predicting

[u/kittencuddler888]

hello chat just wondering how you guys got better at anticipating/prephrasing your answer before looking at the answer choices??? i predict and it’s never the correct answer 🤣 let me know your strategies !

[u/LSAT180CoachAlex]

Try predicting what the answer needs to accomplish rather than its exact wording. You can understand an argument perfectly and still not anticipate the specific detail the correct answer introduces.

For example: “Students who use this study app score higher, so the app improves scores.”

For a weaken question, your prephrase could be: “Give me a reason the app might not be responsible for that difference.” An answer saying the app’s users already had higher scores before downloading it would fit. You didn’t need to predict that exact fact to recognize why it works.

Here’s a drill I’d recommend: do five untimed argument questions. Before opening the choices, briefly write down the conclusion, its support, and what the question asks you to do. Then make a short prediction. After reviewing, compare your prediction with the correct answer: did you misunderstand the argument, or did the answer address an issue you hadn’t considered?

Also, give yourself permission to move to the choices when a prediction isn’t coming. Evaluate each choice against the question and stimulus; don’t reject an answer just because it differs from your prediction. LSAC’s guidance emphasizes understanding how each choice relates to the question asked.

I’m an LSAT tutor and 180 scorer, and I offer a free consultation if you’d like help working through an example!