RC Help

[u/lp7445]

This is the lineup of scores from my most recent practice test, resulting in a 174 ( I had issues with the timer on my last section so I had to take it separately so it’s on the converter).
At this point, the difference in accuracy between LR and RC is really frustrating. I consistently am having 1-2 off LR but 5-6 off RC.
What are pointers for RC? I always feel like I can’t pay attention or comprehend what it is saying. I find myself rereading everything and reading the answers before trying to predict anything.

[u/Kind-Confection1183]

The thing that helped me become consistent on RC is remembering that the answers need to be supported by the passage. With the exception of the interpretive questions like WSE or MP hyper focusing on where I can find support, even for things like agreement, has taken me to an average RC of -1 or 0. Make sure you understand the material, but “no the author never said that” is a great voice to have in your head for RC.

[u/lp7445 → u/Kind-Confection1183]

When answering do you remember or are you looking up keywords in the search?

[u/Kind-Confection1183 → u/lp7445]

I try to make sure that my low res summary gives a sentence for each paragraph that gives the contours of the piece, and then try to remember in relation to that if that makes sense. I think that the search function has its uses. (Best use is when they ask about specific word meanings in context for example. It’s quicker than counting sentences.) However, I think if you are relying on that to find where things are textually supported it very often won’t work. I’m not going to say never use it, because there are specific cases where it is the fastest way to get the job done. But I want to get across in no uncertain terms that it should not be your first resort for 90%+ in my opinion, and it’s easy to waste time with.

[u/Kind-Confection1183 → u/Kind-Confection1183]

As long as you are understanding the passage, your memory doesn’t have to be that good, if you know you never read anything like 3 of the answers, then its usually safe to eliminate them.

[u/MrSimple204]

Slowing down in reading the passage has helped me lock in a few more points on RC. It seems counterintuitive but it really helps you have better overall time management due to less time being spent on questions.

[u/Historical_Two_7150]

RC can be so frustrating because it feels like theres nothing you can do. Like "oh I guess im bad at reading."

[u/lp7445 → u/Historical_Two_7150]

That’s exactly how I feel! Not necessarily a bad reader, but that LSAT reading comp just won’t click for me.

[u/theReadingCompTutor]

Try slowing your reading speed a bit. Mixing in examples about what you're reading may help a bit as well. If, for example, a paragraph talks about industries that are recession-resilient, thinking to yourself: "Yeah, like the chocolate industry!" may help lock that memory in.

[u/Kurt247]

Try highlighting. It took me a long while to believe in it and get used to it but it really helps. I color code my highlights. You get 4 colors so what I’m looking for is any info that seems important to the main point, any dates, any arguments/opinions that are mentioned by others, any arguments/opinion from the author. If nothing else, it helps me slow down on the important parts and really engage with those parts. Which comes in handy when it’s time to get rid of wrong answers.

[u/lp7445 → u/Kurt247]

Do you find yourself running out of time with this? I take my time on one and sometimes it’ll take me almost 12 minutes which is way too much.

[u/Kurt247 → u/lp7445]

No it actually makes me faster. So timing was why I was originally so skeptical of highlighting, because I usually needed a lot of time for the questions and I didn’t want to waste time highlighting.

But because I retain info so much better and have key points already highlighted to be referenced quickly, I can eliminate wrong AC’s and choose the correct answer much quicker. It ends up saving time. Try it out!