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. 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
Errors of composition and division
How to determine the strength of an argument
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Mistaken cause and effect
2. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
How to determine the strength of an argument
Time shift errors
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Family #3: Hurt
3. 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
Conclusion Indicators
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Method of Reasoning
Primary Objective #1
4. 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
False dilemma
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Mistaken Negation
Exceptional case/over generalization
5. 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
False analogy
Justify the conclusion formula
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Circular reasoning
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
Family #1: Prove
Conclusion Indicators
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Weaken question signal words
7. 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
Errors of conditional reasoning
Conclusion Indicators
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Rules for Family #1
8. 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
Common weakening scenarios
Primary Objective #5
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Rules for Family #2
9. 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
10. 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.
Premise Indicators
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Appeal Fallacies
11. 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.
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Rules for Family #1
Family #1: Prove
2 speaker questions
12. 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?
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Primary Objective #9
Premise definition
13. Negates both conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Negation: Not A+ --> Not Study
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Mistaken Negation
14. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
How to determine the strength of an argument
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Primary Objective #5
15. 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
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Primary Objective #5
16. 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
Appeal Fallacies
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Conclusion Indicators
17. 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
Appeal Fallacies
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
How to determine the strength of an argument
Rules for Family #3
18. Stimulus (affected or determined) ---> answer choices (accepted) AKA: Help Family assumption - justify the conclusion - strengthen/support - resolve the paradox.
Errors of composition and division
Probability indicators
Family #2: Help
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
19. 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
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Primary Objective #4
20. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Conclusion definition
Rules for Family #2
Family #1: Prove
21. Separate the answer choices into 'contenders' and 'loser'. After completing this process - review the contenders and decide which answer correct.
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Primary Objective #8
Rules for Family #2
Logical negation
22. 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
Family #1: Prove
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
23. 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
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
Assumption Negation Technique
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
24. If all 5 answer choices appear to be 'losers' - return to the stimulus and re-evaluate the argument.
Mistaken Reversal
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Primary Objective #9
Method of Reasoning questions
25. 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
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Exceptional case/over generalization
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Conclusion Identification Method
26. 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
27. 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
How to strengthen an argument
How to determine the strength of an argument
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Straw Man
28. 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
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Primary Objective #9
How to strengthen an argument
29. 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
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Counter Premise Indicators
Family #4: Disprove
Mistaken cause and effect
30. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
Sufficient Condition
Conclusion Identification Method
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
31. 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
Weaken question signal words
Assumption Negation Technique
False analogy
32. 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.
Logical opposites
Errors of conditional reasoning
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
33. Thus - therefore - hence - consequently - as a result - so - accordingly - clearly - must be that - shows that - conclude that - follows that - for this reason.
Logical opposites
Conclusion Indicators
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Probability indicators
34. Premises + answer choice = conclusion When approaching answers - separate them into winners and losers - then apply the justify formula.
Justify the conclusion formula
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Straw Man
False dilemma
35. 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
Primary Objective #9
Primary Objective #3
Common weakening scenarios
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
36. 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
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Assumption Negation Technique
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
37. Then - only - only if - must - required - unless - except - until - without.
Primary Objective #4
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
38. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Family #4: Disprove
Weaken question signal words
Circular reasoning
Causal statements
39. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Primary Objective #6
Weakening conditional reasoning
40. 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
Fact test for Method of Reasoning questions
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Primary Objective #7
Conclusion Indicators
41. 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
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Counter Premise Indicators
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
42. 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
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
43. An event or circumstance whose occurrence is required in order for a sufficient condition to occur.
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Necessary Condition
Typical assumption question stems
Primary Objective #2
44. 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
False dilemma
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Primary Objective #9
Method of Reasoning
45. 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
Quantity indicators
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Logical opposites
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
46. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Primary Objective #2
Circular reasoning
47. 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 #3
Source argument AKA ad hominen
How to attack a causal conclusion
Primary Objective #7
48. 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.
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
How to attack a causal conclusion
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Weaken question signal words
49. 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
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
Premise definition
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
50. 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
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Premise Indicators