrective action or note (e.g., "re-read indicators", "apply negation test")
Worked Example 1.2
After missing several flaw questions due to overlooking causal fallacies, your error log grows. What should you do next?
Answer:
Once you see that "causal fallacy" appears as a frequent error cause, make a drill set of ten flaw questions known to hinge on causal reasoning. After each attempt, actively write in your log why (or why not) the argument commits a causal error. Repeat biweekly until accuracy reaches at least 80%.
Principles for Writing an Error Log Entry
- Be honest—record every error, even if it feels minor.
- Focus on root causes, not superficial mistakes.
- Review your log weekly for patterns.
Worked Example 1.3
Suppose your log shows missed main point inferences often happen not from logic gaps, but because you misread keywords. What drill should you design?
Answer:
Make a short, focused drill with main point questions only, explicitly underlining indicator words as you read. After each, revisit and annotate why your first choice matched or did not match the main claim. This addresses the specific reading issue, not just logic.
Using the Error Log in Your Revision Cycle
Schedule regular review sessions to extract patterns from your log. If you find the same cause more than twice, design a new drill. Once you achieve consistent success, archive the drill but revisit occasionally to ensure you retain the improvement.
Exam Warning
Do not record only the superficial answer in your error log (“picked B, should be D”). Without identifying the logic or reading problem, you will repeat mistakes and limit improvement.
Revision Tip
At the end of each week, review your top three most frequent error causes. Design mini-drills for these areas and schedule specific times to attempt and log your performance.
Summary
Table 1.1: Summary—Error Log Process and Targeted Drills
| Step | What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Identify error | Log question, answer, cause | Reveals patterns, not just scores |
| Categorize root cause | E.g., logic, reading, strategy | Shows “why” not just “what” was wrong |
| Design targeted drill | Practice only that skill/concept | Builds deep, corrective proficiency |
| Repeat and review | Schedule drill until error drops | Ensures lasting improvement |
| Periodic audit | Revisit old errors occasionally | Prevents regression of fixed weaknesses |
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Error logs convert mistakes into a systematic improvement plan.
- Each error entry must state the question, your reasoning, the error cause, and a correction plan.
- Targeted drills focus on one type of reasoning error to build accuracy efficiently.
- Regular error analysis enables ongoing, measurable growth.
- Reviewing logs weekly is essential for identifying persistent weaknesses.
Key Terms and Concepts
- error log
- targeted drill
- cause of error