Introduction to reading comprehension - Comparative reading ...

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will understand how to approach comparative reading passages in the LSAT. You will be able to distinguish the structure of each passage, compare and contrast viewpoints, and use systematic strategies to answer related question types. You will also be able to identify effective annotation techniques, track relationships between passages, and apply these skills efficiently to maximize accuracy in the Reading Comprehension section.

LSAT Syllabus

For the LSAT Reading Comprehension section, you are required to analyze and compare paired passages. This article will guide your revision focusing on:

• the structural elements of comparative passages and how to approach them systematically
• recognizing the logical relationships between two passages
• strategies for identifying main points, viewpoints, and tone in each passage
• comparison and contrast analysis, including how to track similarities, differences, and authorial response
• techniques for answering common comparative question types efficiently, such as “agree/disagree,” analogy, and structure questions

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What is the primary purpose of underlining transition words (like "however" or "although") when reading LSAT comparative passages?
2. Which question type is most likely to require analysis of both passages together, not just one?
   a) Main Point
   b) Structure
   c) Analogy
   d) Agreement/Disagreement
3. True or False? Both passages in a comparative set always present opposing arguments.
4. What is the best first step when tackling a comparative reading set on the LSAT?

Introduction

Comparative reading passages require LSAT candidates to read two relatively short texts on a related subject, then answer questions testing their understanding of each passage’s structure, logic, and relationship. Success depends not only on close reading, but also on tracking subtle similarities and differences in content, reasoning, and tone. This article sets out clear, tested strategies for efficiently tackling this important LSAT question type.

Structure of Comparative Reading Sets

Each comparative reading set contains:

• Two passages (often called Passage A and Passage B), usually 200–250 words each
• A set of shared questions, some addressing individual passages, others both together

Understanding how these passages relate is essential. The relationship may be supportive, contrasting, critical, or present different applications of a single principle.

Key Term: comparative reading passage
Two short, related texts that must be analyzed both individually and in terms of their relationship—common in LSAT Reading Comprehension sections.

Identifying Passage Structure and Main Points

Start by reading both passages carefully. For each passage:

• Determine the main idea or thesis.
• Note the author’s attitude: is it neutral, supportive, critical, or something else?
• Underline or highlight transition words—these signal changes in argument, comparison, or contrast.
• Identify conclusion indicators (e.g., “therefore,” “thus,” “in conclusion”) and supporting evidence.

Key Term: transition word
A word or phrase (such as "however," "in contrast," "similarly") that signals a shift in reasoning, relationship, or argument direction in a passage.

Key Term: main point
The central claim or thesis that the author wants the reader to understand or accept—determined for each passage.

Comparing and Contrasting the Passages

After reading both passages, explicitly ask:

• How do the passages relate? (e.g., agree/disagree, analysis/proposal)
• What are the main similarities in content or reasoning?
• Where do they differ in approach, conclusion, or scope?
• Are there key facts, concepts, or viewpoints directly contrasted?

Key Term: point of agreement/disagreement
An explicit statement or topic on which the two passages' authors either agree or disagree—essential for certain question types.

Answering Comparative Passage Questions

Comparative questions usually fall into these categories:

1. Passage-Specific
Some questions focus only on Passage A or Passage B. Treat these as single passage questions; identify the main point, structure, tone, or role of a specific detail within one passage.

2. Comparative (Dual) Questions
These require considering both passages together. Common types include:

• Agreement/Disagreement: Identify a statement both authors would agree or disagree about.
• Analogy: Find an example or situation analogous in logic or structure to a principle in one or both passages.
• Structure or Function: Explain how each passage is organized, or compare how each author approaches the subject.
• Author’s Response: How would the author of one passage respond to a claim made in the other?

Effective approach to comparative questions:

• Before reading answer choices, clarify—in your own words—what the key relationship or point is between the passages.
• Use your notes to check for direct or implied agreement or disagreement.
• Rely on transition words and conclusion signals to identify authorial stance.
• For analogy questions, focus on logical relationships rather than surface content.

Worked Example 1.1

Passage A argues that government regulations are less effective at reducing pollution than voluntary corporate initiatives.
Passage B criticizes voluntary initiatives and contends that only strong legal standards produce results.
Question: On which issue do the two authors most clearly disagree?

Answer:
The effectiveness of voluntary corporate action versus mandated legal standards for reducing pollution. Passage A favors voluntary action; Passage B states only legal mandates are effective.

Worked Example 1.2

A question states: "Both authors would most likely agree that..."
A: Regulations are sometimes ineffective
B: Companies often respond to pressure
C: Pollution is a significant problem
D: Voluntary initiatives are always successful

Which option should you select?

Answer:
C. Both authors recognize pollution as a significant problem. Agreement/disagreement questions require an option supported (or opposed) by statements in both passages.

Common Pitfalls in Comparative Reading

• Failing to separate the attitudes and arguments of each author.
• Overlooking subtle agreement or qualified disagreement.
• Ignoring transition words that mark key shifts in logic or argument.
• Spending too long on minor details at the expense of tracking central relationships.

Revision Tip

When comparing two passages, write 2–5 word summaries of each passage’s main point and author attitude in your scratch notes. Keep these visible as you tackle the questions.

Efficient Annotation Techniques

• Number each paragraph or section.
• Highlight or underline main claims, especially conclusions and authorial judgments.
• Use brief margin notes indicating relationships (e.g., “contrast,” “example,” “application,” “analysis,” “extension”).
• Track key terms, especially where both passages use the same word differently.

Question Types and Strategies Table

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Comparative reading passages involve two related texts tested together.
• Annotate transition words, main points, and author attitude for each passage.
• Explicitly compare passages for similarities and differences—especially in reasoning and conclusion.
• Key question types: main point, agreement/disagreement, analogy, structure, and author response.
• Use short, systematic notes for each passage’s thesis and tone before attempting comparative questions.
• Apply answer choices against both passages where required.
• Effective annotation and concise comparison improve efficiency and accuracy.

Key Terms and Concepts

• comparative reading passage
• transition word
• main point
• point of agreement/disagreement