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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 the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
False analogy
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Causal statements
2. 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 roles played by assumptions
Counter Premise Indicators
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
3. 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 #1: Prove
Time shift errors
Justify the conclusion formula
Primary Objective #1
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
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Survey errors
Errors of composition and division
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
5. 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
Necessary Condition
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
False dilemma
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
6. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
7. 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.
False analogy
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Source argument AKA ad hominen
8. 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
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Rules for Family #2
Errors in the use of evidence
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
9. 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
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Primary Objective #9
Central assumption of causal conclusions
10. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Main Point Questions
Primary Objective #7
Necessary Condition
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
11. 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
Conclusion Identification Method
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
12. 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
Primary Objective #8
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Family #4: Disprove
False analogy
13. 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
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
2 speaker questions
Common weakening scenarios
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
14. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
Primary Objective #3
How to attack a causal conclusion
Primary Objective #6
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
15. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Conclusion Indicators
Straw Man
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
16. 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
Mistaken Negation
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Source argument AKA ad hominen
17. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Errors of conditional reasoning
Weaken question signal words
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
18. 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
Weaken question signal words
Rules for Family #3
Conclusion definition
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
19. 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.
Assumption Negation Technique
Numbers and percentage errors
Logical opposites
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
20. 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
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
2 roles played by assumptions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Primary Objective #3
21. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Causal statements
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
22. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Sufficient Condition
'Additional' Premise Indicators
23. 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?
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Numbers and percentage errors
Counter Premise Indicators
Conclusion definition
24. 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.
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Primary Objective #9
25. 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 in the use of evidence
Survey errors
Errors of composition and division
Errors of conditional reasoning
26. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Primary Objective #2
Weakening conditional reasoning
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
27. 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.
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Assumption Negation Technique
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
28. 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
Mistaken Reversal
Mistaken Negation
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
29. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Method of Reasoning
Primary Objective #8
30. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
Weaken question signal words
False dilemma
2 speaker questions
Premise Indicators
31. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Necessary Condition
Method of Reasoning questions
32. 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.
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
33. 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
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Typical assumption question stems
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
34. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
35. 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
False analogy
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Necessary Condition
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
36. 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
Mistaken Reversal
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Typical assumption question stems
37. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Circular reasoning
Logical opposites
False dilemma
38. At least on of the two - possibly both.
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39. 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
Primary Objective #3
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Primary Objective #2
40. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Conclusion Identification Method
Family #4: Disprove
Family #3: Hurt
41. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Quantity indicators
How to attack a causal conclusion
False dilemma
42. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
Justify the conclusion formula
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
43. If all 5 answer choices appear to be 'losers' - return to the stimulus and re-evaluate the argument.
Primary Objective #9
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Mistaken Reversal
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
44. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Causal statements
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
45. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Counter Premise Indicators
Family #2: Help
Method of Reasoning
46. 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 #1
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Premise definition
False dilemma
47. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Method of Reasoning
48. 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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49. 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
Logical opposites
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Errors of composition and division
50. 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
Family #4: Disprove
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Conclusion definition
Survey errors