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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. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Family #4: Disprove
How to determine the strength of an argument
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
2. 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
2 speaker questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
3. 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
Uncertain use of a term or concept
How to attack a causal conclusion
Logical opposites
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
4. 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
Causal statements
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Mistaken cause and effect
5. 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?
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Errors of conditional reasoning
False analogy
6. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Mistaken Negation
Primary Objective #8
Weakening conditional reasoning
'Additional' Premise Indicators
7. 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
Sufficient Condition
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Method of Reasoning questions
Straw Man
8. Negates both conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Negation: Not A+ --> Not Study
Survey errors
Mistaken Negation
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Family #1: Prove
9. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Primary Objective #4
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Primary Objective #1
2 roles played by assumptions
10. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Conclusion Indicators
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Primary Objective #6
Errors in the use of evidence
11. 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
Primary Objective #3
Premise Indicators
Counter Premise Indicators
Sufficient Condition
12. 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
Method of Reasoning questions
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
13. 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
False analogy
Mistaken cause and effect
Errors of composition and division
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
14. 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.
Mistaken Reversal
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Errors in the use of evidence
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
15. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Numbers and percentage errors
Primary Objective #8
Conclusion Identification Method
16. Mis-assessing the force of evidence is a frequent error committed by LSAT authors 1. Lack of evidence for a position is taken to prove that position is false 2. lack of evidence against a position is taken to prove that position is true 3. some evide
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Exceptional case/over generalization
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Errors in the use of evidence
17. To logically negate a conditional statement - negate the necessary condition. Example: neither...nor becomes either...or.
Logical opposites
Causal statements
Logical negation
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
18. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Mistaken Reversal
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
19. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Family #4: Disprove
Method of Reasoning questions
20. 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
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Sufficient Condition
Conclusion Identification Method
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
21. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Counter Premise Indicators
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Primary Objective #5
22. 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
Conclusion Identification Method
Rules for Family #1
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Exceptional case/over generalization
23. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Primary Objective #3
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)
24. 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.
Errors in the use of evidence
Logical opposites
Main Point Questions
Weaken question signal words
25. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Family #2: Help
Justify the conclusion formula
Rules for Family #2
Necessary Condition
26. 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
Numbers and percentage errors
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Errors of composition and division
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
27. 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
Exceptional case/over generalization
Method of Reasoning
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Main Point Questions
28. 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
Logical opposites
Errors in the use of evidence
Method of Reasoning
Typical assumption question stems
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.
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Conclusion definition
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
30. An event or circumstance whose occurrence indicates that a necessary condition must also occur.
Causal statements
Sufficient Condition
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Primary Objective #8
31. 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
How to attack a causal conclusion
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Logical opposites
Source argument AKA ad hominen
32. 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
Primary Objective #8
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Method of Reasoning
Rules for Family #3
33. 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
How to determine the strength of an argument
Conclusion Identification Method
Straw Man
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
34. 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
Straw Man
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Mistaken Reversal
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
35. 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
Causal statements
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Sufficient Condition
Circular reasoning
36. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
Primary Objective #3
Errors in the use of evidence
Appeal Fallacies
Primary Objective #7
37. At least on of the two - possibly both.
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38. 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.
Weaken question signal words
Assumption Negation Technique
Appeal Fallacies
Premise Indicators
39. 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
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Uncertain use of a term or concept
How to determine the strength of an argument
40. 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
Sufficient Condition
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Weakening conditional reasoning
41. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Method of Reasoning
Errors of composition and division
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
42. 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
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
How to determine the strength of an argument
2 roles played by assumptions
2 speaker questions
43. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Conclusion Indicators
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Weakening conditional reasoning
Primary Objective #2
44. 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.
Main Point Questions
How to strengthen an argument
Family #1: Prove
Quantity indicators
45. 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
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Central assumption of causal conclusions
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
46. 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
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Counter Premise Indicators
Family #3: Hurt
47. If - when - whenever - every - all - any - people who - in order to.
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Quantity indicators
Weakening conditional reasoning
Method of Reasoning questions
48. 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
Errors of conditional reasoning
2 speaker questions
Conclusion Identification Method
Probability indicators
49. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Errors of conditional reasoning
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Counter Premise Indicators
50. 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
Assumption Negation Technique
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Errors of conditional reasoning