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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 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
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Time shift errors
Appeal Fallacies
2. 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
Conclusion Indicators
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Assumption Negation Technique
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 #8
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
2 speaker questions
Primary Objective #5
4. 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
Family #3: Hurt
How to determine the strength of an argument
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
5. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Primary Objective #8
Family #3: Hurt
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Justify the conclusion formula
6. 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.
Conclusion definition
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Appeal Fallacies
Premise Indicators
7. At least on of the two - possibly both.
8. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
False analogy
Justify the conclusion formula
Main Point Questions
False dilemma
9. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
Main Point Questions
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
How to determine the strength of an argument
10. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Mistaken cause and effect
Time shift errors
11. 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
Premise definition
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
How to determine the strength of an argument
12. 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
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Circular reasoning
Survey errors
Main Point Questions
13. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Method of Reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
Family #2: Help
14. 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
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Conclusion definition
Appeal Fallacies
15. 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
2 speaker questions
Primary Objective #7
Counter Premise Indicators
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
16. 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
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Method of Reasoning
17. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Circular reasoning
Logical opposites
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
18. 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
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Primary Objective #2
Family #1: Prove
Appeal Fallacies
19. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Conclusion Indicators
20. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Necessary Condition
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Rules for Family #3
21. 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
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Causal statements
Common weakening scenarios
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
22. 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 #1
Primary Objective #8
Mistaken Reversal
Rules for Family #2
23. 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.
Main Point Questions
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Numbers and percentage errors
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
24. 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
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Primary Objective #2
'Additional' Premise Indicators
25. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Quantity indicators
Primary Objective #6
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
'Additional' Premise Indicators
26. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
False dilemma
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Conclusion Identification Method
27. 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
Circular reasoning
Primary Objective #3
How to attack a causal conclusion
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
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.
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Quantity indicators
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Common weakening scenarios
29. 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
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Premise definition
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
30. 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
Family #4: Disprove
Weaken question signal words
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
31. 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
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Typical assumption question stems
Common weakening scenarios
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
32. 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
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Conclusion Identification Method
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
33. 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
Primary Objective #1
2 speaker questions
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Conclusion Identification Method
34. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Primary Objective #8
How to strengthen an argument
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Primary Objective #1
35. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Primary Objective #4
Primary Objective #9
36. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Straw Man
Primary Objective #4
Survey errors
Family #3: Hurt
37. 1. Incomplete info. The author fails to consider all of the possibilities or relies upon evidence that is incomplete. This flaw can be attacked by bringing up new possibilities or info. 2. Improper comparison. The author attempts to compare two or mo
Method of Reasoning questions
Common weakening scenarios
Family #1: Prove
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
38. 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
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Errors of composition and division
Weaken question signal words
Mistaken cause and effect
39. 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
Weaken question signal words
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Mistaken Reversal
Conclusion Indicators
40. 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
False analogy
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
How to attack a causal conclusion
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
41. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Rules for Family #3
Numbers and percentage errors
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
42. 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.
43. 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.
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Primary Objective #9
Primary Objective #7
Time shift errors
44. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Primary Objective #2
Sufficient Condition
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
45. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
Primary Objective #3
Sufficient Condition
Necessary Condition
Errors in the use of evidence
46. 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
Premise definition
Rules for Family #2
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Time shift errors
47. 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.
Primary Objective #7
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
2 speaker questions
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
48. 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.
Mistaken cause and effect
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Conclusion Indicators
49. 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.
Family #1: Prove
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Primary Objective #8
Errors of composition and division
50. 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 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Assumption Negation Technique
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions