The Questions-First Strategy

Now that you understand the types of passages you will encounter in LNAT Section A, it is time to develop a reading strategy. This lesson covers the first of three approaches: reading the questions before the passage. This is the most targeted strategy and can save significant time — but it does not work equally well for all passage types.

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What the Questions-First Strategy Involves

The strategy is simple in concept:

1. Read all 3–4 questions (and their answer options) for the passage before reading the passage itself
2. Note what each question is asking for — a main conclusion, an assumption, the meaning of a phrase, the author's tone, etc.
3. Read the passage with those questions in mind, actively searching for the relevant information
4. Answer each question immediately after locating the relevant part of the passage

The Logic Behind It

If you know what you are looking for before you start reading, you can read with purpose rather than reading passively and then trying to remember what was relevant. It transforms reading from a general comprehension exercise into a targeted search.

Analogy: Imagine searching a library for a specific book. If you know the title and author, you go directly to the correct shelf. If you do not, you browse the entire library hoping something catches your eye. Questions-first gives you the title and author.

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Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Read the Questions (30–45 seconds)

Read each question stem carefully. Do not spend time reading all the answer options in detail at this stage — just the question stems.

For each question, identify the type:

Question Type	What to Search For
Main conclusion	The author's central claim — look in the opening and closing paragraphs
Specific detail	A particular fact, figure, or claim — scan for keywords
Author's assumption	An unstated belief — requires understanding the argument's logic
Tone / Attitude	The author's stance — pay attention to word choice and evaluative language
Meaning of a phrase	The context around a specific word or expression
Inference	What logically follows from the passage — requires understanding the argument
Strengthening / Weakening	Identify the core argument so you can evaluate what supports or undermines it

Step 2: Skim the Passage with Purpose (2–3 minutes)

Now read the passage, but with the questions guiding your attention:

• For main conclusion questions: Pay close attention to the opening and closing paragraphs. Identify the thesis.
• For specific detail questions: Scan for the keywords mentioned in the question. When you find the relevant sentence or paragraph, slow down and read carefully.
• For assumption and inference questions: You need to understand the argument's structure. Focus on the logical connections between premises and conclusion.
• For tone questions: Notice adjectives, adverbs, and the overall register of the writing.

Step 3: Answer Each Question (60–90 seconds per question)

Return to each question and select your answer. For questions where you identified the relevant passage section, the answer should be straightforward. For questions requiring deeper analysis (assumptions, inferences), you may need to re-read a specific paragraph.

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When Questions-First Works Best

This strategy is most effective in specific circumstances:

Ideal Conditions

Condition	Why It Helps
The passage is straightforward	You do not need a full understanding of the argument to answer targeted questions
Questions target specific details	You can locate the answer quickly without reading the whole passage carefully
You are running short on time	This is the fastest strategy when it works
The passage topic is unfamiliar	Having questions to guide you prevents aimless reading

Types of Questions That Respond Well to Questions-First

• "According to the passage, which of the following is true?"
• "The author mentions [X] in order to..."
• "The word [Y] as used in line [Z] most nearly means..."
• "Which of the following is stated as a fact rather than an opinion?"

These questions direct you to specific parts of the passage.

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When Questions-First Is Less Effective