LSAT Practice Test

According to the LSAT Reading Comprehension strategy, what should you consider when differentiating main ideas from supporting ideas in a passage?

1. Authors' intentions

2. Relationships among different ideas

3. Length of the passage

4. Author's writing style

The correct answer is: Relationships among different ideas

When differentiating main ideas from supporting ideas in a passage according to the LSAT Reading Comprehension strategy, it is crucial to consider the relationships among different ideas. Main ideas usually serve as the central point or key concept that the passage revolves around, while supporting ideas provide evidence, examples, or explanations that reinforce the main idea. Understanding the relationships among these ideas helps in determining the hierarchy of information within the passage and identifying the primary focus or argument presented by the author. This process is essential for comprehending the overall message of the passage and answering questions accurately. Options A, C, and D are not directly relevant to differentiating main ideas from supporting ideas in a passage. Authors' intentions may influence how the ideas are presented, but the focus should be on the relationships among the ideas themselves. The length of the passage is not a determining factor in distinguishing main and supporting ideas, as both types of ideas can be found in passages of various lengths. The author's writing style may affect how ideas are conveyed, but it is not the primary consideration for differentiating main and supporting ideas.