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