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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. 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
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Straw Man
How to attack a causal conclusion
2. 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
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Method of Reasoning questions
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Counter Premise Indicators
3. 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 #3
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
How to strengthen an argument
4. 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
Errors of conditional reasoning
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
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?
5. 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 -
Probability indicators
Common weakening scenarios
Premise Indicators
Justify the conclusion formula
6. 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
Family #4: Disprove
Necessary Condition
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
7. 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.
How to strengthen an argument
Errors in the use of evidence
Premise Indicators
Family #3: Hurt
8. 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
Premise Indicators
Exceptional case/over generalization
Primary Objective #6
Premise definition
9. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Conclusion definition
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
Typical assumption question stems
Probability indicators
Mistaken cause and effect
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
11. 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?
Primary Objective #3
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Assumption Negation Technique
Conclusion definition
12. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Premise definition
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #5
Mistaken Reversal
13. 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
How to determine the strength of an argument
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Typical assumption question stems
False dilemma
14. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Common weakening scenarios
Primary Objective #4
Numbers and percentage errors
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
15. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
Justify the conclusion formula
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Method of Reasoning questions
Time shift errors
16. 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+.
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Mistaken Reversal
Errors of conditional reasoning
17. 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
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Method of Reasoning
Common weakening scenarios
Uncertain use of a term or concept
18. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Family #2: Help
Weaken question signal words
Primary Objective #8
19. Negates both conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Negation: Not A+ --> Not Study
Mistaken Negation
Rules for Family #1
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Time shift errors
20. 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
Time shift errors
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Main Point Questions
21. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Probability indicators
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
22. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
How to attack a causal conclusion
Primary Objective #6
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
23. 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
False dilemma
Rules for Family #1
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Typical assumption question stems
24. 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
Straw Man
Conclusion Identification Method
Typical assumption question stems
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
25. 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
Mistaken Negation
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Source argument AKA ad hominen
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
26. 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
Primary Objective #8
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
27. 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
Primary Objective #2
Quantity indicators
Justify the conclusion formula
28. 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
Primary Objective #1
How to attack a causal conclusion
Circular reasoning
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
29. 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.
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
30. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Conclusion Indicators
Conclusion Identification Method
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
31. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Conclusion Identification Method
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Circular reasoning
32. 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
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Main Point Questions
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
33. 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
'Additional' Premise Indicators
How to attack a causal conclusion
2 speaker questions
How to strengthen an argument
34. 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
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Central assumption of causal conclusions
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Weaken question signal words
35. 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
Logical negation
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Weakening conditional reasoning
2 speaker questions
36. If - when - whenever - every - all - any - people who - in order to.
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Typical assumption question stems
Source argument AKA ad hominen
37. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Counter Premise Indicators
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Source argument AKA ad hominen
38. 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
Family #2: Help
How to attack a causal conclusion
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Counter Premise Indicators
39. 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
False analogy
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
40. 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?
Primary Objective #8
Premise definition
Primary Objective #9
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
41. 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
Main Point Questions
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Primary Objective #1
Conclusion definition
42. 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.
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Premise definition
43. 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?
Probability indicators
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Typical assumption question stems
44. 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
Errors of conditional reasoning
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
45. 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
Appeal Fallacies
Counter Premise Indicators
Probability indicators
46. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
2 speaker questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Necessary Condition
47. 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.
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Logical opposites
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Assumption Negation Technique
48. 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.
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Weakening conditional reasoning
Family #1: Prove
Primary Objective #7
49. 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
Common weakening scenarios
Main Point Questions
Conclusion definition
Primary Objective #3
50. 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.
How to determine the strength of an argument
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features