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) AKA: must be or prove family must be true - main point - point at issue - method of reasoning - flaw in the reasoning - parallel reasoning.
Weakening conditional reasoning
Family #1: Prove
Primary Objective #9
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
2. 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.
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Primary Objective #4
Rules for Family #3
3. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Errors of conditional reasoning
Primary Objective #5
Mistaken cause and effect
4. 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.
Probability indicators
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Primary Objective #8
5. 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
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Weakening conditional reasoning
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
6. 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
Numbers and percentage errors
Typical assumption question stems
Main Point Questions
7. 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?
Method of Reasoning
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Conclusion definition
Premise definition
8. 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
Time shift errors
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Weaken question signal words
Weakening conditional reasoning
9. 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
Method of Reasoning questions
Mistaken cause and effect
Rules for Family #2
Quantity indicators
10. 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
Mistaken Reversal
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
11. If all 5 answer choices appear to be 'losers' - return to the stimulus and re-evaluate the argument.
Primary Objective #9
Counter Premise Indicators
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
12. 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
Time shift errors
Numbers and percentage errors
Family #1: Prove
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
13. 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.
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Logical opposites
Primary Objective #5
Time shift errors
14. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Circular reasoning
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Primary Objective #8
15. 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
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Mistaken Negation
16. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
Survey errors
Time shift errors
Justify the conclusion formula
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
17. 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
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Premise Indicators
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
18. 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
Weaken question signal words
Causal statements
Method of Reasoning questions
Family #1: Prove
19. 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
Logical opposites
Quantity indicators
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
20. 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
Typical assumption question stems
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Central assumption of causal conclusions
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
21. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
How to attack a causal conclusion
Main Point Questions
How to strengthen an argument
22. 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
Straw Man
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
23. 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
Method of Reasoning
Primary Objective #2
Primary Objective #8
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
24. 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
Family #2: Help
How to determine the strength of an argument
Circular reasoning
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
25. 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
Main Point Questions
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Conclusion definition
26. 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
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
2 roles played by assumptions
Premise Indicators
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
27. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Probability indicators
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
28. 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
Rules for Family #1
Causal statements
Necessary Condition
Typical assumption question stems
29. 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
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Family #4: Disprove
30. Negates both conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Negation: Not A+ --> Not Study
Mistaken Negation
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Premise Indicators
Rules for Family #2
31. 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
Primary Objective #5
False analogy
How to determine the strength of an argument
32. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
False dilemma
Conclusion Indicators
Family #2: Help
Mistaken cause and effect
33. 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+.
Primary Objective #1
Mistaken Reversal
Common weakening scenarios
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
34. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Primary Objective #9
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Logical negation
Time shift errors
35. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
False analogy
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Sufficient Condition
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
36. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
False analogy
Exceptional case/over generalization
Primary Objective #6
Central assumption of causal conclusions
37. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
Logical opposites
False dilemma
Family #4: Disprove
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
38. 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 -
Rules for Family #2
Probability indicators
Quantity indicators
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
39. 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
Circular reasoning
Primary Objective #3
Primary Objective #4
Rules for Family #1
40. 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
Mistaken cause and effect
Necessary Condition
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
41. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
How to determine the strength of an argument
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
How to attack a causal conclusion
False analogy
42. 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
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Primary Objective #8
Typical assumption question stems
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
43. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Necessary Condition
Time shift errors
How to attack a causal conclusion
Common weakening scenarios
44. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Conclusion definition
Primary Objective #2
Primary Objective #1
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
45. 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
Premise Indicators
Weakening conditional reasoning
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Rules for Family #3
46. Immediately look for the repeat or contrapositive in the answer choices. Avoid mistaken reversals and mistaken negations.
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
47. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
Primary Objective #3
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Typical assumption question stems
48. 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
Family #4: Disprove
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
How to attack a causal conclusion
49. 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
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Errors in the use of evidence
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
50. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Logical negation
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?