How to Predict the Main Point in LSAT Reading Comprehension

Struggling to narrow down answer choices in the Reading Comprehension section on the LSAT? This is a common problem to have, particularly for main point questions.

The good news is that there are approaches you can take to improve your accuracy when answering RC questions, and one of the most effective is to learn how to predict the correct answer choice before you even look at the questions.

Here, we’ll cover everything you should know about predicting the main point in LSAT Reading Comprehension, as well as how to avoid making common mistakes, and additional tips to improve your Reading Comprehension accuracy.

Focus on Identifying the Main Point Before You Answer Questions

One of the biggest challenges you may face in the LSAT Reading Comprehension section is zeroing in on the main point of each passage.

Start by reading the passage from start to finish, thinking, "What's the author trying to sell me?"

Then, before you dive into the questions, pause to summarize the passage’s core message. Ask yourself: Why was this passage written, and what main argument or purpose does it serve? This high-level prediction will help you to understand the details that follow and guide you through main point questions and others.

If you often find yourself trying to choose between two attractive options, this generally means that you don't have a solid grasp of the main point from the start. When you understand the author’s intention, you’re less likely to be swayed by options that may sound good but don’t truly fit the passage’s message.

Formulate Answers Independently of the Answer Choices

One effective strategy for improving your Reading Comprehension accuracy is to cover the answer choices after reading a question and attempt to formulate your own answer.

This helps you focus on the passage itself rather than getting "romanced" by tempting but incorrect options. The wrong answer choices often appear similar to the right answer, so you're likely to pick them if you're in a rush. But there’s a reason why each wrong answer is 100% wrong, so take the time to find that reason. Predicting the answer before even reading the available answer choices makes you less likely to end up choosing incorrectly.

Think of it as explaining the answer to yourself based on what you remember from the passage or by briefly scanning for details. When you reveal the answer choices, you’ll find it easier to spot the correct one, as it should align with the response you’ve already considered.

For instance, if you're asked about a particular detail, resist the urge to jump straight into the answer choices. Instead, refer back to the passage, determine what the author said about that specific point, and only after that look at the options.

This strategy works especially well for main point questions, where the incorrect answers often share predictable flaws. A wrong answer might be too narrow, focusing on a specific detail rather than the overall purpose of the passage. Others might include information that wasn’t mentioned in the passage, making them irrelevant. Some wrong answers will even misstate details from the passage, twisting the meaning in subtle ways.

When you’re approaching a main point question, use your understanding of the passage to spot these traps. Ask yourself, “Does this answer reflect the passage as a whole? Does it stay true to what the author actually wrote?” Eliminate options that are too narrow, irrelevant, or inaccurate. That will make it easier for you to identify the correct answer with confidence. 

Apply Your Main Point Prediction to All Questions

Main point questions might seem like their own type, but this understanding of the passage’s purpose applies broadly to almost every question type.

Questions about the author’s attitude, purpose, or even specific details all draw from your initial assessment of the main point. Having this foundational understanding will make it easier for you to frame the entire passage, creating a consistent guide for all answers.

For example, if you encounter a question on why a document or argument was presented, picture it as if you’re summarizing it for a supervisor in a law office. Imagine your boss asking: "What’s the main reason this document ended up on my desk?" Aim to answer in a few sharp sentences, pinpointing the main purpose without overgeneralizing.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When You're Predicting the Main Point

When you're predicting the main point in LSAT Reading Comprehension, there are a few common traps you might fall into.

One mistake is over-summarizing, where you focus too much on recounting each part of the passage rather than identifying the central argument. This can make you confused about what’s most important.

Another mistake is getting lost in minor details, which can distract from the author’s overall purpose. You might also try to predict too generally, glossing over the specific stance or perspective in the passage.

If you can recognize and avoid these habits in your practice, you should be able to sharpen your main point predictions.

How to Practice Main Point Prediction Effectively

You'll need to put in focused practice to effectively build accuracy in your main point predictions.

Start by working with timed Reading Comprehension sections to allow yourself to focus specifically on refining this skill. Drilling is a great way to increase your accuracy and proficiency, so you can tackle individual sections faster and more proficiently when you take the full test.

After each passage, summarize its main point in ten words or fewer—focusing only on the author’s main argument. This forces you to prioritize key ideas over secondary details.

Another helpful method is to explain the main point aloud or to a study partner. Teaching the passage in simple terms reinforces your understanding and shows where your comprehension might need adjustments.

Final Advice

Getting better at LSAT Reading Comprehension isn't about reading faster or memorizing question types—it’s about enhancing how you interact with the passage itself.

One of the best approaches to RC passages is to summarize and predict key points on your own, building a foundation that helps you handle broad and specific questions with confidence. Practice this approach, and you should find that your LSAT Reading Comprehension score becomes more consistent and reliable.