Past LSAT Explained/February 2004 LSAT

The February 2004 LSAT

Summary

As always, test forms for the February 2004 LSAT included an experimental (unscored) section. On most test forms, the experimental section appeared in Section 3. Be aware, however, that LSAC often administers a few selected forms with identical scored sections, but with their experimental sections in a different location. Ratings of this administration placed its difficulty on par with other recent exams. Princeton Review students report being pleased with their overall performance.

Games (Analytical Reasoning)

Princeton Review students rated the difficulty of this section as similar to or slightly harder than games sections that have appeared on exams within the past year. The first game involved determining how many computers each of seven manufacturers had produced. In the second game, birds had to be selected for a sanctuary. The third game involved determining the order in which five of six colored pencils were used. In the last game, four houses of varying distance from a university had to be assigned to students or faculty for one-, two-, or three- semester leases. Test takers rated the first game as easiest, the second and third games as medium, and the fourth game as hardest. Our students found that their familiarity with the games and experience with making deductions helped them set up the games and work the questions efficiently.

Arguments (Logical Reasoning)

One scored section had 26 questions, and the other had 25 questions. As usual, assumption, flaw, and inference questions were the most common question types. Test takers cited aggressive use of process of elimination (POE) as the most helpful technique. Overall, Princeton Review students reported being pleased with the arguments sections they saw, and they found the techniques they had learned in class worked well on the exam. Broad experience with past exams was invaluable to test-takers, and smart pacing choices were required to get the best possible results.

Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comp section offered the usual breakdown of topics-science, law, social science, and arts/humanities. Examinees varied in their assessment of passage difficulty, but many said the social science and legal passages had the most difficult questions. The first passage had seven questions and argued for a reassessment of Nigerian writer Amos Toutala's work. The second passage had six questions, and it discussed two theories about the evolutionary advantage of kin recognition in animals. The third passage addressed the definition and division of personal property in divorce proceedings. Seven questions accompanied the last passage, which dealt with female education in France. Overall, this section demanded the skills of mapping the passage well, paraphrasing its contents, searching for specific evidence in support of answers, and eliminating choices judiciously.