Lsat Logical Reasoning
10 critical LSAT logical reasoning question types and strategies
What You'll Learn
Master LSAT logical reasoning question types with 10 flashcards covering strengthen, weaken, flaw, necessary assumptions, sufficient assumptions, and the negation test. Essential for law school prep.
Key Topics
- Strengthen and weaken question strategies
- Necessary vs. sufficient assumptions explained
- Negation test technique for assumption questions
- Common reasoning flaws: circular reasoning and causal reasoning errors
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How to study this deck
Start with a quick skim of the questions, then launch study mode to flip cards until you can answer each prompt without hesitation. Revisit tricky cards using shuffle or reverse order, and schedule a follow-up review within 48 hours to reinforce retention.
Preview: Lsat Logical Reasoning
Question
What is the main goal of a Logical Reasoning question?
Answer
To test your ability to analyze, evaluate, and complete arguments. Focus on identifying the conclusion, premises, and assumptions in short arguments.
Question
What is a conclusion in a logical argument?
Answer
The main point the author is trying to prove. Look for indicator words like 'thus,' 'therefore,' or 'hence.'
Question
How do you identify the premise of an argument?
Answer
Premises support the conclusion. Indicator words include 'because,' 'since,' and 'given that.'
Question
What is an assumption question?
Answer
It asks for something that must be true for the argument to hold. Strategy: Use the 'Negation Test' — if the assumption is false, the argument collapses.
Question
How do you approach Strengthen questions?
Answer
Find the answer choice that most supports the conclusion. Look for evidence that fills logical gaps or defends the argument from counterexamples.
Question
What do Weaken questions test?
Answer
Your ability to identify information that undermines an argument’s conclusion. Attack the link between premises and conclusion.
Question
What is a Flaw question?
Answer
It identifies logical errors. Common flaws: correlation vs. causation, circular reasoning, and generalization from small samples.
Question
How do you spot causal reasoning flaws?
Answer
Look for arguments assuming one event causes another. Ask if there could be another explanation or if correlation is mistaken for causation.
Question
What is a Parallel Reasoning question?
Answer
It asks for an argument with the same logical structure. Match type of reasoning, not topic.
Question
What is the best way to handle Inference questions?
Answer
Derive what must be true based on the given statements. Avoid adding outside information or making assumptions.
Question
What are 'Most Strongly Supported' questions?
Answer
They ask for the statement best supported by the passage. Use evidence directly from the text, even if not absolutely proven.
Question
What are Principle questions?
Answer
They involve applying a general rule (principle) to a specific case or identifying which principle the argument conforms to.
Question
How do you approach Disagree questions?
Answer
Find two speakers’ points of contention. Look for statements one agrees with and the other rejects.
Question
How do you deal with Logical Completeness questions?
Answer
Identify what would logically complete the argument, usually the conclusion or a missing premise.
Question
What is a 'Necessary vs. Sufficient' condition?
Answer
Necessary = required for the conclusion; Sufficient = guarantees the conclusion. Confusing the two is a common LSAT flaw.
Question
What’s a Conditional Statement?
Answer
An 'if–then' statement (If A → B). Remember the contrapositive (If not B → not A) is logically equivalent.
Question
How do you diagram conditional logic?
Answer
Write A → B for 'If A, then B.' Flip and negate for contrapositive: ¬B → ¬A.
Question
What’s the best way to time Logical Reasoning?
Answer
Average 1 minute 25 seconds per question. Don’t get stuck—flag and move on.
Question
Common mistake in LR?
Answer
Reading for content, not logic. Focus on reasoning structure, not subject matter.
Question
Tip for hard LR questions?
Answer
Predict the answer type before reading options; eliminate choices that don’t directly affect the argument’s logic.