Lesson 3 - 25% of Exam
Verbal Reasoning
In This Lesson
1. Analogies
Analogies test your ability to recognize relationships between words.
Solving Analogies
- Identify the relationship between the first pair of words
- State the relationship in a sentence
- Apply that sentence to the answer choices
- Choose the pair with the most similar relationship
Example: JUDGE : COURT :: TEACHER : ?
Relationship: A judge works in a court.
Answer: CLASSROOM (A teacher works in a classroom.)
2. Common Relationship Types
Synonyms
Words with similar meanings
HAPPY : JOYFUL :: SAD : SORROWFUL
Antonyms
Words with opposite meanings
HOT : COLD :: LIGHT : DARK
Part to Whole
A component and its larger entity
PAGE : BOOK :: WHEEL : CAR
Cause & Effect
One leads to the other
FIRE : SMOKE :: RAIN : FLOOD
Degree/Intensity
Different levels of same quality
WARM : HOT :: COOL : COLD
Function/Purpose
Tool and what it's used for
HAMMER : NAIL :: KEY : LOCK
Category/Type
Specific example and its category
ROSE : FLOWER :: OAK : TREE
Worker/Tool
Professional and their equipment
SURGEON : SCALPEL :: ARTIST : BRUSH
3. Sentence Completion
Sentence completion tests vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure.
Strategies
- Read the entire sentence - understand the overall meaning
- Identify signal words - they indicate the type of word needed
- Predict the answer - before looking at choices
- Eliminate wrong answers - narrow down options
- Plug in your choice - verify it makes sense
Signal Words
Contrast:
however, although, but, despite, yet, nevertheless, on the other hand
Continuation:
moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, and, similarly
Cause/Effect:
therefore, thus, consequently, because, since, as a result
Example:
for instance, for example, such as, including
4. Context Clues
Use context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Types of Context Clues
- Definition Clue: The word is defined in the sentence.
"A peninsula, which is land surrounded by water on three sides, extends into the ocean."
- Synonym Clue: A similar word is used nearby.
"The child was lethargic, tired and listless after the long journey."
- Antonym Clue: An opposite word provides contrast.
"Unlike his gregarious brother, he was introverted and preferred solitude."
- Example Clue: Examples illustrate the meaning.
"Legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils are high in protein."
- Inference Clue: Meaning must be inferred from context.
"After the accident, he walked with a limp, his gait uneven and labored."
5. Vocabulary Building
A strong vocabulary is essential for law school and the PhiLSAT.
Word Roots
Common Prefixes
Legal Vocabulary to Know
PhiLSAT Verbal Reasoning Tips
- ✓Read widely - newspapers, legal articles, academic texts.
- ✓Learn word roots - helps decode unfamiliar words.
- ✓Practice analogies daily - recognize common relationship patterns.
- ✓Keep a vocabulary journal - write down new words with definitions.