Reading comprehension question types - Comparative reading: ...

Learning Outcomes

This article explains the core comparative reading question types in LSAT Reading Comprehension, with emphasis on identifying the relationship between passages. You will learn how to spot shared and differing viewpoints, recognize agreement/disagreement, evaluate tone and structure, and effectively answer selection questions that refer to both passages. These skills are essential for maximizing accuracy on comparative reading questions in the LSAT exam.

LSAT Syllabus

For the LSAT, you are required to understand comparative reading passages and answer questions about the relationships between them. In your preparation, focus specifically on:

• how to determine the main relationship types between two passages, including agreement, disagreement, or contrast
• identifying the points of view and supporting evidence for each passage
• spotting where the two passages overlap or diverge on key issues
• analyzing tone and reasoning structure across comparative texts
• selecting answer choices that accurately reflect how one author would respond to the other

Comparative reading questions are a regular feature of the Reading Comprehension section, so thorough revision is advised.

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. When two LSAT passages are paired, what does a "relationship between passages" question often test?
   1. Main idea of Passage A only
   2. Exact line reference in Passage B
   3. How the passages agree, disagree, or differ on an issue
   4. The definitions of vocabulary words in both passages
2. Which of the following would most likely signal agreement between the passages?
   1. Both authors use opposite tones
   2. Both passages reach similar conclusions despite different examples
   3. The passages use completely unrelated subject matter
   4. One passage criticizes the evidence in the other passage

3. True or false: A comparative reading relationship question will always ask about a direct contradiction between the passages.

4. If a question stem asks "With which statement would both authors most likely agree?", what is the key skill you must apply?

Introduction

Comparative reading passages in the LSAT consist of two shorter texts linked by a common topic. Exam questions often ask how the passages relate to each other. Understanding the types of relationships, as well as the language used to signal agreement, disagreement, or subtle difference, is fundamental for success in this part of the Reading Comprehension section.

Key Term: comparative reading
Two short passages presented together in an LSAT Reading Comprehension set, which share a common topic. Relationship questions test your ability to analyze similarities and differences.

Relationship Question Types

LSAT comparative questions about relationships between passages take several forms, including:

• Seeking direct agreement or disagreement on an issue
• Identifying where the passages support similar or opposing arguments
• Evaluating difference in tone, approach, or emphasis
• Inferring how one author would likely respond to part of the other passage
• Pinpointing which evidence or reasoning is accepted, rejected, or interpreted differently

Relationship questions test your analytical skills across both passages, not just comprehension of one.

Key Term: relationship between passages
The logical or argumentative connection between two comparative passages, including agreement, contrast, or conflict over conclusions or evidence.

Identifying Agreement or Disagreement

Some relationship questions directly ask what both passages agree or disagree about. These may be phrased as:

• "Both authors would most likely agree that..."
• "Which of the following points is at issue between the two authors?"
• "The passages are most strongly supported as disagreeing over which one of the following?"

To answer, you must analyze not only the main points but the supporting premises and reasoning in both texts.

Worked Example 1.1

Both passages discuss the causes of a scientific phenomenon. Passage A claims "X results from Y," while Passage B says, "Although X can result from Y, it is more often due to Z."
Question: Is this agreement, disagreement, or subtle difference?

Answer:
The passages partly agree (that Y can cause X), but Passage B qualifies and extends the explanation, so they differ in emphasis and primary cause. This is an example of subtle contrast, not outright disagreement.

Tone, Structure, and Method

Some LSAT questions on relationships focus on how the passages compare in style, tone, or reasoning. Common stems may include:

• "Both passages approach the subject by..."
• "Passage A differs from Passage B in that..."
• "Compared to Passage B, the tone of Passage A is..."

To succeed, look for differences in attitude words, strength of language, and argumentative method. Use linguistic cues: "however," "although," "similarly," "in contrast."

Key Term: tone
The author's attitude, mood, or feeling toward the topic, often indicated by positive, negative, neutral, or skeptical language.

Worked Example 1.2

Passage A: "It is unfortunate that few studies..."
Passage B: "Some recent research is promising..."
Question: Which passage expresses a more optimistic tone?

Answer:
Passage B is more optimistic, as shown by "promising." Passage A is more skeptical or negative, shown by "unfortunate."

Support and Evidence

Relationship questions often ask about the use or interpretation of specific evidence across both passages:

• "Both authors mention evidence of X. How do they interpret it?"
• "Which statement best describes how Passage B uses the evidence discussed in Passage A?"

Focus on whether the passages use the evidence to support similar conclusions or as grounds for different claims.

Key Term: evidence
Facts, examples, or reasoning used to support a claim or conclusion in an argument or analysis.

Strategies for Answering Comparative Relationship Questions

• Always summarize the main point and reasoning of each passage first.
• Identify explicit statements of agreement, disagreement, or emphasis.
• Mark contrast words and attitude shifts in both passages.
• Avoid assuming disagreement if one passage simply adds detail or slight qualification.
• Watch for questions targeting only one passage's view about the other.

Revision Tip

For comparative relationship questions, write a one-sentence summary of each passage’s main point and underline the strongest agreement or disagreement before reviewing answer choices.

Common Wrong Answers

• Statements outside the scope of one or both passages
• Conclusions that exaggerate minor differences into major disagreement
• Attributing strong agreement when only weak similarity is present
• Overlooking tone or attitude shifts

Summary

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Comparative reading passage questions test your ability to analyze relationships between two texts
• Relationship questions often focus on agreement, disagreement, contrast in reasoning, or tone
• Identifying shared or different attitudes, methods, and use of evidence is essential
• Summarizing each passage’s main claim helps match answer choices to actual relationships
• Avoid assuming outright opposition without clear contradiction; some differences are subtle

Key Terms and Concepts

• comparative reading
• relationship between passages
• tone
• evidence