Reading comprehension strategies and techniques - Specific s...

Learning Outcomes

After reviewing this article, you will be able to apply advanced reading comprehension strategies to LSAT comparative reading passages. You will understand how to read for main ideas, structure, and argument relationships, identify key similarities and differences between passages, and answer LSAT question types efficiently. You will also gain skill in predicting correct responses and eliminating common wrong answer types unique to comparative sets.

LSAT Syllabus

For the LSAT Reading Comprehension section, this article covers the techniques you need to compare and analyse paired passages. To revise effectively, focus on the following LSAT syllabus points:

• recognising how and why passages are paired for comparison
• identifying similarities and distinctions in main ideas, structure, purpose, and tone
• approaching comparative question types (e.g., agreement, disagreement, analogy, attitude, inference)
• using annotation and active reading to track arguments and compare viewpoints
• eliminating distractors unique to comparative answer sets

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 comparing two passages, which technique is most effective for tracking the author's main point and attitude in each?
   1. Reading only the first passage carefully
   2. Making written notes for both passages' main arguments and tone
   3. Answering questions before reading both passages
   4. Only looking for technical terms
2. Comparative reading questions may ask you to do which of the following?
   1. Find differences in reasoning approaches between passages
   2. Identify areas where the authors would probably agree
   3. Draw an inference supported by both passages
   4. All of the above

3. True or False: The comparative passages will always have the same structure and purpose.

4. What is a recommended strategy when a question refers to how the author of Passage A would likely respond to a claim in Passage B?

Introduction

When answering LSAT comparative reading comprehension questions, you must evaluate and connect two related but separate passages. This type of passage requires active comparison: you are not only reading for the main idea and structure of each piece, but also for how the passages relate to one another. Strategies for comparative passages build upon standard reading comprehension skills but add unique techniques for alignment, contrast, and efficient answering of dual-passage questions.

Key Term: comparative reading passage
Two short passages presented together to compare, contrast, or relate viewpoints, reasoning, or arguments, followed by questions testing synthesis, inference, or analysis.

Comparing and Understanding Each Passage

In comparative reading, start by reading each passage for the main point, argument structure, and author's attitude. Make brief written notes after each passage. Focus on:

• The central claim or thesis of Passage A and Passage B
• The role or purpose (e.g., to advocate, evaluate, inform)
• Tone, attitude, or degree of certainty

Key Term: main point
The core idea or largest claim the author is attempting to communicate.

Key Term: structure
The way an argument or passage is organized, including how ideas are introduced, developed, and connected.

Key Term: attitude
The author's opinion about people, ideas, or arguments in the passage, frequently revealed by choice of language.

Annotation and Note-Taking

Write concise notes—just a word or two for each main claim. Mark any strong or opinion-laden language, and indicate any explicit contrast or agreement with the other passage if stated.

Highlight or underline words signalling agreement, contrast, or change in direction, such as 'however,' 'in contrast,' 'similarly,' 'furthermore.'

Worked Example 1.1

Suppose Passage A argues that "mandatory voting increases civic participation," while Passage B explores "potential drawbacks such as loss of voter autonomy." How should you annotate?

Answer:
Note Passage A advocates for mandatory voting—positive, and Passage B is more critical, focusing on autonomy—neutral to negative. Mark "increases participation" and "loss of autonomy" as the primary points for each.

Comparing the Passages: Similarities, Differences, and Relationships

Comparative passages are grouped for a reason: they present related opinions, facts, or arguments for you to join, contrast, or integrate.

• After reading both, determine:
  • How similar are the positions or reasoning methods?
  • Where do the authors agree, disagree, or take different approaches?
  • What elements of each are central for comparison (e.g., methods, examples, definitions)

Key Term: agreement
A point where both authors express similar views, reasoning, or conclusions.

Key Term: disagreement
A point of clear, explicit, or implied conflict between the authors on a claim or argument.

Key Term: analogy
A comparison of two situations, principles, or arguments, drawn to highlight a shared logic or feature.

Making a Comparative Table

Organize the main points and attitudes for easy reference, especially useful for questions that ask for cross-passage comparative understanding.

Worked Example 1.2

Question: "The two passages are most similar in which one of the following respects?"

• a) Both defend a government policy
• b) Both provide empirical data
• c) Both cite historical precedents
• d) Both raise concerns about citizens' freedom

Answer:
(d) Both mention or address citizens' freedom, though from opposing viewpoints—author A as an outcome, author B as a risk.

Tackling Comparative Question Types

Comparative passage questions fall into several typical types on the LSAT:

• Identify agreement or disagreement between the authors
• Infer what one author would likely say about a statement in the other passage
• Compare approaches, reasoning, or methods used
• Find analogy (either within or between passages)
• Determine the main point, role, or function of specific statements

Reading and Answering Agreement/Disagreement

For questions about agreement or disagreement, verify whether both authors have a clear, expressible stance on the issue described. If only one author addresses the statement, that is not true agreement or disagreement.

Exam Warning

Many answer choices try to trick you into inferring an attitude or position the author never takes. You must identify where each author actually states an opinion or judgment; otherwise, eliminate the choice.

Main Point and Analogy Questions

Some questions require you to compare or analogize forms of reasoning. Focus not on the subject matter but the logical structure of the argument:

• Does each author use the same type of evidence (data, authority, principle)?
• Are similar methods (e.g., analogy, causal reasoning, evaluation) at play?
• Can you restate both approaches in simpler, parallel terms?

Worked Example 1.3

Question: "Which statement best reflects how the authors' attitudes toward technology would differ?"

Answer:
Go back to your notes on each author's tone regarding technology. If A is optimistic and B is skeptical, the correct answer must capture this contrast—e.g., 'A is more positive about technology's societal role than B.'

Active Comparison Strategies for Efficient Answering

Once both passages are understood:

• When answering comparison questions, refer to your table or notes for explicit evidence
• Use cross-out on any answer choices addressing only one passage or introducing information neither author mentions
• In agreement/disagreement questions: look for direct statements; if an author does not address the issue, rule out the answer
• For analogy: break down both sides' reasoning, restate generalized forms, and choose the structurally similar answer

Revision Tip

After reading both passages, pause to predict likely areas of agreement, contrast, and the overall relationship before looking at questions. This primes you to spot traps in answer choices.

Avoiding Common Comparative Passage Pitfalls

• Do not infer a relationship/attitude that is not in the text—stick to explicit evidence
• Watch for answer choices that mix elements from unrelated areas or jump across topics
• Avoid extreme language in answers unless both passages clearly support such certainty

Exam Warning — Pitfalls

Some distractors use correct details from one passage or misattribute positions. Always check that your answer fits both passages and the question's scope.

Summary

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Comparative reading requires capturing each passage's main claim, structure, and tone
• Always summarize similarities, differences, and relationships after reading both passages
• Annotate views, key terms, attitude, and arguments for reference during questions
• When answering, align answer choices to explicit text evidence from both passages
• Watch for distractors misattributing or extending arguments not in both passages
• Apply structure and analogy questions by reducing reasoning forms to generic patterns

Key Terms and Concepts

• comparative reading passage
• main point
• structure
• attitude
• agreement
• disagreement
• analogy