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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. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Causal statements
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
False analogy
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
2. 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
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
3. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Errors of conditional reasoning
Family #1: Prove
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
4. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
5. 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
Central assumption of causal conclusions
How to determine the strength of an argument
Counter Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #9
6. 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?
Primary Objective #4
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Conclusion definition
Primary Objective #2
7. 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.
Rules for Family #3
Typical assumption question stems
Quantity indicators
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
8. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Logical negation
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Necessary Condition
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
9. 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.
Conclusion Indicators
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Primary Objective #5
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
10. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Weaken question signal words
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
11. 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
Quantity indicators
Errors of conditional reasoning
How to strengthen an argument
2 roles played by assumptions
12. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Primary Objective #4
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Method of Reasoning questions
Causal statements
13. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Conclusion Identification Method
Conclusion Indicators
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
14. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Primary Objective #8
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Mistaken Reversal
Primary Objective #4
15. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Exceptional case/over generalization
How to attack a causal conclusion
16. 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
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Time shift errors
How to strengthen an argument
Primary Objective #1
17. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Rules for Family #1
18. 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
Primary Objective #1
2 roles played by assumptions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Central assumption of causal conclusions
19. 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
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Errors in the use of evidence
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
'Additional' Premise Indicators
20. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Primary Objective #2
Conclusion Identification Method
How to strengthen an argument
21. 1. assuming a causal relationship on the basis of the sequence of events 2. assuming a causal relationship when only a correlation exists 3. failure to consider an alternate cause for the effect or an alternate cause for both the cause and the effect
Family #1: Prove
Method of Reasoning
Typical assumption question stems
Mistaken cause and effect
22. 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
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Conclusion Indicators
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
23. 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
Uncertain use of a term or concept
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Family #2: Help
24. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Numbers and percentage errors
25. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Assumption Negation Technique
26. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
How to strengthen an argument
False dilemma
27. 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.
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Method of Reasoning questions
Family #1: Prove
Typical assumption question stems
28. 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
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
29. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Primary Objective #8
30. 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
Appeal Fallacies
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Circular reasoning
31. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Main Point Questions
Counter Premise Indicators
32. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Primary Objective #5
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Necessary Condition
Family #3: Hurt
33. 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 #9
Family #4: Disprove
Uncertain use of a term or concept
34. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
Time shift errors
Survey errors
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
35. 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 #3
Conclusion definition
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Straw Man
36. 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
2 speaker questions
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Appeal Fallacies
37. 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
Mistaken Reversal
Conclusion Identification Method
Rules for Family #1
Survey errors
38. 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
Common weakening scenarios
Survey errors
Central assumption of causal conclusions
2 speaker questions
39. 1. The stimulus will almost always contain an argument you must identify - isolate and assess the premises and the conclusion of the argument 2. Focus on the conclusion. Almost all correct answer choices impact the conclusion 3. The info in the stimu
Sufficient Condition
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
40. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #6
41. 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?
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Premise definition
Rules for Family #1
42. 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
Main Point Questions
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Primary Objective #9
43. 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.
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
How to strengthen an argument
44. 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
Primary Objective #6
Weakening conditional reasoning
Mistaken Negation
Mistaken cause and effect
45. 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
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
How to strengthen an argument
2 speaker questions
False dilemma
46. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
Primary Objective #3
Uncertain use of a term or concept
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Causal statements
47. 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
Probability indicators
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
48. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Primary Objective #5
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Errors of composition and division
Necessary Condition
49. At least on of the two - possibly both.
50. 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
Source argument AKA ad hominen
How to strengthen an argument
Rules for Family #3
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)