LSAT Practice Tests 2025-2026: Your Complete Study Plan for Dominating Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Welcome to your comprehensive guide for conquering the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in 2025-2026! This book is your essential resource for effective preparation, packed with strategies, tips, and over 700 realistic practice questions to help you achieve your best possible score.

The LSAT is a crucial component of your law school application, testing the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills essential for success in law school. With the right approach and diligent practice, you can master these skills and boost your chances of admission to your top-choice law schools.

An Overview of the New LSAT Format

The LSAT consists of four sections:

Variable (1 section)

Logical Reasoning (2 sections)

Reading Comprehension (1 section)

Unscored Variable Section (1 section)

The variable section, unscored section featuring either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension

The Logical Reasoning sections are the most heavily weighted, making up half of your total score. These questions test your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, draw conclusions, and identify assumptions and flaws in reasoning.

Reading Comprehension assesses your ability to read and understand complex passages, identify main ideas and key details, draw inferences, and apply information to new contexts.

The unscored Variable section can be any of the three question types and is used to test new questions for future exams. You won't know which section is unscored during the test, so approach all sections with equal effort.

At the end of the test, there's a 35-minute Writing Sample. This essay is not scored but is sent to law schools along with your LSAT score report. It's an opportunity to showcase your argumentative writing skills.

Maximizing Your Prep with This Book

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need for thorough LSAT preparation:

In-depth instructional chapters: Each LSAT section has dedicated chapters explaining fundamental concepts, common question types, and proven strategies. These build a strong foundation and framework for approaching every question efficiently and accurately.

Extensive practice questions: With over 700 realistic practice questions and detailed explanations, you'll strengthen your skills and familiarize yourself with the exam format. The questions are carefully crafted to match the style, difficulty, and content of the official LSAT.

Full-length practice tests: Three complete practice LSATs (PrepTests 95, 96, 97) provide invaluable experience with the actual test format and time constraints. Thorough answer explanations help you learn from your mistakes and refine your approach.

To get the most out of this book:

Take a diagnostic practice test to assess your baseline score and identify areas for improvement.

Study the instructional chapters to build your foundational knowledge and learn effective strategies for each section.

Complete the practice questions, carefully reviewing the explanations to understand your errors and the best approaches.

Take timed practice sections and full-length tests to build stamina and perfect your pacing.

Analyze your performance to pinpoint recurring mistakes and target your prep accordingly.

Repeat for consistent improvement and peak performance on test day!

Remember, the key to LSAT success is quality over quantity. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts, reasoning processes, and question patterns. Don't just aim for correct answers; strive to master the logic behind them.

Top 10 Study Tips for LSAT Success

Create a study schedule: Set a consistent study routine that works with your lifestyle. Allocate time for learning concepts, practicing questions, reviewing mistakes, and taking full tests. Treat your LSAT prep like a class.

Master the fundamentals: Thoroughly learn the core principles and question types for each section. This foundation allows you to adapt to the unique twists in each question. Don't rely on memorizing shortcuts; understand the underlying logic.

Practice actively: As you work through questions, engage with the material. Ask yourself why each answer choice is right or wrong. Articulate the reasoning and steps that lead you to the correct answer. Active participation aids comprehension and retention.

Analyze your mistakes: Review every question you answer incorrectly or found challenging, even if you got it right. Identify the concept or reasoning type that tripped you up. Drill similar questions to master that skill. Learn from your mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Time yourself: The LSAT is a fast-paced exam, so timing is crucial. Practice under timed conditions to acclimate yourself to the pressure and learn to make strategic decisions. But don't sacrifice accuracy for speed; your process is more important than your pace.

Develop your pacing: Each question is worth the same, so don't get bogged down in the hardest ones. If you're stuck after a set amount of time (e.g., 1-2 minutes), make an educated guess and move on. You can come back if there's time after completing the rest of the section.

Take practice tests: Full-length practice tests are key for building endurance and honing your timing and pacing. Take a practice test every week or two, simulating real test conditions as closely as possible. Thoroughly review each test to capitalize on the experience.

Experiment with strategies: Try different approaches to find what works best for you. Some students benefit from underlining key words in Logical Reasoning questions; others find it distracting. Some excel at diagramming Logic Games; others prefer to work from the rules alone. Tailor your approach based on focused practice.

Stay healthy and rested: Your physical and mental state significantly impact your LSAT performance. Prioritize sleep, exercise regularly, eat well, and find ways to manage stress, like meditation or yoga. Taking care of yourself will pay dividends on test day and beyond.

Believe in yourself: A positive attitude and growth mindset can work wonders on the LSAT. View challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Don't dwell on what you get wrong; focus on the progress you make with consistent effort. Envision your target score as motivation to keep pushing forward.

Test Day Tips for Peak Performance

Completing practice tests under simulated testing conditions is the best way to prepare for the unique challenges of test day. It trains you to perform efficiently within the time constraints and builds the mental stamina necessary for this demanding exam.

Schedule your practice tests for the same time of day as your official exam to acclimate your mind to working at peak capacity at that hour. Take your practice tests in one sitting in a quiet place with minimal distractions, just as you'll experience at the test center.

Use only official LSAC prep materials so you're fully prepared for the digital test interface on test day. While older paper-based LSATs are valuable for additional practice, prioritize the more recent digital exams.

As test day approaches, resist the temptation to cram. Trying to learn new concepts or tackle challenging question types at the last minute often does more harm than good. Instead, focus on reviewing key strategies, maintaining your confidence, and keeping stress levels low.

The day before the exam is all about staying calm and focused. Double-check your test center location and reporting time. Gather all the necessary items: valid ID, admission ticket, laptop and charger, pencils, highlighter, erasers, analog watch, snacks, and water. Lay out comfortable clothing for test day. Spend the day relaxing and recharging with enjoyable, non-strenuous activities. Get a good night's sleep to ensure you're mentally sharp and physically energized.

On test morning, stick to your normal routine to the extent possible. Eat a nutritious breakfast, but nothing too heavy or unfamiliar that might cause discomfort. Budget ample time for travel to arrive at the test center early. Take a few deep breaths to release any nervous energy before entering the testing room.

During the exam, maintain a positive, focused mindset. If you start to feel anxious, regroup with a quick breathing exercise. Stay laser-focused on the question in front of you; avoid dwelling on previous questions or anticipating upcoming ones.

Keep an eye on the clock to maintain your ideal pacing, but don't let timing concerns override your attention to the questions. If you're running a bit behind, don't panic. Make your best educated guess on the current question and move on; there may be opportunities to catch up on other questions.

If you encounter an exceptionally difficult question, give yourself a set amount of time to break it down. If you're still uncertain after a minute or so, choose the best answer you can and move forward. Lingering on the toughest questions jeopardizes your ability to get points on the medium and easier ones.

Remember that you're allowed to work only on the section currently in progress. You cannot go back to previous sections or skip ahead to upcoming ones. If you finish a section early, recheck your work on that section only until time is called. Resist the urge to let your mind wander and stay engaged to maintain your focus.

Should you run into any technical issues or distractions during the exam, raise your hand immediately to alert the proctor. They will help resolve the issue and ensure you're able to complete the section. You won't be penalized for any testing time lost to factors beyond your control.

Once you complete the LSAT, take a moment to acknowledge your accomplishment. Reward yourself with an enjoyable activity, but don't dwell on the test or your prediction of your score. The LSAT is a challenging exam, but with your hard work and persistence, you undoubtedly did your best.

Closing Thoughts for LSAT Prep Success

The path to your best LSAT score requires commitment, diligence, and a strategic approach, but it's a challenge you're well-equipped to conquer with the right tools and mindset.

Let this book be your constant companion on your LSAT journey. Trust in the proven strategies and techniques, refining them through deliberate practice. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and evidence of your progress. Celebrate milestones along the way and keep your eyes on the prize of crushing the LSAT and setting yourself up for success in law school and beyond.

Preparing for the LSAT is as much about growing your confidence and tenacity as it is about mastering the material. Believe in your ability to succeed and know that your consistent effort will pay off when you achieve your goal score. Never lose sight of the why behind your LSAT prep; your aspiration of becoming a lawyer and making a meaningful impact in the world.

With a robust study plan, the tools and strategies in this book, and a diligent work ethic, you will achieve LSAT greatness. Stay focused in your studies, positive in your attitude, and relentless in your pursuit of improvement. The sky's the limit on what you can achieve. Your dream score is within reach, so let's get to work!

Now, it's time to move into your LSAT prep in earnest. Start by taking a diagnostic practice test to assess your baseline performance and pinpoint key areas for improvement. Then, proceed to the chapters on each LSAT section to build your conceptual knowledge and strategic toolkit. As you progress through the practice questions and full-length exams, watch your skills grow and your confidence soar. You've got this!

Part 1: Logical Reasoning

Welcome to the Logical Reasoning (LR) section of the LSAT, where you'll flex your critical thinking muscles and put your argumentation skills to the test! This section is all about analyzing and evaluating arguments, identifying assumptions and flaws, and drawing valid conclusions. With LR accounting for half of your total LSAT score, mastering these question types is key to achieving your target score.

In this chapter, we'll break down the fundamental concepts of logical reasoning, the common question types you'll encounter, and the most effective approaches for tackling each one. We'll also discuss the art of identifying assumptions and flaws in arguments, providing you with a toolbox of strategies to spot even the subtlest logical missteps.

As you work through the concepts and practice questions, remember that LR success is all about active reading, critical analysis, and efficient problem-solving. With consistent practice and targeted skill-building, you'll be well on your way to conquering the Logical Reasoning section and boosting your LSAT performance. Let's get started!

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Logical Reasoning

At its core, the Logical Reasoning section tests your ability to read, understand, analyze, and evaluate arguments. An argument is a set of statements, consisting of premises and a conclusion, intended to provide support or evidence for a particular point of view. The premises are the facts or reasons offered to support the conclusion, while the conclusion is the main claim or assertion that the argument seeks to prove.

Identifying the Conclusion

The first step in analyzing any LR question is to identify the conclusion of the argument. The conclusion is the most important statement in the argument, as it represents the main point the author is trying to make. All the other statements in the argument, the premises, are meant to provide support or justification for the conclusion.

Here are some common indicators that a statement is the conclusion:

Indicator words: therefore, thus, hence, so, consequently, as a result, which means that, which proves that, which shows that

Placement: The conclusion is often (but not always) the last sentence of the argument

Emphasis: The conclusion may be emphasized with words like clearly, obviously, must, or certainly

Context: The conclusion is the statement that the rest of the argument is trying to prove or support

Example: All dogs are mammals. All mammals are animals. Therefore, all dogs are animals.

In this simple argument, the conclusion is all dogs are animals, as indicated by the word therefore and its placement at the end of the argument. The first two statements are the premises, providing support for the conclusion.

When identifying the conclusion, be careful not to confuse it with background information, supporting examples, or restatements of the premises. Focus on the central claim that the author is trying to prove or justify with the given evidence.

Identifying the Premises

Once you've identified the conclusion, the next step is to locate the premises of the argument. The premises are the statements offered as evidence, reasons, or support for the conclusion. They are meant to provide a foundation for the argument and lead logically to the conclusion.

Here are some tips for identifying premises:

Look for statements that provide reasons, evidence, or justification for the conclusion

Premises often answer the question why? or how? in relation to the conclusion

Indicator words: because, since, given that, as, for, in that, owing to, due to

Placement: Premises usually come before the conclusion in the argument

Example: Since all mammals are animals, and all dogs are mammals, it follows that all dogs are animals.

In this argument, the first two statements (all mammals are animals and all dogs are mammals) are the premises, as indicated by the word since and their placement before the conclusion. They provide the reasons or evidence to support the conclusion that all dogs are animals.

When identifying premises, be sure to include all the relevant statements that contribute to the support of the conclusion. Some arguments may have multiple premises, while others may have unstated or assumed premises (which we'll discuss in more detail later in this chapter).

RECOGNIZING ARGUMENT Structure

Arguments can take various forms and structures, and recognizing these patterns can help you more easily identify conclusions, premises, and the relationships between them. Here are some common argument structures you'll encounter in LR questions:

Basic linear structure: The most straightforward form, where premises are presented in a logical order and lead directly to the conclusion.

Example: Premise 1. Premise 2. Therefore, conclusion.

Branching structure: The argument presents multiple premises that independently support the conclusion.

Example: Premise 1. Moreover, premise 2. Additionally, premise 3. Thus, conclusion.

Chain structure: The argument links premises together in a series, where the conclusion of one argument serves as a premise for the next.

Example: Premise 1. Therefore, intermediate conclusion/premise 2. Thus, final conclusion.

Conditional structure: The argument relies on if-then statements, where the premises establish conditions that, if met, lead to the conclusion.

Example: If premise 1, then conclusion. Premise 1 is true. Therefore, conclusion.

Disjunctive structure: The argument presents two or more alternatives and eliminates all but one to reach the conclusion.

Example: Either premise 1 or premise 2. Not premise 1. Therefore, premise 2/conclusion.

As you practice identifying conclusions, premises, and argument structures, you'll develop a keen eye for the logical flow and relationships within arguments. This skill is foundational for success on the Logical Reasoning section, as it enables you to break down arguments efficiently and accurately, setting the stage for effective analysis and evaluation.

Evaluating Argument Strength

With a solid understanding of argument structure and components, the next step is to assess the strength of the argument. A strong argument is one in which the premises provide compelling support for the conclusion, while a weak argument is one in which the premises fail to adequately justify the conclusion.

When evaluating argument strength, consider the following factors:

Relevance: Are the premises directly related to and supportive of the conclusion? Irrelevant premises weakens the argument.

Sufficiency: Do the premises provide enough evidence to justify the conclusion? Insufficient premises leave room for doubt or alternative explanations.

Assumptions: Does the argument rely on unstated assumptions or leaps in logic? Unwarranted assumptions can undermine the argument's validity.

Counterexamples: Are there cases or scenarios that contradict the argument's conclusion? Counterexamples expose flaws and limitations in the reasoning.

Logical fallacies: Does the argument employ faulty reasoning patterns, such as ad hominem attacks, false dilemmas, or hasty generalizations? Fallacies weaken the argument's credibility.

Here's an example of evaluating argument strength:

The majority of students in the school band are also honor roll students. Therefore, participating in the school band makes students more likely to achieve academic success.

In this argument, the premise (that most band students are also honor roll students) is relevant to the conclusion (that band participation leads to academic success). However, the premise is insufficient to fully support the conclusion, as it fails to establish a causal relationship between band participation and academic achievement. The argument relies on the assumption that band participation directly causes academic success, ignoring other factors that could contribute to both band involvement and academic performance, such as student motivation, parental support, or natural ability.

To strengthen this argument, additional premises could be added to address the assumptions and provide more compelling support for the conclusion, such as evidence that band participation develops skills and habits that directly contribute to academic success, or that students' grades tend to improve after joining the band.

As you practice evaluating argument strength, keep in mind that the goal is not just to identify flaws but also to consider how the argument could be improved or strengthened. This critical thinking process will be invaluable as you tackle the various LR question types and hone your logical reasoning skills.

Chapter 2: Question Types and Approaches

The Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT presents a variety of question types that test your ability to analyze, evaluate, and manipulate arguments. Familiarizing yourself with these question types and developing strategic approaches for each one will help you tackle the section efficiently and effectively.

In this chapter, we'll explore the most common LR question types, their key characteristics, and the optimal strategies for solving them. As you work through the examples and practice questions, focus on identifying the question type, applying the corresponding approach, and fine-tuning your skills through targeted practice.

Must Be True Questions

Must Be True questions, also known as Inference questions, ask you to identify a statement that must be true based on the information presented in the argument. These questions test your ability to draw valid conclusions from the given premises and understand the logical implications of the argument.

Key characteristics:

Question stem typically includes phrases like must be true, most strongly supported, logically follows, or can be properly inferred

Correct answer choice is a direct and unavoidable consequence of the premises and conclusion

Incorrect answer choices may be possibly true but not necessarily true based on the given information

Approach:

Identify the conclusion and premises of the argument

Understand the logical connections between the premises and conclusion

Evaluate each answer choice against the given information, eliminating those that are not directly supported or logically implied by the argument

Select the answer choice that must be true based on the stated premises and conclusion, avoiding choices that go beyond the scope of the given information

Example: All cats are mammals. Some mammals are predators. Therefore, some cats are predators.

Question: Based on the information above, which of the following must be true? A) All predators are mammals B) All mammals are predators C) Some predators are cats D) No cats are predators E) Some cats are not predators

The correct answer is C) Some predators are cats. This statement must be true based on the given premises and conclusion. If all cats are mammals, and some mammals are predators, it logically follows that some cats must be predators, and therefore, some predators must be cats. The other answer choices are either not supported by the argument or are directly contradicted by the given information.

Main Point Questions

Main Point questions, also known as Conclusion questions, ask you to identify the main conclusion or central idea of the argument. These questions test your ability to distinguish the conclusion from the premises and understand the overall point the author is trying to make.

Key characteristics:

Question stem typically includes phrases like main point, main conclusion, central idea, or primary purpose

Correct answer choice encapsulates the key claim or assertion that the argument aims to prove or support

Incorrect answer choices may be premises, background information, or tangential points that do not capture the argument's main thrust

Approach:

Read the argument carefully, focusing on the logical flow and structure

Identify the conclusion of the argument, paying attention to indicator words and the overall context

Evaluate each answer choice against the identified conclusion, eliminating those that do not accurately represent the main point or are too narrow/broad in scope

Select the answer choice that best captures the central claim or idea that the argument seeks to establish

Example: The city council recently approved a new recycling program that requires residents to separate their waste into different bins for paper, plastic, and glass. The program aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote more sustainable practices. Some residents have complained about the inconvenience of sorting their trash, but studies have shown that such programs can significantly increase recycling rates and reduce the city's environmental footprint.

Question: What is the main point of the passage above? A) The city council has approved a new recycling program B) Recycling programs can be inconvenient for residents C) Recycling programs can increase recycling rates and reduce environmental impact D) The city should focus on reducing waste sent to landfills E) Residents should embrace more sustainable practices

The correct answer is A) The city council has approved a new recycling program. This statement captures the central idea of the passage, which is to inform the reader about the new recycling initiative. The other answer choices are either supporting details (B, C) or tangentially related points (D, E) that do not encapsulate the main purpose of the passage.

Strengthen Questions

Strengthen questions ask you to identify a statement that, if true, would provide additional support for the argument's conclusion. These questions test your ability to recognize what type of information would bolster the argument and make the conclusion more likely to be true.

Key characteristics:

Question stem typically includes phrases like most strengthens, provides the most support, or most justifies

Correct