SUBJECTS
|
BROWSE
|
CAREER CENTER
|
POPULAR
|
JOIN
|
LOGIN
Business Skills
|
Soft Skills
|
Basic Literacy
|
Certifications
About
|
Help
|
Privacy
|
Terms
|
Email
Search
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 (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Mistaken cause and effect
Family #2: Help
Family #3: Hurt
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
2. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
How to determine the strength of an argument
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
3. Argument Part - If you do see the main conclusion at the end of a Method-AP problem - be prepared to answer a question about a part of the arguement other than the conclusion.n
Survey errors
Method of Reasoning
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Exceptional case/over generalization
4. 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.
Assumption Negation Technique
Errors of conditional reasoning
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
5. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Justify the conclusion formula
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Primary Objective #7
6. 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
Primary Objective #9
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Mistaken Negation
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
7. If - when - whenever - every - all - any - people who - in order to.
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Primary Objective #9
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Rules for Family #3
8. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Common weakening scenarios
Numbers and percentage errors
Assumption Negation Technique
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
9. If the stimulus contains an argument - determine whether the argument is strong or weak.
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Conclusion Indicators
Causal statements
Primary Objective #3
10. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Premise definition
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Mistaken Negation
Primary Objective #8
11. 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.
Warning
: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in
/var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php
on line
183
12. 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.
Sufficient Condition
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
13. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Survey errors
Method of Reasoning
Primary Objective #6
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
14. 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
Primary Objective #6
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Justify the conclusion formula
Premise Indicators
15. 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
Errors in the use of evidence
Family #4: Disprove
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Quantity indicators
16. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Primary Objective #2
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Conclusion Indicators
Causal statements
17. 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.
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Rules for Family #3
Primary Objective #9
Quantity indicators
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 -
Probability indicators
Premise definition
Straw Man
Mistaken Reversal
19. 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
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Primary Objective #7
Rules for Family #2
20. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Family #4: Disprove
Logical negation
Conclusion Indicators
21. 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
Typical assumption question stems
Circular reasoning
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
22. 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
Typical assumption question stems
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
Rules for Family #3
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
23. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Primary Objective #4
Premise definition
Counter Premise Indicators
24. 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?
Conclusion definition
Family #1: Prove
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
Rules for Family #2
25. 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
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Logical opposites
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Method of Reasoning
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
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Counter Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #1
Errors of composition and division
27. 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
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Primary Objective #1
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
3 logical features of conditional reasoning
28. 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
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Premise definition
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Conclusion definition
29. 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
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Assumption Negation Technique
Primary Objective #8
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
30. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
31. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Appeal Fallacies
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
False dilemma
32. 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
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Mistaken Reversal
Method of Reasoning questions
33. 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
Quantity indicators
Weaken question signal words
Primary Objective #5
Probability indicators
34. 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
2 speaker questions
Family #1: Prove
Errors of composition and division
Typical assumption question stems
35. 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
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Primary Objective #6
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
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
Premise Indicators
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Assumption Negation Technique
Justify the conclusion formula
37. 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
Straw Man
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
Rules for Family #1
38. 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
Primary Objective #3
Probability indicators
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
Rules for Family #3
39. 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
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Main Point Questions
40. 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
Main Point Questions
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Circular reasoning
False analogy
41. 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)
Rules for Family #2
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
42. 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
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Primary Objective #6
Primary Objective #9
43. At least on of the two - possibly both.
Warning
: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in
/var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php
on line
183
44. Immediately look for the repeat or contrapositive in the answer choices. Avoid mistaken reversals and mistaken negations.
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Premise Indicators
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
45. 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 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Rules for Family #1
Primary Objective #6
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
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
How to strengthen an argument
Method of Reasoning questions
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Family #2: Help
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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Weakening conditional reasoning
False analogy
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
48. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Uncertain use of a term or concept
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
49. 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 cause and effect
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Primary Objective #5
Rules for Family #1
50. 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
Circular reasoning
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
How to determine the strength of an argument
Family #4: Disprove