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. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Weakening conditional reasoning
Appeal Fallacies
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
2. The makers of the LSAT do not think that there are multiple causes for the same effect. When an LSAT speaker concludes that one occurance caused another - that speaker also assumes that the stated cause is the only possible cause of the effect and th
Primary Objective #7
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Primary Objective #3
Central assumption of causal conclusions
3. 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
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Typical assumption question stems
Method of Reasoning questions
Probability indicators
4. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Conclusion Indicators
5. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
Survey errors
Method of Reasoning
False dilemma
6. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Primary Objective #9
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
7. 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
Circular reasoning
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Family #2: Help
8. 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
9. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Time shift errors
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Conclusion Indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
10. 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.
Rules for Family #2
Logical opposites
Weaken question signal words
Weakening conditional reasoning
11. 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
Main Point Questions
Errors in the use of evidence
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Necessary Condition
12. Take the statements under consideration and place them in an arrangement that forces once to be the conclusion and the other(s) to be the premise (s). Use premise and conclusion indicators to achieve this end. Once the pieces are arranged - determine
Survey errors
Conclusion Identification Method
Method of Reasoning
Typical assumption question stems
13. 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
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Primary Objective #1
Counter Premise Indicators
14. 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
Time shift errors
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Primary Objective #7
Central assumption of causal conclusions
15. 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
Numbers and percentage errors
Mistaken Reversal
How to determine the strength of an argument
16. 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
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Exceptional case/over generalization
Rules for Family #3
Counter Premise Indicators
17. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
How to attack a causal conclusion
How to strengthen an argument
Straw Man
18. 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
Rules for Family #3
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Numbers and percentage errors
Time shift errors
19. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Sufficient Condition
Numbers and percentage errors
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
Mistaken cause and effect
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
2 roles played by assumptions
Method of Reasoning questions
21. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Conclusion definition
22. 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
Quantity indicators
Time shift errors
Primary Objective #8
Rules for Family #1
23. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
Conclusion definition
False analogy
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Survey errors
24. 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 -
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Probability indicators
25. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
False analogy
Numbers and percentage errors
26. 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
False analogy
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Mistaken cause and effect
Errors of conditional reasoning
27. 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+.
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Survey errors
Mistaken Reversal
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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Typical assumption question stems
29. 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
Causal statements
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Primary Objective #4
Main Point Questions
30. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Family #1: Prove
Central assumption of causal conclusions
31. 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.
Time shift errors
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
32. 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
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Primary Objective #3
Straw Man
Rules for Family #3
33. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Primary Objective #4
Mistaken cause and effect
Survey errors
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
34. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Family #2: Help
Time shift errors
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Causal statements
35. 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
Primary Objective #6
Source argument AKA ad hominen
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Premise Indicators
36. 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?
Family #4: Disprove
Appeal Fallacies
Conclusion definition
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
37. Stimulus (accepted) ----> Answer Choices (affected or determined) AKA: must be or prove family must be true - main point - point at issue - method of reasoning - flaw in the reasoning - parallel reasoning.
'Additional' Premise Indicators
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Family #1: Prove
38. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Quantity indicators
Primary Objective #3
39. 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
Rules for Family #2
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Exceptional case/over generalization
40. 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.
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Quantity indicators
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Primary Objective #6
41. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
Conclusion Identification Method
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Primary Objective #1
42. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Method of Reasoning questions
Typical assumption question stems
43. 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
Quantity indicators
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
How to attack a causal conclusion
44. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Weaken question signal words
False dilemma
45. If - when - whenever - every - all - any - people who - in order to.
Mistaken Negation
Survey errors
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Mistaken cause and effect
46. 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 definition
Primary Objective #3
Circular reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
47. 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.
Survey errors
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Rules for Family #2
48. 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
49. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Family #3: Hurt
Errors of conditional reasoning
Method of Reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
50. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Appeal Fallacies
Primary Objective #5
Survey errors
Conclusion Indicators