LSAT Reading Comprehension: Finding What the Passage Is Doing and Why

Main Point

The single best high-level statement of what the author most wants you to take away after reading a passage.

Main Idea

Another name for the main point, summarizing the overall message of the passage.

Central Claim

The author's primary assertion or argument within the passage.

Mission of the Passage

The author's goal, whether to prove, explain, compare, or critique something.

Author’s Voice

The perspective or stance the author takes compared to other views presented.

Emphasis and Resolution

Key points in a passage that indicate the main claim often following contrast or concession.

Compress Without Amputating

Restating the main point while retaining key qualifiers like 'some' or 'primarily'.

Common Confusions

Mistakes students make by confusing the main point with topic, details, or author’s motivation.

Thesis + Support Template

A passage structure where the author asserts a claim and defends it with reasoning.

Problem → Proposed Solution Template

A passage structure where the author describes an issue and offers a recommendation.

Old View Criticized → New View Offered

A structure that attacks a prevailing explanation and advances a new alternative.

Phenomenon Explained Template

A passage structure focused on explaining why something occurs.

Two Theories Compared Template

A structure that contrasts approaches and evaluates their merits.

Purpose of Passage

What the author is trying to achieve by writing the passage, such as arguing or explaining.

Purpose Cues

Common phrases indicating the intended function of the passage, like 'to argue' or 'to explain'.

Common Purpose Categories

Recurring types of authorial intent, such as to argue, criticize, or propose.

Structure and Organization

How a passage is constructed, revealing how parts support the overall purpose and main point.

Role of a Paragraph

The function that each paragraph serves within the context of the passage.

Mapping a Passage

Assigning each paragraph a short 'job label' to understand its function.

Concession Structure

A common pattern where the author acknowledges a point but limits its significance before making a claim.

Sequential Logic

Understanding that just because one point comes last doesn't mean it's the main claim.

Transitions

Words that indicate shifts in argument, such as 'however' or 'for example', showing contrast or support.

Memory Aid for Purpose

Using the stem 'The author wrote this passage in order to…' to guide interpretations.

Exam Focus for Main Point

Common question patterns that specifically ask for the central idea of the passage.

Common Mistakes in Structure

Errors such as confusing a paragraph's content with its function within the passage.

Practical Analogy for Structure

Viewing the passage's structure like a court brief that lays out arguments and evidence.

Overall Goal of Understanding Structure

To read more analytically, tracking claims, evidence, and the author's reasoning effectively.

Defining the Author's Purpose

Identifying the function behind the claims made and understanding the passage's intent.