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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. 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
Premise Indicators
Survey errors
Method of Reasoning
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
2. 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
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Circular reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
3. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Rules for Family #2
Logical negation
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Errors of composition and division
4. 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
Counter Premise Indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Central assumption of causal conclusions
5. 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
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Straw Man
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
6. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Quantity indicators
Appeal Fallacies
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Primary Objective #5
7. 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
Rules for Family #1
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
8. 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
Assumption Negation Technique
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Mistaken Reversal
Primary Objective #2
9. If - when - whenever - every - all - any - people who - in order to.
Family #1: Prove
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
10. 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?
False analogy
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Premise definition
How to attack a causal conclusion
11. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
2 roles played by assumptions
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
12. 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
Common weakening scenarios
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
How to strengthen an argument
13. 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
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Mistaken Reversal
Numbers and percentage errors
14. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Probability indicators
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
15. 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.
Mistaken Reversal
Primary Objective #7
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
False dilemma
16. 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
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Errors of conditional reasoning
Logical negation
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
17. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Survey errors
18. 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
Main Point Questions
False analogy
Circular reasoning
Weakening conditional reasoning
19. 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.
Primary Objective #2
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
20. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #3
Primary Objective #8
Family #3: Hurt
21. 1. Any 'new' element in the conclusion will appear in the correct answer. 2. Elements that are common to the conclusion and at least one premise normally do not appear in the correct answer. 3. Elements that appear in the premises but not the conclus
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Appeal Fallacies
Conclusion definition
Justify the conclusion formula
22. 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 #5
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Rules for Family #3
Mistaken Negation
23. 1. Increasing percentages automatically lead to increasing numbers. This is not necessarily true because the overall size of the group could get smaller. 2. Decreasing percentages automatically lead to decreasing numbers 3. Increasing numbers automat
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Errors of composition and division
Primary Objective #6
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
24. 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?
False analogy
Errors of conditional reasoning
Conclusion definition
Source argument AKA ad hominen
25. 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
Survey errors
Method of Reasoning
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Main Point Questions
26. 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.
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Central assumption of causal conclusions
27. 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
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
False analogy
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
28. 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
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Errors of composition and division
Mistaken Reversal
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
29. 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
How to determine the strength of an argument
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
30. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
Mistaken Reversal
Sufficient Condition
Exceptional case/over generalization
Method of Reasoning
31. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Primary Objective #2
Primary Objective #4
2 roles played by assumptions
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
32. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
Conclusion definition
33. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Counter Premise Indicators
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
How to strengthen an argument
34. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
How to attack a causal conclusion
Typical assumption question stems
Errors of composition and division
35. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Source argument AKA ad hominen
36. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Primary Objective #8
Exceptional case/over generalization
37. At least on of the two - possibly both.
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38. 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.
2 roles played by assumptions
Premise definition
Errors of conditional reasoning
Logical opposites
39. If an answer choice describes an event that did not occur in the stimulus - then that answer is incorrect. Watch for answers that are partially true - that is answers that contain a description of something that happened in the argument but that also
Conclusion definition
How to strengthen an argument
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
40. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Quantity indicators
Rules for Family #3
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Family #3: Hurt
41. 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
Common weakening scenarios
2 speaker questions
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Family #2: Help
42. 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 -
Logical negation
Primary Objective #8
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Probability indicators
43. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Exceptional case/over generalization
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
44. 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
Primary Objective #3
Circular reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
False dilemma
45. 1. No conclusion. When a stimulus does not have a conclusion and contains a paradox - expect a Resolve question 2. Language of contradiction exp: but - however - yet - although - paradoxically - surprisingly.
2 speaker questions
Rules for Family #3
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
46. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
False analogy
Mistaken Reversal
Family #3: Hurt
47. 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.
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Premise Indicators
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Numbers and percentage errors
48. 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
Logical negation
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Circular reasoning
Causal statements
49. 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.
Premise definition
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Weakening conditional reasoning
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
50. 1. You must accept the stimulus info- even if it contains an error in reasoning-and use it to prove one of the answer choices must be true. 2. Any info in an answer choice that does not appear either directly in the stimulus or as a combination of it
Family #4: Disprove
Probability indicators
Rules for Family #1
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Can you answer 50 questions in 15 minutes?
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