LSAT Recognition Questions: Cosmic Justice Law Passage
Master Explicitly Stated Information Questions with Detailed Worked Examples & Strategies
Understanding LSAT Recognition Questions
Recognition questions are among the most straightforward question types in LSAT Reading Comprehension, yet they require precision and careful reading. These questions ask you to identify information that is explicitly stated in the passage—not what can be inferred, implied, or concluded, but what is directly written in the text. According to LSAC, Reading Comprehension tests your ability to distinguish "precisely what is said from what is not said," and recognition questions directly assess this fundamental skill.
The Cosmic Justice paired passages, which discuss philosopher Thomas Sowell's concept contrasting traditional justice with cosmic justice, provide an ideal example for understanding recognition questions. These passages contain numerous explicit claims about Sowell's definitions, arguments, and distinctions that recognition questions target.
Recognition vs. Inference: The Critical Distinction
✓ Recognition Questions
Ask about what is explicitly stated
Common Question Stems:
- "According to the passage..."
- "The passage states that..."
- "The author mentions..."
- "Which is explicitly stated..."
- "The passage indicates that..."
Example from Cosmic Justice:
"According to Passage A, cosmic justice refers to what type of justice?"
Answer: Perfect justice that only an omniscient being could render (explicitly stated in lines 2-4)
↻ Inference Questions
Require drawing logical conclusions
Common Question Stems:
- "The passage suggests that..."
- "It can be inferred that..."
- "The author implies that..."
- "Most likely agrees with..."
- "Passage supports which..."
Example from Cosmic Justice:
"Sowell would most likely agree that which of the following is a flaw in pursuing cosmic justice?"
Answer: Requires logical inference combining multiple statements about human limitations and omniscience requirements
The Golden Rule of Recognition Questions
If you cannot point to a specific sentence or sentences in the passage that directly state the answer, it is WRONG.
Recognition questions test reading accuracy, not reasoning ability. Your answer must have explicit textual support—no interpretation, inference, or logical leaps required.
Cosmic Justice Passages: Key Explicitly Stated Information
Passage A: Third-Party Analysis
Explicitly Stated Facts About Cosmic Justice:
- Definition: Cosmic justice refers to "perfect justice that only an omniscient being could render"
- Requirement: It requires knowing all "relevant things" and taking them "properly into consideration"
- Human Limitation: "Inherent human limitations make it impossible to achieve this type of justice through human law"
- Contrast: Traditional justice focuses on "impartial processes" and "fair procedures"
- Key Claim: "Many times it seems obvious that traditional justice has not been done"
Recognition Question Example:
Q: According to Passage A, what makes cosmic justice impossible for humans to achieve?
The passage explicitly states that "inherent human limitations" make it impossible. This is a direct quote-worthy answer—no inference needed.
✓ This is recognition because: The passage directly states this fact in clear language.
Passage B: Sowell's Own Argument
Explicitly Stated Facts from Sowell:
- Fundamental Difference: "Cosmic justice is not simply a higher degree of traditional justice; it is a fundamentally different concept"
- Traditional Justice Focus: Traditionally justice "concerns itself with the impartial processes"
- Court Example: A defendant has received justice "if the trial was conducted under fair rules with an impartial judge and jury"
- Cosmic Justice Requirement: Would require "knowing everyone's circumstances" and "everything relevant for determining what each person truly deserved"
- Omniscience Claim: "Only an omniscient observer could make such determinations"
Recognition Question Example:
Q: According to Passage B, what does Sowell say about the relationship between cosmic justice and traditional justice?
Sowell explicitly states that cosmic justice is "not simply a higher degree of traditional justice; it is a fundamentally different concept." This exact statement appears in the passage.
✓ This is recognition because: The passage uses these exact words to describe the relationship.
6-Step Method for Recognition Questions
Step 1: Identify Recognition Question Language
Recognition questions use specific language that signals they're asking about explicitly stated information:
Strong Recognition Signals:
- "According to the passage"
- "The passage states that"
- "The author mentions"
- "Which is explicitly stated"
- "The passage indicates that"
- "As described in the passage"
NOT Recognition Signals:
- "The passage suggests"
- "It can be inferred"
- "Most likely agrees"
- "The author implies"
- "Would probably"
- "The passage supports"
Pro Tip:
If you see "according to" or "states that," you know you're looking for information written directly in the passage. Do not think, infer, or reason—just locate the explicit statement.
Step 2: Locate the Relevant Section
Use line references or content clues to find where the information is discussed:
Location Strategies:
- Use line references: If the question says "lines 12-15," go directly there
- Scan for keywords: If asking about "cosmic justice definition," find where that term is defined
- Check paragraph purposes: Definitions usually appear early; examples and applications later
- For paired passages: Note whether the question asks about Passage A, B, or both
Example:
"According to Passage A, Sowell uses the term 'cosmic justice' to refer to what?"
Strategy: Scan Passage A for where "cosmic justice" is first introduced and defined. In this case, it's in the opening lines where the definition appears explicitly.
Step 3: Read the Passage Text Carefully
Once you locate the relevant section, read it with extreme precision:
Precision Reading Checklist:
- Read the exact words used in the passage
- Note qualifying language (some, most, all, never, always)
- Pay attention to modifiers (very, slightly, typically, rarely)
- Identify scope (is it about all legal systems, or just traditional justice?)
- Notice attribution (is this the author's view or someone else's?)
Common Precision Errors:
• Passage says: "Some legal theorists believe..." → Wrong answer: "Legal theorists believe..." (dropped the qualifier "some")
• Passage says: "Traditional justice focuses on processes" → Wrong answer: "Traditional justice is only about processes" (added "only")
Step 4: Match Passage to Answer Choices
The correct answer will closely match the passage language, though it may use synonyms or slight rephrasing:
Matching Examples:
Passage Text:
"Cosmic justice refers to perfect justice that only an omniscient being could render"
Correct Answer (Acceptable Paraphrase):
"Justice that requires omniscience and accounts for all factors perfectly"
Wrong Answer (Distortion):
"Justice that is better than traditional justice" ← This requires inference about quality; passage says "fundamentally different," not "better"
Step 5: Eliminate Inference-Based Answers
Wrong answers often require you to infer, assume, or combine information. Eliminate these immediately:
Recognition Test Formula:
Can you point to 1-2 sentences that directly state this?
YES ✓
Likely correct for recognition question
NO ✗
Wrong answer requiring inference
Example:
Answer Choice: "Sowell believes human legal systems should not attempt cosmic justice because humans are not God"
❌ WRONG: While passage says humans lack omniscience and only omniscient beings can render cosmic justice, it never mentions "God." This requires inference.
Step 6: Verify Before Selecting
Before marking your answer, perform a final verification:
Final Check Questions:
- Can I locate the exact sentence(s) that state this information?
- Does my answer match the passage's scope and precision?
- Am I adding any information not explicitly in the passage?
- Does this answer require combining information or drawing conclusions?
- If someone asked me to prove this answer, could I quote the passage directly?
If you answer "no" to question 1 or "yes" to questions 3-4, reconsider your answer choice.
Worked Examples: Recognition Questions
Example 1: Definition Recognition
Question:
"According to Passage A, Sowell uses the term 'cosmic justice' to refer to which of the following?"
Answer Choices:
(A) A form of justice superior to traditional justice in its outcomes
(B) ✓ CORRECT: Perfect justice that only an omniscient being could render, considering all relevant factors
(C) Justice that accounts for both legal procedures and underlying moral truth
(D) An ideal standard that human legal systems should strive to approximate
(E) Justice based on divine or religious principles rather than human laws
Detailed Analysis:
Why (B) is Correct:
Passage A explicitly states: "Cosmic justice, as Sowell uses the term, refers to the perfect justice that only an omniscient being could render: rewards and punishments that are truly deserved when all relevant things are properly taken into consideration."
Textual Support: You can point directly to lines 1-4 of Passage A. Answer (B) accurately paraphrases this definition using nearly identical language. This is pure recognition—no inference required.
Why Other Choices Are Wrong:
(A) - Requires Inference:
The passage never states cosmic justice is "superior" to traditional justice. It says they're "fundamentally different concepts," not that one is better. This requires an inferential leap.
(C) - Not Explicitly Stated:
While the passage discusses procedures (traditional justice) and comprehensive considerations (cosmic justice), it never uses the phrase "underlying moral truth" or explicitly links these concepts this way.
(D) - Contradicts the Passage:
The passage explicitly states that human limitations make cosmic justice impossible to achieve. Saying systems "should strive to approximate" it directly contradicts Sowell's argument.
(E) - Not Mentioned:
The passage never mentions divine, religious, or God-based principles. While omniscience is associated with deity, the passage doesn't explicitly make this connection. This introduces outside information.
Example 2: Comparative Recognition (Paired Passages)
Question:
"Both passages explicitly mention which of the following as characteristic of traditional justice?"
Answer Choices:
(A) Its ability to achieve perfect outcomes in most cases
(B) ✓ CORRECT: Its focus on impartial processes and fair procedures
(C) Its superiority to cosmic justice for modern legal systems
(D) Its foundation in philosophical principles dating to ancient Greece
(E) Its emphasis on punishment rather than prevention
Detailed Analysis:
Why (B) is Correct:
Passage A: "Traditional justice focuses on impartial processes and fair procedures"
Passage B: "Traditionally, justice concerns itself with the impartial processes"
Verification: Both passages explicitly use the words "impartial processes" when describing traditional justice. This is stated in both texts, making it a perfect recognition answer for a "both passages" question.
Why Other Choices Are Wrong:
(A) - Contradicts Passage:
Neither passage states traditional justice achieves "perfect outcomes." In fact, Passage A mentions that "many times it seems obvious that traditional justice has not been done," suggesting imperfect outcomes.
(C) - Requires Inference:
While Sowell argues against pursuing cosmic justice, neither passage explicitly states traditional justice is "superior." They state it's more achievable or appropriate for humans, but "superiority" requires inferential judgment.
(D) - Not Mentioned:
Ancient Greece and philosophical foundations are never mentioned in either passage. This introduces completely outside information.
(E) - Not Stated:
Neither passage discusses punishment versus prevention. This is not mentioned as a characteristic of traditional justice in either text.
Example 3: Specific Detail Recognition
Question:
"According to Passage B, Sowell states that a criminal defendant has received justice if which of the following conditions is met?"
Answer Choices:
(A) The verdict accurately reflects all circumstances of the defendant's life and background
(B) ✓ CORRECT: The trial was conducted under fair rules with an impartial judge and jury
(C) The punishment fits the crime based on societal norms and moral standards
(D) All relevant evidence was considered and properly weighed
(E) The outcome maximizes overall justice for all parties involved
Detailed Analysis:
Why (B) is Correct:
Passage B explicitly states: "A defendant has received justice if the trial was conducted under fair rules with an impartial judge and jury."
Perfect Match: Answer (B) uses almost the exact wording from the passage. This is a straightforward recognition question where the correct answer closely mirrors passage language. You can point to one specific sentence that proves this answer.
Why Other Choices Are Wrong:
(A) - Opposite of Sowell's Point:
This describes cosmic justice (accounting for all circumstances), not traditional justice. Sowell explicitly argues that justice does NOT require considering all life circumstances—that would be impossible cosmic justice.
(C) - Not Explicitly Stated:
While plausible, this is not what Passage B explicitly states. Sowell focuses on procedural fairness (fair rules, impartial judge/jury), not on whether punishment "fits" based on societal standards.
(D) - Too Vague:
While not necessarily wrong, this is not the specific condition Sowell states. He specifically mentions "fair rules" and "impartial judge and jury"—not generally "all relevant evidence."
(E) - Relates to Cosmic Justice:
"Maximizes overall justice for all parties" sounds like a cosmic justice goal (optimal outcomes), not the traditional process-based justice Sowell describes for criminal trials.
Recognition Question Wrong Answer Patterns
❌ Pattern #1: Requires Inference
The Trap:
Answer is logically supported by the passage but not explicitly stated. It requires you to combine information, draw conclusions, or read between the lines.
Example:
If passage says "cosmic justice requires omniscience" and "humans lack omniscience," wrong answer states "humans cannot achieve cosmic justice" ← This requires combining two facts (inference), not recognizing one explicitly stated fact.
❌ Pattern #2: Subtle Distortion
The Trap:
Answer uses similar language to the passage but changes key words, qualifiers, or scope, slightly altering the meaning.
Example:
Passage: "Traditional justice focuses on impartial processes"
Wrong Answer: "Traditional justice is only concerned with processes" ← Added "only" changes meaning significantly
❌ Pattern #3: Wrong Passage or Location
The Trap:
For paired passages: Answer states information from the wrong passage, or mentions something from an unrelated part of the text.
Example:
Question asks "According to Passage A..." but answer choice contains information only stated in Passage B.
❌ Pattern #4: Not Mentioned at All
The Trap:
Answer introduces information never mentioned in the passage, even if it seems related to the topic or plausible given the context.
Example:
Cosmic Justice passages never mention "God," "religion," or "divine principles" explicitly, even though omniscience is associated with deity. Answers using these terms introduce outside information.
❌ Pattern #5: Too Broad or Too Narrow
The Trap:
Answer extends beyond what the passage actually states (too broad) or focuses on an overly specific detail that doesn't answer the question (too narrow).
Example:
Too Broad: Passage discusses legal systems → Wrong answer says "all human institutions"
Too Narrow: Question asks about traditional justice generally → Wrong answer mentions only one specific example (jury trials)
❌ Pattern #6: Reversal or Negation
The Trap:
Answer states the opposite of what the passage says, or negates a claim the passage makes.
Example:
Passage: "Cosmic justice is fundamentally different from traditional justice"
Wrong Answer: "Cosmic justice is similar to traditional justice in most respects"
Strategic Practice Plan for Recognition Questions
Week 1-2: Build Foundation
- Day 1-3: Practice identifying recognition vs. inference question stems
- Day 4-7: Complete 3-5 passages, answering only recognition questions
- Day 8-10: For each wrong answer, identify which wrong answer pattern it represents
- Day 11-14: Practice finding textual support for correct answers within 15 seconds
Week 3-4: Build Speed & Accuracy
- Day 15-18: Time yourself: 30-45 seconds per recognition question
- Day 19-22: Complete full RC sections, track recognition question accuracy separately
- Day 23-25: Focus on paired passages (like Cosmic Justice) with comparative recognition questions
- Day 26-28: Review all mistakes and create personalized trap list
Recognition Question Drills
Drill 1: Textual Support Challenge
For each recognition question you answer, write down the line numbers and exact phrases that prove your answer. If you can't, your answer is likely wrong.
Drill 2: Wrong Answer Elimination
For each wrong answer, identify why it's wrong: Requires inference? Distorts passage? Not mentioned? Wrong scope? Train yourself to spot patterns.
Drill 3: Paraphrase Matching
Find recognition questions where the correct answer paraphrases passage language. Practice recognizing when synonyms or rephrasing preserve original meaning versus when they distort it.
Official LSAT Preparation Resources
LSAC Official PrepTests
The Law School Admission Council publishes official LSAT materials containing real past exams:
- The Official LSAT SuperPrep Series — Includes full explanations for recognition and all question types
- The New Official LSAT TriplePrep — Three full PrepTests per volume with authentic passages
- Individual PrepTests — Over 90 official exams available, each with 27-28 RC questions
- LSAT Reading Comprehension Guide — Official guide focusing specifically on RC strategies
LawHub: LSAC's Official Digital Platform
LawHub provides official digital LSAT preparation with advanced features:
- Free Practice Questions — Sample RC passages with recognition questions
- LSAT Prep Plus Subscription — Access to 70+ official PrepTests digitally
- Question-Type Filtering — Practice recognition questions specifically
- Detailed Performance Analytics — Track your recognition question accuracy over time
- Hints and Explanations — Learn where information is explicitly stated in passages
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many recognition questions appear on the LSAT?
A: Recognition questions (asking about explicitly stated information) account for approximately 30-35% of Reading Comprehension questions—roughly 8-10 questions per test. However, the skill of identifying explicitly stated information is foundational to answering nearly all RC questions accurately.
Q: Should I read the entire passage before answering recognition questions?
A: Yes. While recognition questions ask about specific details, you need the full context to understand what is actually being stated. Additionally, questions without line references require you to know where information is discussed, which requires having read the entire passage.
Q: Can the correct answer use different words than the passage?
A: Yes. Correct answers often paraphrase passage language using synonyms or slight rewording. What matters is that the meaning remains identical to what's explicitly stated. However, any change that alters meaning, adds information, or requires inference makes the answer wrong.
Q: What's the difference between "According to the passage" and "The passage suggests"?
A: "According to the passage" signals a recognition question asking for explicitly stated information. "The passage suggests" signals an inference question requiring you to draw conclusions. This distinction is critical—recognition questions demand textual evidence; inference questions require logical reasoning from stated facts.
Q: How can I avoid choosing inference-based wrong answers on recognition questions?
A: Apply the "Point to It" test: Before selecting an answer, locate the exact sentence or sentences that directly state it. If you find yourself thinking "Well, based on X and Y, this must mean Z," you're inferring—not recognizing. Recognition answers should be obvious once you find the relevant passage text.
Q: Are recognition questions easier than other RC question types?
A: Recognition questions are generally more straightforward because they don't require complex reasoning—just accurate reading. However, they can still be challenging if you misread passage language, fall for subtle distortions, or confuse explicitly stated information with implied conclusions. Accuracy requires careful, precise reading.
Key Takeaways for Recognition Question Mastery
- Recognition questions ask what is explicitly stated—not what can be inferred, implied, or concluded
- Key question stems: "According to," "The passage states," "The author mentions," and "explicitly stated"
- The Golden Rule: You must be able to point to specific sentences that directly state your answer
- Correct answers closely match passage language, though they may use synonyms or rephrasing
- Six common wrong answer patterns: Requires inference, subtle distortion, wrong passage/location, not mentioned, wrong scope, and reversal/negation
- For paired passages, carefully note which passage the question asks about (A, B, or both)
- Return to the passage for every recognition question—don't rely on memory
- Watch for qualifying language (some, most, all) and modifiers that change meaning
- If an answer requires combining information or reasoning, it's wrong for a recognition question
- Practice with official LSAT materials from LSAC and Khan Academy for authentic question types
- Recognition questions account for 30-35% of RC questions but the skill is foundational to all reading accuracy
- Speed comes with practice: Aim for 30-45 seconds per recognition question once you master the technique
Advanced Recognition Question Strategies
Strategy 1: Create a Mental Map During Reading
As you read, make brief mental notes about where key information appears:
- Paragraph 1: Definitions and introductions
- Paragraph 2: Main arguments or explanations
- Paragraph 3: Examples or applications
- Paragraph 4: Conclusions or implications
This mental map allows you to quickly locate information when recognition questions ask about specific details.
Strategy 2: The Synonym Recognition Skill
Train yourself to recognize when paraphrasing preserves meaning vs. distorts it:
Acceptable Paraphrases:
• "Omniscient being" → "all-knowing entity"
• "Impartial processes" → "unbiased procedures"
• "Human limitations" → "constraints on human capacity"
Distorting Changes:
• "Focuses on" → "is only concerned with"
• "Many times" → "always" or "never"
• "Fundamentally different" → "completely opposite"
Strategy 3: The Contrast Method
When stuck between two answers, identify the specific difference and return to the passage:
Example Decision Process:
Option A: "Traditional justice focuses on fair procedures"
Option B: "Traditional justice emphasizes impartial processes"
Key Difference: "procedures" vs. "processes"
Return to passage to check which term is actually used. The passage says "impartial processes," making B correct.
Strategy 4: Attribution Awareness
Pay careful attention to whose view is being stated:
Attribution Examples:
- "According to Sowell..." → Must be Sowell's explicit view
- "The passage author states..." → Must be author's own claim, not reporting someone else's view
- "Passage A mentions..." → Must appear in Passage A specifically
- "Critics argue..." → Must be attributed to critics, not the author's view
Wrong answers often misattribute views—assigning one person's claim to another or confusing reported views with the author's own position.
Quick Reference: Recognition vs. Other Question Types
Master LSAT Recognition Questions Today
Start practicing with official LSAT resources and develop the precision reading skills essential for law school success. The Cosmic Justice passage and hundreds more are available with complete explanations on Khan Academy and LawHub.