Mastering 'Exception' Questions in LSAT Reading Comprehension

Navigating the LSAT Reading Comprehension section can be challenging, especially when encountering "exception" questions. These questions require you to identify the one answer choice that doesn’t match the given reasons or examples in a passage. The video “Finding the Exception to a LSAT Reading Comp Purpose Using LSAT PrepTest 158 Section 1, Question 13” provides a step-by-step approach to tackling these tricky questions.

Here’s how you can apply the strategies discussed in the video to confidently answer LSAT exception questions.

Why Exception Questions Are Challenging

Exception questions introduce an added layer of difficulty because they require a shift in focus from finding supportive evidence to identifying what does not belong. This change in perspective can throw off even the most prepared test-takers, as it forces them to recognize subtle details that might otherwise seem trivial. In LSAT PrepTest 158’s Question 13, the task centers on determining which option does not serve as a reason for the author’s inclusion of a story about the "coyote trickster."

Step-by-Step Strategy: Isolating the Exception

Here’s the recommended approach for handling these questions:

1. Highlight the Exception Term: Start by noting that this is an exception question and highlight it as a reminder. This step keeps you focused on finding the one answer that doesn’t fit, rather than looking for a correct or supportive choice.

2. Review the Relevant Passage Section: In this question, the relevant part of the passage is the final paragraph, which discusses a story about the coyote trickster. Reading this section closely will clarify the author’s reasons for mentioning the story, making it easier to spot the odd choice.

3. Analyze Each Option Carefully:

   • The first choice, for example, proposes that “the coyote is a particularly poignant trickster character.” The passage, however, does not specify that the coyote is a uniquely effective trickster, making it a potential answer.
   • Other options directly relate to the coyote’s role as a trickster, such as illustrating the concept of human “foils,” highlighting the comic nature of tricksters, and demonstrating how humans can relate to these mythical figures.

4. Process of Elimination: As the video explains, each option should be tested against the main reasons presented in the passage. By systematically eliminating the choices that fit the author’s reasoning, you’ll be left with the correct answer.

Quick Tips for Exception Questions

• Maintain Focus on the Exception: It’s easy to slip back into searching for “correct” answers. Constantly remind yourself that you’re looking for what does not fit.
• Use Contrasting Colors: As shown in the video, use different colors for highlighting supportive vs. non-supportive choices. This simple visual technique can help avoid confusion.
• Be Decisive with Eliminations: Don’t linger too long on each choice. Trust your understanding of the passage and eliminate confidently.

Conclusion: Mastering Exception Questions with Practice

With consistent practice and by following these structured steps, handling exception questions on the LSAT can become manageable, even predictable. Focus on the exception term, review the passage carefully, and use process of elimination. The next time you encounter an LSAT Reading Comprehension exception question, remember these strategies to stay on track and select the best answer efficiently.