Passage Flashcards
7 cards from real LSAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Passage flashcards as text
A passage contains the following sentences: 'The majority opinion relied on precedent X. The dissent, by contrast, argued that precedent X was distinguishable on its facts.' What logical move is the dissent making?
Answer: Claiming that the differences between the current case and precedent X make it inapplicable
Distinguishing a precedent means arguing that factual differences make it inapplicable to the current case, which is the dissent's move here.
An LSAT passage presents scientific evidence for a claim in paragraphs 1-3, then paragraph 4 introduces a methodological criticism of the studies cited. What is the most likely purpose of paragraph 4?
Answer: To undermine the evidentiary basis for the claim made in paragraphs 1-3
A methodological criticism attacks the quality of the evidence presented, thereby undermining the claim those studies were meant to support.
A passage about First Amendment law includes: 'Content-neutral regulations are subject to intermediate scrutiny, while content-based restrictions trigger strict scrutiny.' A question asks what happens when a law targets specific viewpoints. Based on the passage, such a law would most likely:
Answer: Face strict scrutiny as a content-based restriction
A viewpoint-based law is a subset of content-based restrictions, which the passage states trigger strict scrutiny.
In a comparative passage, Author A argues that common law evolves organically through judicial decisions, while Author B argues it must be codified to ensure predictability. A question asks: on which point would both authors most likely agree?
Answer: Judicial decisions play some role in shaping legal rules
Both authors discuss common law and judicial decisions—even Author B, who favors codification, implicitly acknowledges that judicial decisions currently shape the law.
An LSAT passage uses an analogy comparing the brain's neural networks to a city's transportation grid. A question asks what the analogy is meant to illustrate. The best answer would identify:
Answer: How a complex system's efficiency depends on the connectivity and capacity of its pathways
The analogy draws on the shared structural principle that both systems depend on well-connected, high-capacity pathways for efficient functioning.
A passage's main claim is supported by three pieces of evidence. A question asks which answer choice, if true, would most strengthen the author's argument. The correct answer should:
Answer: Provide additional support for one of the three pieces of evidence or the main claim
A strengthener adds support to the existing argument—either buttressing the evidence or directly supporting the main claim.
A passage about tort law states: 'Negligence requires proving duty, breach, causation, and damages.' A hypothetical question presents a scenario where all elements are met except the plaintiff suffered no monetary loss. Based on the passage, the plaintiff's negligence claim would most likely:
Answer: Fail because damages is a required element of negligence
The passage states all four elements—including damages—are required for negligence; if damages are absent, the claim fails.