SUBJECTS
|
BROWSE
|
CAREER CENTER
|
POPULAR
|
JOIN
|
LOGIN
Business Skills
|
Soft Skills
|
Basic Literacy
|
Certifications
About
|
Help
|
Privacy
|
Terms
|
Email
Search
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. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Family #2: Help
Family #3: Hurt
2 roles played by assumptions
Family #4: Disprove
2. 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
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Common weakening scenarios
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
3. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Family #4: Disprove
Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #6
4. A. Eliminate any alternate causes for the stated effect. B. Show that when the cause occurs - the effect occurs. C. Show that when the cause does not occur - the effect does not occur. D. Eliminate the possility that the stated relationship is revers
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Causal statements
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
5. 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
Sufficient Condition
Counter Premise Indicators
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
6. 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.
Logical opposites
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Family #4: Disprove
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
7. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Conclusion Identification Method
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
8. Usually have one male and one female. The female uses sound reasoning and the male uses flawed reasoning or makes a mistake. This is not always true - but more often than not.n
Survey errors
2 speaker questions
Logical opposites
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
9. 1. Stem uses the word 'if' or another sufficient indicator 2. Stem uses the phrase 'allows the conclusion to be properly drawn' or 'enables the conclusion to be properly drawn'. 3. Stem does not lessen the degree of justification. Never uses 'most ju
Source argument AKA ad hominen
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Method of Reasoning
Survey errors
10. 1. Watch for answers starting with the phrase 'at least one' or 'at least some'. When an assumption answer choice starts with one of these phrases it is usually right. But ALWAYS verify with A.N.T. 2. Avoid answers that claim an idea was the most imp
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Numbers and percentage errors
How to determine the strength of an argument
11. 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.
Exceptional case/over generalization
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Rules for Family #2
Primary Objective #3
12. 1. Appeal to authority - uses the opinion of an authority in an attempt to persuade the reader. The flaw is that the authority may not have relevant knowledge or all of the info regarding the situation - to there may be a difference of opinion among
Appeal Fallacies
Mistaken cause and effect
Primary Objective #4
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
13. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
False analogy
Circular reasoning
Mistaken cause and effect
Time shift errors
14. 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
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Rules for Family #1
Family #2: Help
Justify the conclusion formula
15. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Family #2: Help
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Weaken question signal words
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
16. 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
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Main Point Questions
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Conclusion definition
17. Refer to the amount or quantity in the relationship. Examples: (do not need to memorize) all - every - most - many - several - sole - only - not all - none - few.
Quantity indicators
Logical opposites
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Uncertain use of a term or concept
18. A statement or judgement that follows from one or more reasons. Ask: What is the author driving at? What does the author want me to believe? What point follows from the others?
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Rules for Family #3
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Conclusion definition
19. 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.
Warning
: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in
/var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php
on line
183
20. Supporter - the traditional linking role - where an assumption connects pieces of the argument. (often new or rogue pieces) They also can close gaps. Ex: All male citizens of athens had the right to vote. Therefore - Socrates had the right to vote in
2 speaker questions
2 roles played by assumptions
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
21. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Family #1: Prove
Primary Objective #1
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
22. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Rules for Family #1
Exceptional case/over generalization
23. 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
Counter Premise Indicators
Appeal Fallacies
How to strengthen an argument
24. 1. The sufficient condition does not make the necessary condition occur. That is - the sufficient condition does not actively cause the necessary condition to happen. 2. Temporally speaking - either condition can occur first - or the two conditions c
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
How to determine the strength of an argument
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
25. 1. Whatever term is modified by 'unless' - 'except' - 'until' or 'without' becomes the necessary condition 2. The remaining term is negated and becomes the sufficient condition.
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Primary Objective #4
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
26. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
False dilemma
Survey errors
Rules for Family #1
Primary Objective #1
27. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Family #1: Prove
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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Straw Man
Central assumption of causal conclusions
29. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Logical negation
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
30. 1. The info in the stimulus is suspect. There are often reasoning errors present and depending on the question - you will help shore up the argument in some way. 2. The answer choices are accepted as given - even if they include 'new' info. Your task
How to attack a causal conclusion
2 roles played by assumptions
Logical opposites
Rules for Family #2
31. 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.
Premise Indicators
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Premise definition
Primary Objective #5
32. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Primary Objective #1
Primary Objective #6
Quantity indicators
33. 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.
Primary Objective #7
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
False analogy
34. 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
Circular reasoning
Necessary Condition
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Mistaken cause and effect
35. At least on of the two - possibly both.
Warning
: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in
/var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php
on line
183
36. Always ask: Do the given facts support the conclusion? Do the premises strongly suggest that the conclusion would be true? Does the conclusion feel like an inevitable result of the premises? Or Does the conclusion go beyond the scope of the info in t
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
How to determine the strength of an argument
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
False analogy
37. 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
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Premise Indicators
Survey errors
Justify the conclusion formula
38. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
How to determine the strength of an argument
Primary Objective #4
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Errors in the use of evidence
39. 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
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Assumption Negation Technique
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Primary Objective #1
40. 1. If conditional statements are linked together in the argument - the correct answer choice for an assumption question will typically supply a missing link in the chain or the contrapositive to that link. 2. If you see a conditional conclusion and t
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Justify the conclusion formula
Family #1: Prove
Uncertain use of a term or concept
41. Weaken - attack - undermine - refute - argue against - call into question - cast doubt - challenge - damage - counter - When evaluating answers ask yourself: 'Would this answer choice make the author reconsider his position or force the author to res
Weaken question signal words
Family #2: Help
Necessary Condition
How to determine the strength of an argument
42. 1. The info in the stimulus is supect. There are often reasoning errors present - and you will further weaken the argument in some way. 2. The answer choices are accepted as given - even if they include 'new' info. The task is to determine which answ
Primary Objective #4
Circular reasoning
Errors of composition and division
Rules for Family #3
43. 1. ethical versus factual situations - when the stimulus addresses something ethical - a factual answer would be incorrect and vice versa 2. dual agreement or dual disagreement - often incorrect answer choices will supply statements that both speaker
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
How to strengthen an argument
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
44. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Appeal Fallacies
Conclusion Indicators
Weaken question signal words
Circular reasoning
45. The mistake involves assuming that conditions will remain constant over time - and that what was the case in the past will be the case in the future or present. n
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Sufficient Condition
Time shift errors
46. Switches the elements in the sufficient and necessary conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Reversal: Study --> A+.
Mistaken Reversal
Quantity indicators
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Logical negation
47. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Family #3: Hurt
Errors of composition and division
Central assumption of causal conclusions
48. 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
Main Point Questions
Mistaken Reversal
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #5
49. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Primary Objective #2
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #5
50. 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
Causal statements
Primary Objective #1
False dilemma
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions