LSAT Main Point Questions: Copyright Law Passages
Master the Art of Identifying Main Ideas in Complex Copyright & Intellectual Property Arguments
What Are Main Point Questions in LSAT Reading Comprehension?
Main Point questions ask you to identify the central argument or primary purpose of a copyright law passage. Unlike detail questions that focus on specific information, Main Point questions require you to synthesize the entire passage and determine what the author is ultimately trying to communicate about copyright theory, intellectual property rights, or legal frameworks.
Critical Distinction: The main point is NOT simply the topic of the passage (e.g., "copyright law"). Instead, it's the author's ultimate conclusion or thesis about that topic (e.g., "the tangible-object theory's claimed advantage is undermined by its failure to protect certain creators").
Common Question Stems for Main Point
Recognize These Question Formats:
- "Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?"
- "The primary purpose of the passage is to..."
- "The author's central claim is that..."
- "Which one of the following most accurately states the main idea of the passage?"
- "The passage is primarily concerned with..."
Why Copyright Passages Make Main Point Questions Challenging
| Challenge Factor | How It Affects Main Point Identification | Strategy to Overcome |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Viewpoints | Theorists, proponents, critics, and the author all present different positions | Track each viewpoint separately; the main point reflects the author's stance |
| Abstract Concepts | Tangible-object theory, retained rights, and intellectual property are complex ideas | Focus on the relationships between concepts rather than definitions |
| Subtle Author Position | The author often critiques indirectly through examples rather than explicit statements | Watch for evaluative language: "problematic," "questionable," "chief advantage" |
| Detailed Examples | Poet-friend scenarios and analogies can distract from the overarching argument | Remember examples serve the main point; they are NOT the main point |
The Main Point Formula for Copyright Passages
Copyright law passages typically follow a predictable structure that you can use to identify the main point systematically:
The Three-Part Main Point Structure:
Main Point = [Theory/Position Introduced] + [Claimed Advantage/Feature] + [Author's Evaluation/Critique]
Example Application: "The tangible-object theory of copyright claims to justify intellectual property rights without assuming ownership of abstract ideas, but this advantage is undermined when creators share ideas orally before creating physical manifestations."
Step-by-Step Main Point Identification Process
1Identify What the Passage DOES (Function)
Ask yourself: Is the author introducing a theory? Critiquing an argument? Comparing viewpoints? Defending a position? The main point reflects this function.
2Locate the Author's Voice
Distinguish between:
- Others' Views: "According to proponents..." / "Theorists argue..." / "Critics claim..."
- Author's View: "However..." / "This is problematic..." / "The chief advantage..." / "While this seems plausible..."
3Determine the Overall Structure
Copyright passages commonly use these structures:
- Theory → Critique: Introduce a theory, then show its problems
- Advantage → Counterexample: Present a claimed benefit, then demonstrate it fails
- Position → Evaluation: Explain a viewpoint, then assess its merits
4Synthesize Paragraph Functions
Each paragraph contributes to the main point:
- Paragraph 1: Usually introduces the theory or primary concept
- Paragraph 2: Develops the theory, adds retained rights, or presents advantages
- Paragraph 3: Often contains the author's critique or counterexample
- Paragraph 4: May extend the critique or present implications
5Verify Against Passage Scope
The main point must:
- Cover the ENTIRE passage (not just one paragraph)
- Reflect the author's purpose (not just describe the topic)
- Be at the right level of generality (neither too broad nor too narrow)
Worked Example 1: Complete Copyright Passage Analysis
Sample LSAT-Style Copyright Passage
Proponents of the tangible-object theory of copyright argue that copyrighting a work amounts to securing official recognition of one's intention to retain certain rights to that work. Among the rights typically retained by the original producer would be the right to copy the object for profit and the right to use it as a guide for the production of similar or analogous things. This theory rests on the assumption that every copyrightable work can be manifested in some physical form.
According to this theory, creating a new and original object from materials that one owns makes one the owner of that object, with all the rights that ownership entails. Just as the purchaser of land owns not just the surface but also the mineral rights below and the air rights above, so too does the creator of an original work own not just the physical object but also the rights associated with it. Among these associated rights are the rights retained by the creator even after transferring ownership of the physical object to another party.
According to proponents of the tangible-object theory, its chief advantage is that it justifies intellectual property rights without recourse to the widely accepted but problematic supposition that one can own abstract, intangible things such as ideas. However, this advantage is questionable. Consider a poet who describes an innovative poetic form to a friend. Suppose the friend immediately writes down the poet's description of this form and copyrights it. According to the tangible-object theory, the creator of the tangible object—in this case, the written description—is not the poet but the friend. There would seem to be no ground for the poet's claiming copyright to that written description unless the poet can be said to already own the ideas expressed in the work, which is the very supposition the tangible-object theory seeks to avoid.
Main Point Question
Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?
Complete Solution Analysis
1Passage Function Analysis
What is the author DOING in this passage? The author introduces the tangible-object theory (Paragraphs 1-2), explains its claimed advantage (early Paragraph 3), then critiques that advantage using a counterexample (late Paragraph 3). The function is: critiquing a theory's claimed benefit.
2Locating the Author's Voice
Paragraph 1-2: "Proponents argue..." / "According to this theory..." — These are OTHERS' views, not the author's.
Paragraph 3: "However, this advantage is questionable." — This is the AUTHOR's voice! The word "questionable" signals evaluation.
3Identifying the Critique
The author presents the poet-friend example to show that the tangible-object theory FAILS in its claimed advantage. The theory claims it avoids assuming ideas can be owned, but when the poet shares an idea orally and the friend writes it down, the only way to protect the poet is to assume the poet already owned the idea—which is exactly what the theory tries to avoid!
4Answer Choice Elimination
(A) INCORRECT: This contradicts the passage. The author CRITIQUES the theory; they don't endorse it as "most coherent" or recommend adoption. This reverses the author's stance.
(B) INCORRECT: Too broad and prescriptive. The author doesn't advocate for copyright reform or take a position on what copyright law "should" do. The passage is analytical, not prescriptive.
(C) CORRECT: This perfectly captures the main point structure: [Theory mentioned] + [Its claimed advantage] + [Why that advantage is undermined]. The answer identifies the tangible-object theory, notes its claim to avoid assuming ideas can be owned, and explains how the poet-friend example undermines this claim.
(D) INCORRECT: Retained rights are mentioned in Paragraph 2, but they're not the focus of the passage. This is too narrow and misses the critique that forms the main point.
(E) INCORRECT: The land ownership analogy appears in Paragraph 2 as an illustration of the theory, not as a critique. The author doesn't suggest this comparison reveals flaws; it's used by proponents to explain the theory.
Key Takeaway: The main point is in Paragraph 3's critique: "However, this advantage is questionable." The poet-friend example demonstrates WHY it's questionable. Answer (C) synthesizes this complete argument structure.
Worked Example 2: Distinguishing Main Point from Supporting Details
Abbreviated Copyright Passage
The tangible-object theory of copyright holds that copyright protects physical manifestations of creative works rather than abstract ideas themselves. This approach requires that copyrightable works exist in some tangible form—whether as manuscripts, recordings, or other physical objects. Supporters argue this theory's primary strength lies in avoiding metaphysical debates about whether intangible concepts can be property.
Yet this framework encounters significant difficulties when applied to modern creative practices. Digital creators routinely develop and share conceptual frameworks, algorithms, and methodologies in collaborative environments before any physical instantiation occurs. Under tangible-object theory, the first person to create a physical record—rather than the original conceptual innovator—would hold copyright, creating perverse incentives that discourage open intellectual exchange.
Main Point Question
The passage is primarily concerned with:
Detailed Analysis: Main Point vs. Supporting Details
1Paragraph Function Mapping
- Paragraph 1: INTRODUCES tangible-object theory and its claimed strength (avoiding metaphysical debates)
- Paragraph 2: CRITIQUES the theory by showing problems in modern digital contexts
Overall Function: Introducing a theory then demonstrating its practical limitations
2Identifying Supporting Details vs. Main Point
| Statement | Type | Why It's Not the Main Point (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| "Copyright protects physical manifestations" | Supporting Detail | This defines the theory but doesn't capture what the author argues ABOUT the theory |
| "Avoids metaphysical debates" | Supporting Detail | This is the theory's claimed strength, but the passage doesn't end here |
| "Creates problems for digital creators" | Main Point Component | This is the author's critique and the passage's ultimate purpose |
3Answer Analysis
(A) INCORRECT: This is what Paragraph 1 DOES, but it's not what the passage as a whole is concerned with. Defining the theory is preparatory—it sets up the critique in Paragraph 2.
(B) INCORRECT: This is a feature of the theory mentioned in Paragraph 1, not the passage's primary concern. The author doesn't explain WHY works must exist in physical form; they critique what happens when this requirement is applied.
(C) CORRECT: This captures the passage's purpose. Paragraph 1 introduces the theory, and Paragraph 2 demonstrates its problems ("significant difficulties") in modern contexts (digital creators, collaborative environments). The word "demonstrating" matches the passage's function.
(D) INCORRECT: The passage mentions digital works as an EXAMPLE in the critique, but comparing physical vs. digital works isn't the primary concern. This is too narrow and misses the argumentative purpose.
(E) INCORRECT: The passage mentions metaphysical debates but doesn't advocate for them. In fact, the theory AVOIDS these debates. This misreads the passage's stance.
Critical Strategy: Main point answers typically use action verbs that match the passage's function: "demonstrating," "critiquing," "arguing," "challenging," "defending." Answers that merely describe content ("defining," "explaining," "describing") often point to supporting details rather than the main argument.
Common Wrong Answer Patterns in Main Point Questions
Wrong Answer Type 1: Too Narrow (Supporting Detail)
What it looks like: Accurate statements that capture only one paragraph or one example
Why it's wrong: The main point must encompass the ENTIRE passage
Example: "The passage explains the concept of retained rights in copyright law" — This might describe Paragraph 2 accurately but misses the overall critique
How to avoid: Ask "Does this answer account for all paragraphs, or just one?"
Wrong Answer Type 2: Too Broad (Outside Passage Scope)
What it looks like: Sweeping statements about copyright law generally, not specifically what this passage argues
Why it's wrong: Goes beyond what the author actually discusses
Example: "Copyright law faces fundamental challenges in the digital age" — Too general; the passage makes a specific argument about one theory
How to avoid: Verify every element of the answer choice appears in or is necessarily implied by the passage
Wrong Answer Type 3: Wrong Viewpoint (Attribution Error)
What it looks like: Attributes a theorist's or proponent's view to the author
Why it's wrong: The main point reflects the AUTHOR's purpose, not other viewpoints discussed
Example: "The tangible-object theory successfully justifies intellectual property rights" — This might be what proponents argue, but the author critiques this claim
How to avoid: Distinguish "According to proponents..." from the author's own evaluation
Wrong Answer Type 4: Reverses the Author's Stance
What it looks like: States the opposite of what the author actually argues
Why it's wrong: Contradicts the passage's evaluative language
Example: "The tangible-object theory provides a superior framework for copyright" — when the author actually questions the theory's advantage
How to avoid: Pay close attention to evaluative words: "problematic," "questionable," "advantage," "difficulty"
Wrong Answer Type 5: True But Irrelevant
What it looks like: Statements that are factually accurate based on the passage but don't capture the main argument
Why it's wrong: Addresses content without addressing PURPOSE
Example: "Creators retain certain rights even after transferring ownership of physical objects" — True according to the passage, but this is background information, not the main point
How to avoid: Ask "Is this what the passage is ABOUT, or just something mentioned IN the passage?"
Advanced Strategies for Main Point Mastery
Strategy 1: Pre-Phrase Before Looking at Answers
Technique: Before reading answer choices, articulate the main point in your own words
Why it works: Prevents you from being swayed by plausible-sounding wrong answers
Application: After reading a copyright passage, think: "The author introduces the tangible-object theory, explains its claimed advantage of avoiding abstract ownership, then shows this advantage fails when creators share ideas orally."
Then look for: An answer choice that matches your pre-phrase in structure and content
Strategy 2: Use the "But/However" Test
Technique: Find the pivotal "but," "however," or "yet" in the passage—this often signals the author's main argument
Why it works: Copyright passages frequently introduce a theory, then pivot to critique it
Application: "Proponents argue the theory's chief advantage is X. However, this advantage is questionable because Y."
Main point location: What comes AFTER the pivot usually contains or leads to the main point
Strategy 3: The "So What?" Method
Technique: After reading each paragraph, ask "So what? Why did the author include this?"
Why it works: Forces you to think about function, not just content
Application:
- Paragraph 1: Defines tangible-object theory → So what? Sets up the theory to critique
- Paragraph 2: Explains retained rights → So what? Shows how the theory works in practice
- Paragraph 3: Presents poet-friend example → So what? Demonstrates a fatal flaw in the theory's logic
The main point emerges from: The ultimate "so what" of the entire passage
Strategy 4: Verb Matching
Technique: Match the verb in the answer choice to what the author DOES in the passage
Common passage functions and their verbs:
- Critiques/Questions/Challenges: When the author shows problems with a theory
- Defends/Supports/Argues for: When the author advocates for a position
- Compares/Contrasts: When the author analyzes similarities and differences
- Explains/Clarifies: When the author illuminates a concept (rare as main point)
For copyright passages: The verb is usually "critiques," "questions," "demonstrates problems with," or "challenges"
Strategy 5: The Elimination-by-Scope Method
Technique: Eliminate answers that are too narrow (one paragraph only) or too broad (beyond passage scope)
The correct answer is: At exactly the right level of generality—covering the whole passage without going beyond it
Test each answer:
- Does it cover Paragraph 1? If no, too narrow.
- Does it cover Paragraph 2? If no, too narrow.
- Does it cover Paragraph 3? If no, too narrow.
- Does it include information not in the passage? If yes, too broad.
Practice Approach for Main Point Questions
Deliberate Practice Framework
| Practice Phase | Focus | Time Allocation | Success Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Untimed Accuracy | Understanding passage structure and identifying author's voice | No time limit; focus on thoroughness | 90%+ accuracy on main point questions |
| Phase 2: Structured Timing | Reading efficiency while maintaining comprehension | 4 minutes reading, 6 minutes questions | 85%+ accuracy with consistent timing |
| Phase 3: Test Conditions | Performance under pressure with full RC section | 35 minutes for 4 passage sets | 80%+ accuracy across all question types |
| Phase 4: Review & Analysis | Understanding patterns in mistakes | 2x the time spent on original attempt | Can articulate why wrong answers are wrong |
After Each Practice Passage
- Review your passage map: Did you correctly identify the function of each paragraph?
- Verify author attribution: Can you distinguish what the author argues from what others argue?
- Analyze wrong answers: Which wrong answer pattern did you fall for? (Too narrow? Wrong viewpoint? Reversed stance?)
- Pre-phrase check: Did you pre-phrase the main point before looking at answers?
- Time assessment: Did you spend appropriate time (3-4 minutes) on active reading?
Official LSAT Preparation Resources
Practice main point questions using only official LSAC materials to ensure you're working with authentic passage structures and question formats:
Official LSAC Resources
LSAC Official Reading Comprehension Guide LawHub: Official LSAT Prep PlatformRevisionTown Recommendation: Complete at least 20 copyright law passages focusing specifically on main point questions. Track your accuracy rate and identify patterns in the wrong answers you select. Most students improve from 60% to 90%+ accuracy with focused practice on viewpoint identification and passage function analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct main point answer will: (1) Cover all paragraphs of the passage, not just one section, (2) Reflect what the author ARGUES rather than just the topic, (3) Match the passage's overall function (critiquing, defending, comparing, etc.), (4) Align with the author's evaluative language ("problematic," "advantage," "questionable"), and (5) Be at the right level of generality—neither too narrow (supporting detail) nor too broad (beyond passage scope). Pre-phrase the main point in your own words before looking at answers to verify your understanding.
These question types are functionally identical and test the same skill—identifying the author's central argument or thesis. "Main point" questions often ask "Which one most accurately expresses the main point?" while "primary purpose" questions ask "The primary purpose of the passage is to..." Both require you to synthesize the entire passage and determine what the author is ultimately trying to communicate. Answer both types using the same strategies: identify passage function, locate the author's voice, and distinguish the overarching argument from supporting details.
For most test-takers, no. Reading the passage actively with strategic marking (tracking viewpoints, identifying the author's stance, noting paragraph functions) naturally prepares you to answer the main point question. However, knowing that a main point question will appear can guide your reading focus toward identifying the overall argument structure. Advanced test-takers sometimes quickly scan all questions to note question types, but this risks losing focus during passage reading. The most effective approach: read actively to understand structure and author's purpose, then the main point question becomes straightforward.
This is the most common error on copyright passage main point questions. Combat it by creating a clear mental or marginal map of viewpoints. Mark every attributive phrase: "According to proponents" = their view, "theorists argue" = their view, "the theory holds" = their view. Then mark the author's voice: "however," "this is problematic," "questionable," "the chief advantage," "while this seems plausible." The author's view often appears AFTER a pivot word like "but" or "however." Remember: the main point reflects the AUTHOR's argument about the theory, not the theory's claims about itself.
In copyright law passages, rarely. The first paragraph typically introduces the theory or concept that the author will analyze. The main point emerges from the complete argument structure, which usually involves: (1) introducing a theory, (2) explaining its features or claimed advantages, and (3) critiquing or evaluating it. This structure means the main point crystallizes in paragraph 3 or 4, not paragraph 1. However, always read the entire passage before concluding what the main point is, as the author's ultimate position may not be clear until the final paragraph.
Examples are crucial but must be understood functionally. The poet-friend example itself is NOT the main point; rather, it SERVES the main point by demonstrating a flaw in the tangible-object theory. Wrong answers often focus on the example itself ("the passage discusses scenarios where friends copyright each other's work"), while correct answers explain the example's PURPOSE ("the passage uses an example to demonstrate that the theory's claimed advantage is undermined"). Always ask: "Why did the author include this example? What does it prove or illustrate about the broader argument?"
When two answers seem correct, apply these tiebreakers: (1) Which answer covers ALL paragraphs? The other likely focuses on only part of the passage. (2) Which answer matches the passage's FUNCTION (critiquing, defending, comparing)? The other likely just describes content. (3) Which answer reflects the author's VOICE? The other likely reflects a theorist's or proponent's view. (4) Which answer is at the right level of generality? The other is likely too narrow or too broad. (5) Which answer uses language that matches evaluative terms from the passage ("problematic," "advantage," "questionable")? This alignment often indicates the correct answer.
Main point questions should be among the fastest to answer—typically 30-45 seconds—IF you've read the passage actively and understood its structure. The work happens during passage reading (3-4 minutes), not during question answering. If you find yourself re-reading large sections to answer the main point question, your active reading strategy needs refinement. Focus on identifying paragraph functions and the author's stance during your initial read, and the main point question becomes a quick verification of what you already understood rather than a difficult puzzle to solve.
Quick Reference: Main Point Question Checklist
Before Selecting Your Answer, Verify:
- ✓ Does it reflect what the author ARGUES, not just the topic?
- ✓ Does it cover the ENTIRE passage (all paragraphs)?
- ✓ Does it match the passage's FUNCTION (critique, defense, comparison)?
- ✓ Does it align with the AUTHOR's voice, not theorists' views?
- ✓ Is it at the right level of GENERALITY (neither too narrow nor too broad)?
- ✓ Does it match your PRE-PHRASED main point?
- ✓ Does it incorporate evaluative language from the passage?
If you can answer "yes" to all seven, you've found the correct answer.