LSAT Reading Comprehension Passage Types and Tips

Quick answer: LSAT Reading Comprehension passages come from four broad areas: law, natural science, humanities and social science. You do not need any outside knowledge. Everything you need is in the passage, so the skill is following the argument, not knowing the subject.

20% Off Odyssey Test Prep 20% Off 1-on-1 LSAT Tutoring Use code ARSLAN20 at checkout. Private tutor, online or in person. Claim 20% Off →

The Four LSAT Passage Types

Passage type	Typical topics	What to watch for
Law	A legal idea, a court approach, a debate over a rule	Who holds which view, and what the author prefers
Natural science	A discovery, a theory, a research method	How the evidence supports or challenges a theory
Humanities	Art, music, literature, history of ideas	The author’s view and subtle tone
Social science	Economics, history, sociology, psychology	Competing explanations for a pattern

How to Read Any Passage

Find the main point. What is the author trying to say?
Track the views. Note who believes what.
Mark changes in direction like “however” and “yet.”
Do not memorize details. You can go back for them.
Pause after each paragraph and sum it up in a few words.

If Science Passages Scare You

Many people slow down on science because of hard terms. You do not need to understand the science deeply. Treat strange words as labels, and focus on the structure: what was the old view, what is the new finding, and what does the author conclude?

Passage Types FAQ

Do I need background knowledge?

No. The questions can be answered from the passage alone.

Are the types labeled on the test?

No. You will just see the passage.

Which type is the hardest?

It varies by person. Track your accuracy by type in your wrong answer journal.

See question types, comparative reading and the Reading Comprehension guide.