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Test your basic knowledge |
LSAT Logical Reasoning Clues
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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 improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Primary Objective #1
2 roles played by assumptions
Numbers and percentage errors
Primary Objective #8
2. 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.
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3. 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
Primary Objective #2
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Mistaken Reversal
2 speaker questions
4. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Primary Objective #5
Primary Objective #1
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
5. 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
Weaken question signal words
Method of Reasoning
Exceptional case/over generalization
How to attack a causal conclusion
6. 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
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Method of Reasoning
Mistaken cause and effect
7. Involves judgements made about groups and parts of a group. an error or composition occurs when the author attributes a characteristic of part of the group to the group as a whole or to each member of the group Error of division - author attributes c
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Premise definition
Errors of composition and division
8. 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
Rules for Family #2
Primary Objective #1
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
9. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Primary Objective #9
Family #2: Help
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
10. 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
How to attack a causal conclusion
Numbers and percentage errors
Primary Objective #9
Assumption Negation Technique
11. 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
Conclusion Identification Method
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Assumption Negation Technique
Time shift errors
12. 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
Necessary Condition
Causal statements
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
13. 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 -
Errors of conditional reasoning
Probability indicators
Mistaken Negation
2 speaker questions
14. 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
Conclusion definition
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Primary Objective #9
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
15. 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
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Typical assumption question stems
How to strengthen an argument
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
16. 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
Method of Reasoning questions
Weakening conditional reasoning
Family #4: Disprove
Justify the conclusion formula
17. 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
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Time shift errors
Premise Indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
18. 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
Sufficient Condition
2 roles played by assumptions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
19. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Family #2: Help
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Necessary Condition
Family #4: Disprove
20. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Necessary Condition
False analogy
Primary Objective #5
21. 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
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Primary Objective #3
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
22. 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.
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Family #1: Prove
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Uncertain use of a term or concept
23. 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
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Counter Premise Indicators
Errors of composition and division
Primary Objective #8
24. 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.
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Errors in the use of evidence
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
25. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
Justify the conclusion formula
Primary Objective #3
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Method of Reasoning
26. 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
Circular reasoning
Common weakening scenarios
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Rules for Family #1
27. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Primary Objective #1
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
28. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Primary Objective #4
Common weakening scenarios
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Quantity indicators
29. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Justify the conclusion formula
False dilemma
Primary Objective #4
30. 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
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Errors of conditional reasoning
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
31. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Primary Objective #5
Conclusion Indicators
Primary Objective #1
32. 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
2 speaker questions
How to determine the strength of an argument
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
33. 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
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Primary Objective #9
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Straw Man
34. 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
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
35. 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
How to strengthen an argument
Straw Man
Source argument AKA ad hominen
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
36. 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
Primary Objective #7
Weaken question signal words
False dilemma
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
37. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
False analogy
Assumption Negation Technique
Conclusion Indicators
How to attack a causal conclusion
38. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Primary Objective #1
Common weakening scenarios
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
39. 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
False analogy
Straw Man
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
40. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Primary Objective #2
Rules for Family #1
Probability indicators
Primary Objective #9
41. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Family #2: Help
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Premise Indicators
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
42. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
False dilemma
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
43. 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?
Primary Objective #4
Premise definition
Family #4: Disprove
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
44. 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
Time shift errors
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Exceptional case/over generalization
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
45. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Weakening conditional reasoning
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
2 roles played by assumptions
46. 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
Probability indicators
False dilemma
Primary Objective #8
47. 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.
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Quantity indicators
Justify the conclusion formula
48. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Rules for Family #1
Errors of conditional reasoning
Mistaken cause and effect
49. 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.
Common weakening scenarios
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
How to strengthen an argument
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
50. 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
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Causal statements
Justify the conclusion formula
Necessary Condition
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