Forget the Question Stem: Why Reading the Passage First is the Strategy Preferred by the Best LSAT Tutors

When it comes to preparing for the LSAT, one common question that often arises is whether you should read the question stem first or start with the passage. This debate has persisted for years among LSAT students and instructors alike. However, understanding the benefits of reading the passage first can be the key to unlocking a higher score on the LSAT, especially in the Logical Reasoning section.

The Debate: Passage First or Question First?

Many in the LSAT prep industry advocate for reading the question stem first. The reasoning behind this approach is that by reading the question stem, you know what to focus on as you read the passage. While this might seem like a logical strategy, it's akin to putting the cart before the horse. By zeroing in on the question stem first, you might miss the nuances of the argument or the subtleties of the reasoning within the passage. You also sell yourself short—you are way better at understanding what you read and taking issue with what the argument assumes than you think you are!

Why Reading the Passage First Works Best

Acing the LSAT requires a deep, genuine understanding of the material. It’s not just about finding the right answer; it’s about comprehending why that answer is correct and why the others are not. This level of understanding starts with reading the passage first. Here's why this approach is more effective:

1. Understanding the Argument Structure: By reading the passage first, you gain a complete understanding of the argument's structure. You can identify the main conclusion, supporting premises, and any potential assumptions or flaws in the reasoning. This holistic view is crucial because it allows you to see the argument as a whole rather than just focusing on individual parts.

2. Identifying Flaws and Gaps: When you read the passage thoroughly, you become more adept at spotting flaws in the argument. Recognizing these gaps or weaknesses is vital because many LSAT questions hinge on your ability to identify logical inconsistencies or gaps in reasoning. If you read the question stem first, you might miss these crucial details.

3. Predicting the Answer: Once you fully understand the passage, including any flaws or logical gaps, predicting the correct answer becomes much easier. The right answer often feels intuitive because you already know what to look for. This strategy also prevents you from getting distracted by incorrect answer choices that might seem appealing at first glance.

4. Efficiency in Eliminating Wrong Answers: When you have a solid grasp of the passage, eliminating wrong answer choices becomes a breeze. You're not wasting valuable time debating between two options because you already know which one aligns with your understanding of the passage. The incorrect answers will stand out precisely because they don’t match what you've anticipated.

5. Creating a Clear Path to Success: Reading the passage first sets you up for success by building a strong foundation for answering the question. You’re not just relying on surface-level cues or keywords; you’re engaging deeply with the material, which leads to more accurate and confident answer selection.

The Halo Effect of Understanding

Imagine approaching an LSAT question with complete clarity. Because you've read the passage first and understood the argument inside out, the correct answer stands out as though it were surrounded by a halo. It's evident, standing out among the distractors that now appear obviously incorrect. This level of confidence and clarity is the goal, and it's achieved by ensuring you fully understand the passage before even glancing at the question.

Conclusion

While some may still argue for reading the question stem first, the benefits of reading the passage first are clear. By focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the passage, you set yourself up for success on the LSAT. You'll find the correct answer faster, eliminate wrong choices more easily, and approach each question with the confidence that comes from genuine understanding. So, next time you face a Logical Reasoning question, remember to put the horse before the cart and read the passage first. Your future self—on test day—will thank you.

-Micah

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