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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. 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.
Necessary Condition
Family #1: Prove
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Main Point Questions
2. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Family #3: Hurt
Necessary Condition
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Family #4: Disprove
3. 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
Primary Objective #6
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Errors in the use of evidence
Causal statements
4. 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
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Weakening conditional reasoning
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
5. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Primary Objective #7
Premise definition
Primary Objective #1
6. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
Method of Reasoning questions
Sufficient Condition
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
7. 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
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Weaken question signal words
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Exceptional case/over generalization
8. Immediately look for the repeat or contrapositive in the answer choices. Avoid mistaken reversals and mistaken negations.
How to determine the strength of an argument
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
9. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Primary Objective #6
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Time shift errors
10. 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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11. 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
Primary Objective #9
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Conclusion Identification Method
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
12. 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 numerical ideas
Causal statements
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Conclusion definition
13. 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
False analogy
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Probability indicators
14. 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
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Method of Reasoning questions
Common weakening scenarios
Numbers and percentage errors
15. 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
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Method of Reasoning questions
Circular reasoning
Mistaken Reversal
16. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Appeal Fallacies
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
17. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Family #3: Hurt
Family #1: Prove
18. 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
Primary Objective #2
How to strengthen an argument
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
19. 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.
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Conclusion Identification Method
20. 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
Probability indicators
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Weakening conditional reasoning
21. 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
How to determine the strength of an argument
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Rules for Family #1
Primary Objective #2
22. 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?
Premise definition
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
23. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Weaken question signal words
How to determine the strength of an argument
24. 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
Conclusion definition
Assumption Negation Technique
Primary Objective #5
2 speaker questions
25. 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
Survey errors
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Quantity indicators
26. 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
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Logical opposites
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
27. 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
Rules for Family #2
Primary Objective #8
Errors of composition and division
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
28. 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
Premise Indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
Assumption Negation Technique
Source argument AKA ad hominen
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
Primary Objective #3
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
30. A. Eliminate any alternate causes for the stated effect. B. Show that when the cause occurs - the effect occurs. C. Show that when the cause does not occur - the effect does not occur. D. Eliminate the possility that the stated relationship is revers
Family #3: Hurt
Rules for Family #1
Premise Indicators
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
31. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Primary Objective #4
Necessary Condition
32. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Probability indicators
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Justify the conclusion formula
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
33. 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
Necessary Condition
Exceptional case/over generalization
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Primary Objective #8
34. 1. If conditional statements are linked together in the argument - the correct answer choice for an assumption question will typically supply a missing link in the chain or the contrapositive to that link. 2. If you see a conditional conclusion and t
Primary Objective #8
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
35. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Rules for Family #2
Mistaken Reversal
Method of Reasoning
36. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Family #1: Prove
Time shift errors
Counter Premise Indicators
37. At least on of the two - possibly both.
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38. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Logical negation
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Family #1: Prove
Uncertain use of a term or concept
39. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Primary Objective #9
Primary Objective #3
Conclusion Indicators
Time shift errors
40. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
Primary Objective #3
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Numbers and percentage errors
41. 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+.
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Primary Objective #1
Mistaken Reversal
Family #3: Hurt
42. 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.
Primary Objective #9
Logical negation
Primary Objective #6
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
43. 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
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Straw Man
Rules for Family #3
Time shift errors
44. 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
Primary Objective #7
Conclusion Indicators
Weaken question signal words
Assumption Negation Technique
45. Always read each of the five answer choices. If an answer choice appears somewhat attractive - interesting or even confusing - keep it as a contender and move to the next answer.
Method of Reasoning
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Primary Objective #7
46. 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
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Primary Objective #5
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Primary Objective #3
47. 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
Mistaken Negation
Errors of composition and division
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
48. 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
Conclusion definition
Conclusion Identification Method
Primary Objective #9
Appeal Fallacies
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
Conclusion Indicators
Errors in the use of evidence
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Numbers and percentage errors
50. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
Common weakening scenarios
False analogy
Quantity indicators
Method of Reasoning questions