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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. If all 5 answer choices appear to be 'losers' - return to the stimulus and re-evaluate the argument.
Primary Objective #1
Primary Objective #9
Errors of conditional reasoning
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
2. 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
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Numbers and percentage errors
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
3. 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 -
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Probability indicators
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Main Point Questions
4. 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
Time shift errors
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Mistaken cause and effect
Typical assumption question stems
5. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Probability indicators
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Primary Objective #4
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
6. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Exceptional case/over generalization
Primary Objective #6
Primary Objective #9
7. 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
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Conclusion Identification Method
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
8. 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?
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Conclusion definition
'Additional' Premise Indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
9. 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?
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Premise definition
10. 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
Logical negation
How to strengthen an argument
2 roles played by assumptions
2 speaker questions
11. 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
Mistaken Negation
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Method of Reasoning
False analogy
12. 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.
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
False dilemma
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Straw Man
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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Logical opposites
Mistaken cause and effect
Counter Premise Indicators
14. 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
Logical opposites
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
15. 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
Assumption Negation Technique
Mistaken Reversal
Main Point Questions
16. 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 #8
How to strengthen an argument
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Logical negation
17. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Conclusion Indicators
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Probability indicators
18. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
Conclusion Indicators
False dilemma
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Sufficient Condition
19. 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
Primary Objective #6
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Mistaken Negation
20. 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
Main Point Questions
Exceptional case/over generalization
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
21. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Mistaken cause and effect
Primary Objective #8
Mistaken Reversal
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
22. 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
Rules for Family #2
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Method of Reasoning questions
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
23. 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
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Rules for Family #3
Weaken question signal words
Typical assumption question stems
24. 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
Causal statements
Typical assumption question stems
Family #1: Prove
Main Point Questions
25. 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
Assumption Negation Technique
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
26. 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
2 speaker questions
Method of Reasoning
How to strengthen an argument
Conclusion Identification Method
27. 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
False analogy
Conclusion definition
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Family #2: Help
28. 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
Appeal Fallacies
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Causal statements
29. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
How to strengthen an argument
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Straw Man
30. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Necessary Condition
How to strengthen an argument
Exceptional case/over generalization
31. 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
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Typical assumption question stems
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Survey errors
32. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
Primary Objective #1
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
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
2 speaker questions
Probability indicators
False analogy
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
34. 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
Circular reasoning
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
False dilemma
Causal statements
35. 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
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Exceptional case/over generalization
Rules for Family #2
Central assumption of causal conclusions
36. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Source argument AKA ad hominen
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
37. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Mistaken cause and effect
38. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
False dilemma
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Family #2: Help
Mistaken Reversal
39. 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.
Typical assumption question stems
Survey errors
Counter Premise Indicators
Family #1: Prove
40. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Errors of composition and division
Time shift errors
Numbers and percentage errors
Causal statements
41. 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.
Family #1: Prove
Rules for Family #2
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
42. 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
Family #3: Hurt
Probability indicators
Conclusion Identification Method
2 speaker questions
43. 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
Primary Objective #3
Errors of conditional reasoning
Premise definition
Rules for Family #2
44. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Appeal Fallacies
Rules for Family #1
45. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Weaken question signal words
Justify the conclusion formula
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
46. If - when - whenever - every - all - any - people who - in order to.
Appeal Fallacies
Weaken question signal words
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
47. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
2 roles played by assumptions
False analogy
Rules for Family #2
48. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Appeal Fallacies
Family #3: Hurt
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
49. 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
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
How to determine the strength of an argument
Straw Man
Errors in the use of evidence
50. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Method of Reasoning questions
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Primary Objective #5