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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.
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Family #1: Prove
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Logical negation
2. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Method of Reasoning questions
Errors of composition and division
Necessary Condition
3. 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 #1
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
4. 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.
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
5. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Circular reasoning
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Logical negation
6. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Primary Objective #5
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Conclusion definition
Time shift errors
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
Family #1: Prove
Rules for Family #3
Primary Objective #3
Errors of composition and division
8. 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
Typical assumption question stems
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #6
Method of Reasoning questions
9. 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.
False dilemma
Premise Indicators
Survey errors
Typical assumption question stems
10. Immediately look for the repeat or contrapositive in the answer choices. Avoid mistaken reversals and mistaken negations.
Primary Objective #8
Exceptional case/over generalization
Premise definition
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
11. 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
Quantity indicators
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Method of Reasoning
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
12. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Primary Objective #7
Assumption Negation Technique
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
13. 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
2 speaker questions
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Assumption Negation Technique
Conclusion Identification Method
14. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Primary Objective #9
Logical negation
15. 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
Survey errors
Appeal Fallacies
Primary Objective #7
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
16. 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
Time shift errors
Counter Premise Indicators
Mistaken Negation
Primary Objective #9
17. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Circular reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
Time shift errors
Survey errors
18. 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
Main Point Questions
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Primary Objective #5
Premise Indicators
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
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Main Point Questions
20. 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
Main Point Questions
How to strengthen an argument
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Primary Objective #9
21. 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
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Mistaken cause and effect
Primary Objective #6
Time shift errors
22. If all 5 answer choices appear to be 'losers' - return to the stimulus and re-evaluate the argument.
Family #4: Disprove
Numbers and percentage errors
Causal statements
Primary Objective #9
23. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Typical assumption question stems
Family #4: Disprove
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
24. 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
Numbers and percentage errors
Logical opposites
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
25. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Justify the conclusion formula
Conclusion Identification Method
Sufficient Condition
26. 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
False analogy
Primary Objective #6
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Method of Reasoning
27. 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
Family #3: Hurt
Numbers and percentage errors
Circular reasoning
2 speaker questions
28. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Primary Objective #6
Necessary Condition
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
29. At least on of the two - possibly both.
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30. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Weaken question signal words
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
31. 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
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Rules for Family #2
Typical assumption question stems
32. 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
Primary Objective #9
2 roles played by assumptions
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
33. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Primary Objective #3
Mistaken cause and effect
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
34. Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of factual statements. MUST recognize whether a conclusion is present.
Family #2: Help
Primary Objective #1
Errors in the use of evidence
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
35. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Numbers and percentage errors
Uncertain use of a term or concept
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Probability indicators
36. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
False analogy
Method of Reasoning questions
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
How to attack a causal conclusion
37. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Logical opposites
Common weakening scenarios
Justify the conclusion formula
Primary Objective #2
38. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
Weaken question signal words
How to strengthen an argument
Rules for Family #2
Justify the conclusion formula
39. 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
Errors of composition and division
Logical negation
2 speaker questions
Premise Indicators
40. 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 -
False dilemma
Probability indicators
Primary Objective #3
Primary Objective #9
41. 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
Assumption Negation Technique
Rules for Family #2
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
42. 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
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Circular reasoning
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Rules for Family #2
43. 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
Central assumption of causal conclusions
How to determine the strength of an argument
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
44. 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 #9
Primary Objective #1
Common weakening scenarios
Primary Objective #7
45. 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.
Counter Premise Indicators
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
46. 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
Quantity indicators
How to strengthen an argument
2 speaker questions
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
47. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Family #2: Help
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
48. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Primary Objective #8
Conclusion definition
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Rules for Family #2
49. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
How to determine the strength of an argument
50. 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
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Sufficient Condition
Exceptional case/over generalization
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions