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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. 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.
Typical assumption question stems
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Source argument AKA ad hominen
How to strengthen an argument
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
Family #1: Prove
Mistaken Reversal
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
3. 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
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #9
Primary Objective #1
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
4. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Mistaken Negation
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
5. 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
Conclusion Indicators
Causal statements
Rules for Family #1
6. 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 #1
False dilemma
Errors of composition and division
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
7. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
False analogy
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Primary Objective #3
8. 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
How to determine the strength of an argument
Weakening conditional reasoning
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
9. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Primary Objective #7
Quantity indicators
Uncertain use of a term or concept
10. 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
Errors of composition and division
Premise definition
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Primary Objective #3
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
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
How to determine the strength of an argument
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
12. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
13. 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
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Straw Man
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
14. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Logical opposites
Mistaken Reversal
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
15. 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
Rules for Family #3
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Primary Objective #5
Common weakening scenarios
16. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Primary Objective #6
17. 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
Method of Reasoning
Sufficient Condition
Premise definition
18. 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 -
Quantity indicators
Probability indicators
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Family #3: Hurt
19. 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
Rules for Family #1
Primary Objective #2
Common weakening scenarios
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
20. 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.
Typical assumption question stems
Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #3
Survey errors
21. 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
Errors of conditional reasoning
Primary Objective #9
False dilemma
2 roles played by assumptions
22. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Primary Objective #6
Rules for Family #3
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
23. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Primary Objective #2
Justify the conclusion formula
Sufficient Condition
Common weakening scenarios
24. 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
Causal statements
2 roles played by assumptions
Primary Objective #4
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
25. 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.
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Quantity indicators
Primary Objective #6
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
26. 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
Family #2: Help
How to strengthen an argument
Exceptional case/over generalization
27. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Mistaken Reversal
Weaken question signal words
Primary Objective #5
Typical assumption question stems
28. 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
Primary Objective #2
Numbers and percentage errors
Method of Reasoning questions
Method of Reasoning
29. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Rules for Family #3
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
30. 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.
Primary Objective #7
Mistaken Reversal
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Errors of conditional reasoning
31. 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.
Causal statements
Logical opposites
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Uncertain use of a term or concept
32. Negates both conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Negation: Not A+ --> Not Study
Conclusion Indicators
Mistaken Negation
Primary Objective #6
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
33. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Circular reasoning
Errors in the use of evidence
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
34. 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
Premise definition
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
How to attack a causal conclusion
Primary Objective #3
35. 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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36. Immediately look for the repeat or contrapositive in the answer choices. Avoid mistaken reversals and mistaken negations.
Causal statements
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Source argument AKA ad hominen
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
37. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Family #3: Hurt
Logical negation
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Family #2: Help
38. 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
Sufficient Condition
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Straw Man
2 roles played by assumptions
39. 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.
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Primary Objective #4
Errors in the use of evidence
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
40. 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
Sufficient Condition
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Primary Objective #7
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
41. 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
Assumption Negation Technique
Logical opposites
Typical assumption question stems
Rules for Family #3
42. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Errors of conditional reasoning
False dilemma
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
43. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Primary Objective #6
Mistaken Reversal
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
44. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Primary Objective #8
Source argument AKA ad hominen
45. 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
Causal statements
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Time shift errors
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
46. 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
Quantity indicators
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Straw Man
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
47. 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
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Survey errors
Conclusion definition
Rules for Family #3
48. 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
Source argument AKA ad hominen
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Quantity indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
49. 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 answers in Point at Issue questions
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Causal statements
50. 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
Justify the conclusion formula
Method of Reasoning
Common features of Resolve the Paradox