RC Main Point Predictions

Reading Comprehension (RC) is often considered one of the most challenging sections of the LSAT, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to success isn’t skimming or relying on tricks—it’s understanding the passage in a clear, intuitive way. LSAT Demon teachers Brandon and Kaley share insights on how to simplify the process, predict the main point effectively, and approach RC with confidence.

Start With an Intuitive Approach

Many test-takers make RC more complicated than necessary by relying on ineffective strategies. Skimming, previewing questions before reading, or trying to memorize details often leads to confusion and wasted time. Instead, read intuitively and approach each passage with curiosity—read to understand, not to check off a list of keywords.

Think of the passage as a conversation with the author. What’s their argument? Why are they saying this? Engaging fully with the text keeps you focused and prevents misinterpretation. Slowing down to absorb each sentence builds a strong foundation, making the questions much easier to answer.

Finding the Main Point: Your Key to RC Success

A well-defined main point is the foundation of nearly every RC question. Whether or not a question directly asks for it, knowing the main point helps you navigate answer choices with clarity and confidence.

After reading, take a moment to summarize the point of the passage in one short sentence. The main point isn’t just a summary of details—it’s the passage’s central idea, the reason the author wrote it. Identifying this before jumping into questions saves time and improves accuracy.

Common Mistakes in Main Point Predictions

Many students struggle with main point questions because they overcomplicate their approach. A common mistake is treating the main point as a comprehensive summary of the passage. Instead, focus on the passage’s big-picture takeaway.

Practice distilling complex ideas into concise statements—this skill will help across all sections of the LSAT.

Main Point Elimination Strategy

Choosing the correct main point answer often comes down to eliminating incorrect ones. There’s three reasons why a main point answer choice is incorrect: 

• Too Specific: Some answers zoom in on minor details while ignoring the broader argument.

• Too Broad: Others are too general or vague and don’t capture the passage’s actual focus.

• Factually Incorrect: If an answer misrepresents the author’s views or contradicts the passage, eliminate it immediately.

By recognizing these patterns, you can confidently identify the answer choice that captures the passage’s true purpose.

Practice: Building Habits and Confidence

Like any LSAT skill, mastering the main point takes practice. After reading each passage, train yourself to summarize the main point before moving to the questions. Reviewing expert explanations can also help refine your approach. Watching how experienced instructors break down passages reinforces the importance of careful reading and a clear main point.

With time, this process becomes second nature, making RC feel more manageable and predictable.

Final Thoughts

The main point is the key to unlocking Reading Comprehension success. By reading actively, summarizing with precision, and eliminating wrong answers systematically, you’ll approach RC questions with confidence and clarity.

Stay patient, practice consistently, and trust that your skills will improve over time. LSAT success isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about understanding what you read.

Have questions or need more RC strategies? Contact the LSAT Demon team at daily@lsatdemon.com for expert guidance and resources.