Don’t Skip the Hard Questions

What can you do if you’re struggling to finish the LSAT Logical Reasoning sections on time? 

In this recent LSAT Demon Daily episode, Erik and Nathan received a question from Kyle, who was struggling to complete timed LR sections. Kyle said he was reaching question 15 before running out of time but was focused on accuracy rather than rushing to finish the section.

Kyle, you’re in good company. Not being able to finish the section in Logical Reasoning is common. We’ve got good news: You can get faster and more accurate at the same time.

Should You Skip the Hard Logical Reasoning Questions?

Kyle asked whether he should continue working on the last 10 questions—typically more difficult ones—or focus on drilling mid-level questions. You might be wondering the same. Given your issues with time management on the LSAT, should your goal be to get better at answering the easier questions, or should you still give the hard questions your attention? 

Nathan and Erik both agree: don't skip the hard questions.

Why Finish the Section?

The more difficult questions at the end of the LSAT’s Logical Reasoning section (level 4 and 5 questions) test the same fundamental skills as the easier ones. 

When you take your time with them in practice, without the pressure of a ticking clock, you'll start to see that many of these questions aren’t as tough as they seem. They're often just framed differently, and working through them will help build your confidence.

If you’re like Kyle, who is already answering 15 questions with a high degree of accuracy, it makes sense to keep practicing the difficult questions. Skipping the tougher questions means you’re missing valuable learning opportunities.

The Importance of Reviewing Your Answers

It’s essential to complete a high-quality review of every question you get wrong. You need to understand why the correct answer is right and why the wrong answers are wrong. Taking the time to properly review your mistakes ensures that you're learning from them.

If you're able to finish most of the section and are only missing a few, keep working through those last questions. While it may take longer, the extra time you spend on them will pay off in the long run. Accuracy is more important than speed. 

Takeaway

If, like Kyle, you’re struggling to get through the Logical Reasoning section of the LSAT, you should make sure to keep studying the hard questions, but without neglecting the easier ones. Skipping the hard questions might seem like an easy shortcut, but it can hold you back long term. One point is worth $10,000 or more. Every question is worth your time.