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Test your basic knowledge |
LSAT Logical Reasoning Clues
Start Test
Study First
Subjects
:
logic-and-reasoning
,
LSAT
Instructions:
Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can
study here
.
Match each statement with the correct term.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.
This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. As an argument progresses - the author must use each term in a constant - coherent fashion. using a term in different ways is inherently confusing and undermines the integrity of the argument. n
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Rules for Family #3
Probability indicators
2. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Probability indicators
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Mistaken Negation
Exceptional case/over generalization
3. To weaken a conditional conclusion - attack the necessary condition by showing that the necessary condition does not need to occur in order for the sufficient condition to occur. With a combo of a conditional reasoning stimulus and a weaken question
Weakening conditional reasoning
Primary Objective #7
Conclusion definition
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
4. Occurs when an author attempts to attack an opponent's position by ignoring the actual statements made by the opposing speaker and instead distorts and refashions the argument - making it weaker in the process. Often prephrased by 'what you're saying
Rules for Family #2
Straw Man
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
5. Quantity: All = 100 Not all = 0-99 Some = 1-100 None = 0 Time: Always - Not always - Sometimes - Never Space: Everywhere - Not everywhere - Somewhere - No where.
Errors of conditional reasoning
Numbers and percentage errors
Logical opposites
Exceptional case/over generalization
6. 1. Identify the conclusion - this is what you are trying to strengthen 2. Personalize the argument 3. Look for weaknesses in the argument 4. Arguments that contain analogies or use surveys rely upon the validity of those analogies and surveys. Answer
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
How to strengthen an argument
Errors of composition and division
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
7. 1. You can use only the info in the stimulus to prove the correct answer choice 2. Any answer choice that describes an element or a situation that does not occur in the stimulus is incorrect Method of Reasoning questions use a variety of formats - bu
Central assumption of causal conclusions
How to determine the strength of an argument
Conclusion Identification Method
Method of Reasoning questions
8. Caused by because of responsible for reason for leads to induced by promoted by determined by produced by product of played a role in was a factor in is an effect of.
Family #3: Hurt
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Weaken question signal words
9. Introduce something that actually contains an idea that is counter to the argument. By raising opposition - the author can minimize the damage that would be done by the objection if it were raised elsewhere. but yet - however - on the other hand - ad
Primary Objective #6
Errors in the use of evidence
Mistaken Negation
Counter Premise Indicators
10. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Common weakening scenarios
Conclusion definition
Primary Objective #4
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
11. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Time shift errors
Straw Man
Family #4: Disprove
12. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Typical assumption question stems
False dilemma
Primary Objective #3
13. A fact - proposition or statement from which a conclusion is made. Ask: What reasons has the author used to persuade me? Why should I believe this argument? What evidence exists?
Premise definition
Weakening conditional reasoning
2 roles played by assumptions
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
14. Takes a small number of intstances and treats those instances as if they support a broad - sweeping conclusion. Often appears as an incorrect answer.n
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Family #3: Hurt
Mistaken Negation
Exceptional case/over generalization
15. They often feature 2 conclusions (main and sub.) - when the main conclusion is typically place in the first or second sentence and the last sentence contains the sub. conclusion. The sub. conclusion is set off by conclusion indicators while the main
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Mistaken cause and effect
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Assumption Negation Technique
16. Refer to the likelihood of occurence or the obligation present - as in 'The mayor should resign.' 'the law will never pass.' Examples: (do not need to memorize) must - will - always - not always - probably - likely - would - never - rarely - could -
Circular reasoning
Probability indicators
Necessary Condition
Weaken question signal words
17. Used to introduce other premises that support the conclusion but are sometimes non-essential to the conclusion furthermore - moreover - besides - in addition - whats more - after all.
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18. To raise a viewpoint at the beginning of the stimulus and then disagree with it immediately thereafter. The stimulus often begins with: Some people claim... Some people propose... Many people believe... Some argue that... Some critics claim... Some s
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Primary Objective #8
'Additional' Premise Indicators
19. If all 5 answer choices appear to be 'losers' - return to the stimulus and re-evaluate the argument.
Primary Objective #9
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Conclusion Indicators
20. 1. The stem uses the word strengthen or a synonym (support - helps - most justifies) 2. The stem indicates that you should accept the answer choices are true.
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
21. Authors misuses info to such a degree that they fail to provide any info to support their conclusion or they provide info that is irrelevant to their conclusion. n
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Conclusion definition
Family #2: Help
Quantity indicators
22. The author assumes as true What is supposed to be proved. exp: 'this essay is the best because it is better than all the others'n
Premise Indicators
Circular reasoning
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
23. Because - since - for - for example - for the reason that - in that - given that - as indicated by - due to - owing to - this can be seen from - we know this by.
Errors of composition and division
Premise Indicators
Survey errors
False dilemma
24. This type of flawed argument attacks the person (or source) instead of the argument they advance. because the LSAT is concerned solely with argument forms - a speaker can never validly attack the character or motives or a person; instead - a speaker
Rules for Family #3
Primary Objective #1
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Source argument AKA ad hominen
25. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Primary Objective #8
Primary Objective #2
Logical negation
26. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Necessary Condition
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Causal statements
27. Think about the structure of the argument before examining the answer choices. Do not expect to see the exact prephrase - there are too many variations. Make an abstract prephrase then examine each answer to see if it paraphrases the prephrase.n
How to strengthen an argument
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Premise definition
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
28. 1. Stimulus will contain an argument. Must isolate and identify and assess the premises and the conclusion. 2. Focus on the conclusion. Almost all correct Weaken answers impact the conclusion. 3. The info in the stimulus is suspect. There are often r
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
29. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Family #3: Hurt
Mistaken Reversal
Method of Reasoning
30. Whenever you identify a causal relationship in the conclusion of an LSAT problem - immediately prepare to either weaken or strengthen the argument. Tasks for Weaken questions...must always identify a causal conclusion. Then ask if there relationship
How to attack a causal conclusion
Errors of composition and division
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Common weakening scenarios
31. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Primary Objective #8
Rules for Family #3
Errors of composition and division
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
32. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Family #4: Disprove
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Conclusion Indicators
33. They h ave failed to fully and accurately identify the conclusion of the argument. If a conclusion is present - you MUST identify it prior to proceeding on to the question stem.
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
34. Argument Part - If you do see the main conclusion at the end of a Method-AP problem - be prepared to answer a question about a part of the arguement other than the conclusion.n
Conclusion Identification Method
Method of Reasoning
Primary Objective #8
How to strengthen an argument
35. First Family The correct answer choice will be a rephrasing of the main conclusion of the argument. The conclusion is either in the middle or beginning of the stimulus. The correct answer choice must not only be true it also must summarize the author
Causal statements
Mistaken cause and effect
Errors in the use of evidence
Main Point Questions
36. Allows you to decide between contenders or to confirm that the answer you have chosen is correct. 1. Logically negate the answer choices under consideration. Usually consists of taking a 'not' out of a sentence or putting a 'not' in a sentence. 2. Th
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
2 roles played by assumptions
Assumption Negation Technique
Conclusion Identification Method
37. They can be in the premises or conclusion. If they are in the conclusion the argument is flawed. Classic mistaken cause and effect reasoning refers to occurences when a causal assertion is made in the conclusion or the conclusion presumes a causal re
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Causal statements
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Numbers and percentage errors
38. 1. An indication that the answer choices should be accepted as true 2. Keywords that indicate your task is to resolve the problem Action: Problem: Resolve Paradox Explain Contradiction Reconcile Discrepancy Conflict Puzzle *Attempt to prephrase Corre
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Sufficient Condition
Family #3: Hurt
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
39. 1. The survey uses a biased sample 2. The survey questions are improperly constructed 3. Respondents to the survey give inaccurate responses. People do not always tell the truth when responding to surveys.n
Survey errors
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #5
40. Involves judgements made about groups and parts of a group. an error or composition occurs when the author attributes a characteristic of part of the group to the group as a whole or to each member of the group Error of division - author attributes c
Errors of composition and division
Numbers and percentage errors
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
41. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Family #2: Help
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Uncertain use of a term or concept
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
42. 1. Incomplete info. The author fails to consider all of the possibilities or relies upon evidence that is incomplete. This flaw can be attacked by bringing up new possibilities or info. 2. Improper comparison. The author attempts to compare two or mo
Justify the conclusion formula
Common weakening scenarios
Primary Objective #3
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
43. 1. if you recognize the form of reasoning used in the stimulus (causal - conditional - etc.) immediately attack the answers and search for the answer with similar reasoning (analogy - circular reasoning) 2. The Conclusion - match the conclusions - to
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Errors of composition and division
Errors in the use of evidence
44. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
2 roles played by assumptions
Primary Objective #1
Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
45. 1. new element answers - an answer that describes something that did not occure or describes an element new to the argument cannot be correct 2. Half right - half wrong answers - LSAT makers like to start off with something that happened - then end w
How to strengthen an argument
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
46. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
Primary Objective #6
Primary Objective #1
Counter Premise Indicators
Rules for Family #2
47. Mistaken negation and reversal exp: taking the non-existence of something as evidence that a necessary precondition for that thing also did not exist' (MN) 'mistakes being sufficient to justify punishment for being required to justify it' (MR)n
Rules for Family #2
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Assumption Negation Technique
Errors of conditional reasoning
48. 1. The stem uses the word assumption - presupposition or some variation 2. The stem NEVER uses the word 'if' or any other sufficient condition indicator. The stem will likely contain a necessary condition indicator such as required or unless. The cor
Typical assumption question stems
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Logical negation
49. A. Eliminates an alternate cause for the stated effect B. Shows that when the cause occurs - the effect occurs - assumption answers affirm the cause/effect relationship C. Show that when the cause does not occur - the effect doe not occur D. Eliminat
Errors in the use of evidence
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Circular reasoning
Mistaken cause and effect
50. Mis-assessing the force of evidence is a frequent error committed by LSAT authors 1. Lack of evidence for a position is taken to prove that position is false 2. lack of evidence against a position is taken to prove that position is true 3. some evide
Primary Objective #7
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Errors in the use of evidence
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