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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. 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
Causal statements
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Conclusion definition
2. Stimulus (accepted) --/-> answer choices (affected or determined) cannot be true.
Conclusion Identification Method
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Probability indicators
Family #4: Disprove
3. Occurs when an author makes conflicting statements. n
Logical negation
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Primary Objective #1
Internal contradiction AKA self contradiction
4. Stimulus (affected or determined)--/-> answer choices (accepted) Negative sign on the arrow reflects attacking or hurting the argument (weaken).
Family #3: Hurt
Mistaken cause and effect
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Family #1: Prove
5. 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
2 speaker questions
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
How to attack a causal conclusion
Mistaken Negation
6. Occurs when the author uses an analogy that is two disimilar to the original situation to be applicable. n
Circular reasoning
Rules for Family #2
False analogy
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
7. 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
Quantity indicators
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Central assumption of causal conclusions
8. Assumes that only 2 courses of action are available when there may be others. n
False dilemma
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Rules for Family #1
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
9. 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)
Weaken question signal words
Fundamental rules for strengthen - justify the conclusion and assumption questions
How to strengthen an argument
10. 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
Primary Objective #6
Weakening conditional reasoning
Logical negation
2 speaker questions
11. 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
Appeal Fallacies
Primary Objective #8
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Primary Objective #6
12. 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
How to solve Justify questions mechanistically
Numbers and percentages Common misconceptions
Numbers and percentage errors
2 speaker questions
13. 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
Logical opposites
How to identify Justify the Conclusion questions
Typical assumption question stems
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
14. Always read each of the five answer choices. If an answer choice appears somewhat attractive - interesting or even confusing - keep it as a contender and move to the next answer.
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Justify the conclusion formula
Primary Objective #7
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
15. 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.
Sufficient Condition
Primary Objective #8
Premise Indicators
Source argument AKA ad hominen
16. 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
'Additional' Premise Indicators
2 roles played by assumptions
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
Words used to introduce cause and effect relationships. (memorize)
17. Carefully read and identify the question stem. DO NOT assume that certain words are automatically associated with certain questions types.
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Assumption Negation Technique
Primary Objective #5
Circular reasoning
18. 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
Rules for Family #3
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
Assumption Negation Technique
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
19. 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
Causal statements
How to attack a causal conclusion
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
Mistaken Negation
20. 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
Primary Objective #8
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
How to strengthen an argument
Weaken question signal words
21. 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
Primary Objective #7
How to strengthen an argument
Resolve the Paradox question stem features
Errors in the use of evidence
22. 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
Family #1: Prove
Circular reasoning
Mistaken Negation
Necessary Condition
23. 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?
Necessary Condition
Quantity indicators
Errors of conditional reasoning
Conclusion definition
24. 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.
Mistaken Negation
the unless equation (conditional reasoning)
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Justify the conclusion formula
25. 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
Premise Indicators
Appeal Fallacies
Uncertain use of a term or concept
Main Point Questions
26. 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
Incorrect answers in Point at Issue questions
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
27. 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.
Quantity indicators
Conclusion Indicators
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Premise Indicators
28. If the stimulus contains an argument - identify the conclusion. If the stimulus contains a fact set - examine each fact.
Quantity indicators
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Primary Objective #2
29. Percent - proportion - fraction - ratio - incidence - likelihood - probability - segment - share. n
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Primary Objective #4
Quantity indicators
Words used to introduce percentage ideas
30. 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
Conclusion Indicators
Rules for Family #2
Incorrect Method of Reasoning answers
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
31. 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
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Premise definition
One of the most commonly used stimulus structures is what? How are they recognized?
Numbers and percentage errors
32. 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
Primary Objective #3
Rules for Family #3
Counter Premise Indicators
33. Prephrase: after reading the question stem - take a moment to mentally formulate your answer to the question stem.
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
Assumptions and causality: typical correct answer categories
Primary Objective #6
Rules for Family #2
34. 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.
Rules for Family #3
What is the biggest reason students miss questions?
Words used to introduce a necessary condition
Central assumption of causal conclusions
35. Occurs when an author improperly equates a percentage with a definate quantity or vice versa. n
Numbers and percentage errors
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Method of Reasoning
False analogy
36. 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
3 incorrect answer traps (weaken)
Conclusion definition
Survey errors
37. 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
Mistaken Reversal
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Errors in the use of evidence
38. 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
3 quirks of assumption question answer choices
How to approach causality and strengthen questions?
Assumptions and conditionality: the two types of answer choices normally produced are?
Primary Objective #4
39. Negates both conditions - creating a statement that does not have to be true. Given: A+ --> Study Mistaken Negation: Not A+ --> Not Study
'Additional' Premise Indicators
Time shift errors
Mistaken Negation
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
40. 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
How to attack a causal conclusion
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Method of Reasoning
Words used to introduce a sufficient condition
41. 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.
Family #3: Hurt
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Primary Objective #9
Strengthen questions ask you to identify the answer choice that best supports the argument. 2 common features
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
Conclusion Identification Method
Sufficient Condition
Logical opposites
Errors of conditional reasoning
43. 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
Survey errors
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Uncertain use of a term or concept
44. 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
Method of Reasoning questions
LSAT Definition of 'either/or'
Premise definition
Prephrasing Method of Reasoning questions
45. 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
Weakening conditional reasoning
Mistaken cause and effect
Things to remember in regards to WEAKEN questions
False analogy
46. 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+.
General lack of relevant evidence for the conclusion
Primary Objective #2
Mistaken Reversal
Numbers and percentage errors
47. Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT GENERALIZE!.
Straw Man
Solving Parallel Reasoning questions in the order stated
Primary Objective #4
False analogy
48. 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
Common weakening scenarios
Source argument AKA ad hominen
Weakening conditional reasoning
Conclusion definition
49. Immediately look for the repeat or contrapositive in the answer choices. Avoid mistaken reversals and mistaken negations.
Central assumption of causal conclusions
Common features of Resolve the Paradox
What to do when a stimulus that contains conditional reasoning is combined with a must be true question stem
LSAT Conclusion trick for Method AP questions
50. Amount - quantity - sum - total - count - tally.n
False dilemma
Words used to introduce numerical ideas
Appeal Fallacies
Common features of Resolve the Paradox