LSAT: Law School Admission Test PDF
Preview LSAT: Law School Admission Test
7-4084-LSAT-Fbs:7-7711/HTP/GED/CD/Fbs 5/1/09 3:26 PM Page 1 BARRON’S B BARRON’S A R B o R b ro O w The Leader in Test Preparation The Leader in Test Preparation N ’ S LSAT LSAT L ® ® S A T INCLUDES TWO REAL LSAT TESTS MOST UP-TO-DATE REVIEW MOST UP-TO-DATE REVIEW ® AND PRACTICE TESTS AND PRACTICE TESTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE 13TH EDITION 13TH EDITION (cid:2) (cid:2) JerryBobrow,Ph.D. Five full-length model exams include two Detailed chart helps you assess your chances recently given actual LSATs and three of admission to law school RevisedbyBernardV.Zandy,M.S. additional full-length practice tests (cid:2) An overview of all ABA-approved law schools (cid:2) (cid:2) Study tips and test-taking advice cover all three Two actual Law School Admission Tests LSAT question types: Logical Reasoning, with all questions answered and explained (cid:2) Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Three more full-length practice LSATs that Comprehension, plus special advice on reflect actual test in length, structure, attacking the LSAT Writing Sample question types, and degree of difficulty (cid:2) All questions answered and explained ISBN-13: 978-0-7641-4084-6 E (cid:2) ISBN-10: 0-7641-4084-1 D1 A diagnostic exam to help you assess your I3 EAN TIT strengths and weaknesses OH N $19.99 Canada$23.99 ®LSATisaregisteredtrademarkofLawSchoolAdmissionCouncil,Inc., www.barronseduc.com whichdoesnotendorsethisproduct. 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page vi 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page i BARRON’S LSAT ® 13TH EDITION JERRY BOBROW, PH.D. Founder, Bobrow Test Preparation Services Programs at major universities, colleges, and law schools throughout California Author of over 30 nationally known test preparation books Bobrow Test Preparation Services instructs more than 2,000 LSAT test takers each year Revised by Bernard V. Zandy, M.S. Contributing Authors and Consultants William A. Covino, Ph.D. David A. Kay, M.S. Bernard V. Zandy, M.S. Provost Former Chairman, Professor Emeritus, California State University Math Department Math Department Stanislaus, California Moorpark College, California Fullerton College, California Brian N. Siegel, J.D. Daniel C. Spencer, M.S. Allan Casson, Ph.D. Bar Review Specialist Management Services Officer Former Chairman, Department Author/Legal Study Aids University of California at of English Los Angeles (UCLA) University of Southern California Merritt L. Weisinger, J.D. (USC) Attorney at Law, Lecturer Keith R. Strange, M.P.A. Weisinger and Associates Educational Administrator Jean Eggenschwiler, M.A. Junipero Serra H.S., California Writer, Author, Editor Robert DiPietro, M.A. Educational Administrator Pitt Gilmore, B.A. Los Angeles Unified School Writer and Editor District University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) ® LSAT is a registered trademark of Law School Admission Council, Inc., which does not endorse this product. 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page ii Dedicated to the memory of Jerry Bobrow In Memory of Dean Seymour Greitzer May 21, 1924–March 3, 2000 Founder and Dean Glendale University College of Law Glendale, California Dean Greitzer was devoted to his family and to his community. As one who touched many lives, he was a great humanitarian and a good friend. About the Authors Jerry Bobrow, Ph.D., is the author of Barron’s LSATand many other national best-selling preparation books. The founder of Bobrow Test Preparation Services, Dr. Bobrow taught and directed programs for most of the California State Universities for more than 30 years. Bernard V. Zandyhas been an instructor and lecturer conducting workshops on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for Bobrow Test Preparation Services for more than 30 years. He is the author of numerous test preparation books and has been a contributing author to Barron’s LSATsince its inception. ©Copyright 2009 by Jerry Bobrow, Ph.D. Previous editions © copyright 2007 by Jerry Bobrow, Ph.D., and 2005, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1991, 1989, 1987, 1985, 1982, 1979 by Jerry Bobrow, Ph.D., under the title How to Prepare for the LSAT. Model Test One: PrepTest 12, © Law School Admission Council, Inc. Model Test Two: PrepTest 14, © Law School Admission Council, Inc. All actual LSAT questions printed within this work are used with the permission of Law School Admission Council, Inc., Box 2000, Newton, PA 18940, the copyright owner. LSAC does not review or endorse specific test preparation materials or services, and inclusion of licensed LSAT questions within this work does not imply the review or endorsement of LSAC. LSAT is a registered trademark of LSAC. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photo- stat, microfilm, xerography, or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner. All inquiries should be addressed to: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. 250 Wireless Boulevard Hauppauge, New York 11788 http://www.barronseduc.com Paper Edition ISBN-13 (book only): 978-0-7641-4084-6 ISBN-10 (book only): 0-7641-4084-1 ISBN-13 (with CD-ROM): 978-0-7641-9543-3 ISBN-10 (with CD-ROM): 0-7641-9543-3 International Standard Serial No. 1936-0185 PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page iii Contents PART TWO: ANALYSIS Preface vii Understanding the Sections Preparing for the LSAT: A Five-Step Approach viii and the Key Strategies Acknowledgments xi 1 A Brief Reasoning Review (and Warm-Up) 83 PART ONE: INTRODUCTION Deductive and Inductive Reasoning 83 Getting Acquainted with the Test Some Types of Reasoning 84 Reasoning from Signs or Symbols 84 Introduction to the LSAT 3 Cause–Effect Reasoning 84 Reasoning by Analogy 85 Answers to Some Commonly Asked Questions 3 Reasoning from Statistics 85 Basic Format of the LSAT and Scoring 6 Logical Fallacies 85 A Closer Look at the Timing— Conditional Statements (If–Then) 87 What It Really Means 7 Important Reminders 8 2 Logical Reasoning 89 Some Words to the Wise 8 Ask a Few Questions 8 Introduction to Question Type 89 An Effective Study Program 9 The Approach 92 A Five-Week LSAT Study Plan 9 The Basic Components 92 Before You Begin 11 The Passage, Argument, or Discussion 92 The Main Focus 11 The Question 92 Understanding the Thinking Processes 11 The Choices 92 Some General Strategies 11 Analyzing Question Categories 93 The One-Check, Two-Check System 11 Author’s Main Point or Main Idea 93 The Elimination Strategy 13 Author Information or Author’s Purpose 95 Anticipating an Answer 14 Form of Argumentation 97 Marking in the Test Booklet 14 Strengthening or Weakening the Author’s Guessing 14 Statement or Conclusion 98 Pitfalls—What to Watch Out For 15 Author Assumptions, Presuppositions, The Common Mistake—The Misread 15 Underlying Principles 101 Distracters and “Attractive” Distracters 15 Inferences and Implications 105 Analyzing Your LSAT Score: A Broad-Range Deductions 107 Score Approximator 15 Parallel Reasoning or Similarity of Logic 109 Obtaining Your Approximate Score Range 16 Argument Exchange 111 Syllogistic Reasoning 113 Diagnostic Exam 17 Conclusions 115 Logical Flaws 116 Examination 21 Situation Analysis 118 Answer Key 64 Passage Completion 121 Diagnostic Exam Analysis 65 Word Reference 122 Answers Explained 66 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 6/5/09 12:53 PM Page iv iv LSAT In Conclusion 123 4 Reading Comprehension 303 Review of Some General Strategies for Logical Reasoning 124 Introduction to Question Type 303 Extra Practice: Logical Reasoning 127 Active Reading 305 Answer Key 163 Example 306 Answers Explained 163 Four-Step Approach 308 Step One: Skim the Questions 308 3 Analytical Reasoning 175 Step Two (Optional): Skim the Passage 310 Step Three: Read and Mark the Passage 311 Introduction to Question Type 175 Step Four: Answer the Questions 314 When You Start a Set, Focus On: Comparative Reading 317 Reading the Conditions 177 An Alternative General Approach 324 Marking the Conditions 178 Basic Training: Extra, Effective Practice 324 When You Start Drawing Your Display, Extra Practice: Reading Comprehension 327 Focus On: Answer Key 363 Finding Key Items 178 Answers Explained 363 Drawing and Placing Information 178 Reasoning from the Conditions 179 5 Writing Sample 375 When You Start Answering the Questions, Focus On: Introduction 375 Reading the Questions 180 General Directions 376 Working with the Answer Choices 180 The Approach 376 The Approach 182 Analyzing the Writing Sample Topic 376 Analyzing the Types of Displays 182 The Decision Prompt 376 The Position Organizer (Linear) 183 The Phases of Writing 378 The Position Organizer (Non-linear) 206 Phase 1—Prewriting 378 The Position Organizer with the Phase 2—Writing 379 Diagram Provided 208 Phase 3—Proofreading 379 The Group Organizer 214 Two Completed Decision Writing The Group Organizer (with several Samples 379 conditional statements) 228 Review of General Tips 387 The Group Organizer (Venn Practice: Writing Sample 388 diagrams/grouping arrows) 232 The Table Organizer (Information table) 236 The Table Organizer (Elimination grid) 239 The Spatial Organizer 247 The General Organizer (Simply pulling out information) 259 The General Organizer with Diagram Provided 262 In Conclusion 265 An Alternative General Approach 266 Extra Practice: Analytical Reasoning 269 Answer Key 288 Answers Explained 288 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page v Contents v 6 A Summary of Strategies 395 Model Test Three 505 Directions and Strategies 395 Examination 509 General Tips 395 Answer Key 558 Review of LSAT Areas 396 Model Test Analysis 559 Logical Reasoning 396 Answers Explained 560 Analytical Reasoning 396 Reading Comprehension 397 Model Test Four 573 Writing Sample 397 Examination 577 A Final Checklist 398 Answer Key 625 PART THREE: PRATICE Model Test Analysis 626 Answers Explained 627 Mastering Problem Types and Time Pressures PART FOUR: ABA-APPROVED SCHOOLS Comparing Law Schools Model Test One 401 and Admission Statistics Examination 405 Computing Your Score 434 Overview of Answer Key 435 ABA-Approved Answers Explained 436 Law Schools 641 Model Test Two 453 Your Chances of Examination 457 Law School Admission 667 Computing Your Score 486 Answer Key 487 A Profile of Recent First-Year Law Students 667 Answers Explained 488 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page vi 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page vii Preface The LSAT is a difficult exam and we want to give you every possible ad vantage! I n this book w e have gathered the expertise and materials dev eloped in over 30 years of successful LSAT, GMAT, GRE, CSET, NTE, CBEST, RICA, ELM, and SAT preparation courses that are currently offered at over 25 universities, colleges, and law schools. So how are we going to give you every possible advantage? By thoroughly analyzing each of the sections of the LSA T and r eviewing the thinking processes and the skills necessar y for top per formance, this text aims at complete preparation. It is up to date with the most recent forms of the latest test. The staff of writers and consultants includes specialists in problem solving, reading, writing, logic, law, and test psychology. All these authors and consultants have been teaching prelaw students in LSAT preparation programs for many, many years. An introductory exam will both acquaint you with the format of the LSAT and help you spot any of your test-taking weaknesses. Then, a series of insightful chap- ters on the most recent sections of the test will carefully analyze each question type, pinpoint specific test-taking strategies, and give additional practice. Four full-length practice tests will allow you to get the feel of the real thing while you begin apply- ing new skills and techniques. Your answer sheet will resemble the machine-graded LSAT answer sheet, and an analysis char t will enable you to assess your strengths and weaknesses. The answers to each practice test are fully explained. Will this be effective? Complete analysis, thor ough instruction, extensive practice, up-to-date exam- ples, and the most successful overall systems of objective test taking are described in detail in this book to giv e you invaluable insight into the LSA T. The test-taking strategies and appr oaches w e’ve included hav e been pr oven effectiv e for o ver 2,000,000 graduate and undergraduate students and teachers whom w e’ve assisted in preparing for these important exams. All right, let’s get down to business and star t with a br ief overview of how to prepare for the LSAT. vii 7_4084_LSAT_0_FM_Intro:7_4084_LSAT_0FM_Intro 5/21/09 7:21 PM Page viii viii LSAT Preparing for the LSAT: A Five-Step Approach Preparing to take the LSA T is no easy task; it takes a w ell thought-out, focused study plan. This plan should follow these five basic steps: 1. Awareness 2. Knowing the Basic Skills 3. Understanding the Thinking Processes 4. Applying Strategies and Techniques 5. Practice, Practice, Practice AWARENESS Before taking the LSAT, you should know everything possible about the test from the length of each section to the specific types of questions. B e an expert on the structure and construction of the exam. The LSAT consists of fiv e 35-minute multiple-choice sections. F our sections count toward your LSAT score; one experimental section is a repeat of the other sec- tions and does not count toward your score. An unscored essay is also included. The types of questions are: Reading Comprehension (one section), Analytical Reasoning (one section), and Logical Reasoning (two sections). Reading Comprehension—one section that includes three fairly sophisticated pas- sages or sets, each containing from 400 to 500 words. A fourth set, called compar- ative reading, was intr oduced in J une 2007. I t contains two similar passages of about 250 words each. Each reading comprehension section has 5 to 8 questions per set, for a total of about 24 to 28 questions. The passages can be from the fields of science, philosophy, economy, history, law, and so forth, but the questions must be answered from the actual passages giv en, not fr om your general or specific knowledge of a subject. Analytical Reasoning—one section that includes four sets of conditions, statements, or rules. You are required to see the relationships among the items being described and discussed. Constructing a simple display or diagram using the information given is an important part of attacking this question type. Each set is follo wed by 5 to 7 questions for a total of 22 to 24 questions. This section appears to be the most dif- ficult for most test takers, but it also appears to be the most pr eparable. Logical Reasoning—two sections that include shor t passages, statements, argu- ments, or discussions, each follo wed by usually 1 question (sometimes 2) asking about the reasoning involved. Each section contains between 24 and 26 questions. This question type requires good reading and reasoning skills and accounts for 50 percent of your LSAT score. You will have two sections of Logical Reasoning, about 50 of the 100 questions that count to ward your score. A course in formal logic is not necessary but could be helpful, as would any course that r equires critical read- ing and reasoning.
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