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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. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Conclusion Indicators
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Mistaken Negation
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
2. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
False analogy
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
3. 1. Opposite answers. These answers do the exact opposite of What is needed. 2. Shell game answers. Occurs when an idea or concept is raised in the stimulus and then a very similar idea appears in the answer choices - but the idea is changed just enou
Family #2: Help
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Conclusion Identification Method
Logical negation
4. 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
Method of Reasoning
Assumption Negation Technique
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Mistaken Reversal
5. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Primary Objective #3
Logical negation
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
6. 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
Weakening conditional reasoning
How to strengthen an argument
Errors of composition and division
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
7. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
Central assumption of causal conclusions
False dilemma
Rules for Family #1
Method of Reasoning
8. 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
Family #4: Disprove
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Source argument AKA ad hominen
9. 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
Family #4: Disprove
Time shift errors
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
10. 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
Circular reasoning
How to attack a causal conclusion
Errors in the use of evidence
Common weakening scenarios
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
2 roles played by assumptions
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Numbers and percentage errors
Exceptional case/over generalization
12. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Primary Objective #5
Family #2: Help
Logical opposites
Assumption Negation Technique
13. 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+.
Mistaken Reversal
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
'Additional' Premise Indicators
14. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Rules for Family #1
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
15. 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?
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Premise definition
Rules for Family #3
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
16. 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
Primary Objective #5
Logical opposites
Justify the conclusion formula
Common weakening scenarios
17. 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
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Assumption Negation Technique
Primary Objective #1
18. 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.
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Rules for Family #2
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
19. 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
Conclusion Identification Method
Errors of composition and division
Survey errors
Counter Premise Indicators
20. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
Family #1: Prove
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Uncertain use of a term or concept
21. 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
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
22. 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
Premise Indicators
How to strengthen an argument
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
23. 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.
Main Point Questions
Weakening conditional reasoning
Appeal Fallacies
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
24. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Primary Objective #1
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Sufficient Condition
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
25. 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
Rules for Family #1
Common weakening scenarios
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
26. 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.
Mistaken Negation
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Premise Indicators
Appeal Fallacies
27. 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.
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Logical opposites
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Rules for Family #3
28. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Main Point Questions
Weakening conditional reasoning
Mistaken Negation
Family #4: Disprove
29. 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
Primary Objective #9
False analogy
Quantity indicators
30. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Family #4: Disprove
Primary Objective #6
'Additional' Premise Indicators
2 speaker questions
31. 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.
Mistaken cause and effect
Primary Objective #7
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Weaken question signal words
32. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Quantity indicators
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Logical negation
Uncertain use of a term or concept
33. 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
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #1
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
34. 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
2 roles played by assumptions
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
35. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Counter Premise Indicators
Logical negation
36. 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
2 speaker questions
Conclusion definition
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
37. 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
Primary Objective #8
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Mistaken Negation
38. 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
Central assumption of causal conclusions
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
39. 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.
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Primary Objective #6
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
40. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Rules for Family #2
41. 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
Errors of composition and division
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Conclusion Identification Method
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
42. 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
2 roles played by assumptions
Appeal Fallacies
Main Point Questions
Family #1: Prove
43. 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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44. 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
Mistaken cause and effect
Family #3: Hurt
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Sufficient Condition
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
Primary Objective #6
Rules for Family #3
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
46. 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
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Rules for Family #2
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Mistaken cause and effect
47. 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
Primary Objective #6
Weakening conditional reasoning
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Causal statements
48. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Numbers and percentage errors
Probability indicators
Errors of composition and division
49. 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
Weakening conditional reasoning
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Primary Objective #8
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
50. At least on of the two - possibly both.
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