Reading Comprehension
LSAT Author Tone and Attitude
Understand how the author feels about the subject
What It Tests
Tone and Attitude questions ask you to characterize how the author feels about the subject matter, a specific theory, a group of people, or a piece of evidence. LSAT authors are almost never perfectly neutral -- they have measured but discernible perspectives.
How to Identify the Question Type
- The author's attitude toward X can best be described as...
- Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
- The author regards the theory described in the second paragraph with...
Reading for Tone During Active Reading
- 'Unfortunately...' -- author disapproves of something
- 'Surprisingly...' -- author finds something unexpected or noteworthy
- 'Despite X...' -- author acknowledges a counterpoint but maintains position
- 'What is often overlooked...' -- author is making a corrective argument
- 'Proponents claim... however...' -- author is about to disagree with proponents
Attack Strategy
- Step 1: As you read, underline evaluative language -- adjectives, adverbs, and word choices that signal opinion
- Step 2: Distinguish between views the author DESCRIBES and views the author HOLDS
- Step 3: LSAT correct answers tend to be moderate -- eliminate extreme language in wrong answers
- Step 4: Common correct tones: qualified support, cautious optimism, measured skepticism, critical but acknowledging
Example Problem
Passage describes a new archaeological theory with phrases like 'the evidence, while suggestive, remains incomplete' and 'the theory merits serious consideration despite its preliminary nature.' Author's attitude: Cautiously receptive -- interested but not fully committed. Wrong answers: 'enthusiastic endorsement' (too strong) or 'outright rejection' (opposite).
Top Tips
- Extreme attitude words (contempt, outrage, uncritical admiration) are almost always wrong on the LSAT
- Authors can be critical of one aspect while supportive of another -- read carefully for nuance
- If the author presents multiple perspectives, determine which one they ultimately favor