LSAT Arguments and Facts Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements is NOT a type of incorrect answer when identifying the main point of a conclusion?

  • True, but not the main point
  • Unrelated information (correct)
  • Premise of the argument
  • Exaggerated information

The contrapositive of a conditional statement negates both the sufficient and necessary conditions.

True (A)

In logic, what type of indicators signify a necessary condition?

Then, only, only if, most, required, unless, except, until, without

In a conditional statement, the terms 'If' and 'Then' denote the _____ and _____ conditions, respectively.

<p>sufficient, necessary</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

<p>Sufficient condition = A condition that guarantees the occurrence of another Necessary condition = A condition that must be present for another to occur Contrapositive = The negation of a statement flipped in order Additive inference = An inference that combines two or more premises</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words are classified as quantity indicators? (Select all that apply)

<p>None (B), Some (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Inference follows an argument while an assumption is taken for granted before an argument.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective when determining if an argument is strong or weak?

<p>To ask if the premise justifies the conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The statements 'Always', 'Could', and 'Rarely' are examples of ________ indicators.

<p>probability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Question Stems with their corresponding families:

<p>Main Point = Family 1 Justify the Conclusion = Family 2 Weaken = Family 3 Cannot Be True = Family 4</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary objective when answering logical questions?

<p>Generalizing the content. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All five answer choices are always considered contenders.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two of the thirteen logical question stems.

<p>Must be true, Assumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a rule of strengthening?

<p>Eliminate alternative causes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Justifying the conclusion means that the reasoning must be 100% true.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective when analyzing LSAT stimuli?

<p>Identifying whether the stimuli is an argument or a set of facts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for justification?

<p>Premise + answer = conclusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Order of presentation affects the logical structure of premises and conclusions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The assumption will either eliminate __________ causes or validate cause and effect.

<p>alternative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following assumption answer quirks with their descriptions:

<p>No response = At least one answer is likely correct The most important = Usually incorrect Negative Answers = Stay safe</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one conclusion indicator.

<p>Therefore</p> Signup and view all the answers

Premise indicators include words such as __________ to introduce a premise.

<p>because</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common wrong answer in strengthening questions?

<p>Opposite answer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following premise indicators with their examples:

<p>Since = This is seen from Owing to = For the reason that In addition = What’s more Due to = As indicated by</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assumption questions never use 'if'.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an indication of a counter premise?

<p>However (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to check your answer for assumptions?

<p>Negate it to see if it disproves the conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

An additional premise is always essential to the conclusion.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Counter point indicators include words like __________ and __________.

<p>but, however</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the contrapositive of the statement 'To graduate, you must be smart and resourceful'?

<p>If you do not graduate, you are not smart or not resourceful. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To weaken a conditional statement, you should attack the sufficient condition.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two common flaw types found in weakening questions?

<p>Incomplete information and improper correlation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The cause must _____ the effect happen.

<p>make</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following causal indicators with their meanings:

<p>Caused by = Denotes a result from an action Because of = Indicates a reason behind an effect Promoted by = Suggests support for a cause Is an effect of = Identifies a consequence of an action</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way to attack causal relationships?

<p>Show that cause and effect are the only possibilities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Strengthening a conclusion makes the argument any more true.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be true in order for an assumption to hold?

<p>It must be necessary for the argument's conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common type of reasoning error that assumes causation based on sequence of events?

<p>Mistake Cause and effect (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A circular reasoning flaw occurs when the conclusion is not supported by the premises.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning error distorts or misinterprets an argument?

<p>Straw Man</p> Signup and view all the answers

Errors in use of evidence often involve a lack of _____ to justify beliefs.

<p>evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following reasoning errors with their definitions:

<p>Ad hominem = Attacking the person rather than the argument False Dilemmas = Assuming only two options exist when there are more Circular reasoning = Conclusion is included in the premise Exceptional Case = Making broad conclusions based on a specific case</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reasoning error involves making broad generalizations based on limited evidence?

<p>Exceptional Case/Overgeneralization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mistaken negotiation is a type of circular reasoning error.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning error involves assuming a cause-effect relationship due to the order of events?

<p>Mistake Cause and effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

LSAT Stimuli Types

LSAT Stimuli can be categorized into two main types: arguments and sets of facts.

Primary Objective: Argument vs. Fact Set

Identifying whether a piece of LSAT stimuli is an argument or a set of facts is crucial. Determining the presence of a conclusion is the key factor.

Conclusion

A conclusion is the main point or takeaway of an argument. It's the statement the author is trying to persuade you to accept.

Premise

Premises are statements that provide evidence or support for the conclusion.

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Importance of Conclusion Identification

Identifying and analyzing the conclusion is essential for understanding the argument. It allows you to evaluate the strength of the evidence and assess the validity of the argument.

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Order of Presentation

The order in which premises and conclusions appear doesn't affect the logical structure of an argument.

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Counter-Premise

Counter-premises are statements that challenge or contradict the main premise. They aim to weaken the argument or present an alternative perspective.

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Counter-Premise Indicators

These words signal the introduction of a counter-premise, often used to present opposing views or weaken the author's argument.

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True, but not the Main Point

Any answer that is true but not the main point of the argument.

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Main Point of an Argument

The statement that the author is trying to prove. The main point of the argument.

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Assumption

An assumption is a statement that is taken for granted in an argument, even if it is not explicitly stated. It's what the author believes to be true in order for the argument to work.

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Inference

An inference is a conclusion derived from a statement or set of statements. It is what logically follows from the information presented, even if not directly stated.

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Strong argument

A strong argument is one where the premise(s) effectively justify the conclusion. The evidence provided strongly supports the claim being made.

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Weak argument

A weak argument is one where the premise(s) fail to adequately justify the conclusion. The evidence is either insufficient or irrelevant to the claim being made.

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Quantity Indicators

Quantity indicators are words that specify the number or amount of something. They provide information about how many or how much of something is being discussed.

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Probability Indicators

Probability indicators are words that indicate the likelihood or certainty of something happening. They tell us how likely or unlikely an event is.

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Contrapositive

A statement that negates a conditional statement by switching the hypothesis and conclusion and negating both.

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Weakening a Conditional Statement

When testing a conditional statement (If A then B), focusing on disproving the necessary condition (B) to weaken the argument.

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Cause and Effect Indicators

Statements that signal a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating one event leads to another.

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Causal Error

A flaw in reasoning that assumes a cause-and-effect relationship exists simply because two events occur together.

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Strengthen Question

A question type that requires finding an answer that strengthens the conclusion, making it more likely to be true.

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Justify Question

Similar to 'Strengthen' questions, but requiring an answer that makes the conclusion 100% true.

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Assumption Question

A crucial hidden assumption that must be true for the argument to hold up.

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Weaken Question

A type of question that often involves analyzing the conclusion and looking for answers that weaken its validity.

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What is a conclusion?

The main point or takeaway of an argument. It's the statement the author is trying to persuade you to accept.

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What are premises?

Statements that provide evidence or support for the conclusion. They are the reasons why the author believes the conclusion is true.

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What does 'strengthening' an argument mean?

Strengthens a conclusion by providing additional evidence or making the argument more convincing. It shows the conclusion is more likely to be true.

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What does 'weakening' an argument mean?

Aims to weaken the argument by presenting opposing evidence or challenging the logic of the conclusion.

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What are counter-premises?

Statements that directly challenge or contradict the main premise, often used to present opposing views or weaken the author's argument.

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What is the purpose of justification?

Statements used to determine if a conclusion can be properly drawn from the premises. They act as a bridge between the premises and the conclusion.

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What are assumptions in LSAT?

Assumptions are unstated ideas or beliefs that are taken for granted to be true. They are crucial for understanding the argument and its strengths.

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What is a paradox in LSAT?

A paradox is a situation where two apparently contradictory statements or ideas seem to be true at the same time. It's a puzzle that needs to be resolved.

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Mistaking Temporal for Causal

Commonly used in arguments, this type of reasoning assumes a causal relationship merely because one event follows another. It often mistakes coincidence for causality.

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False Dilemma

A type of reasoning that occurs when an argument falsely assumes only two opposing options exist, neglecting other possibilities.

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Ad Hominem

An argument that uses personal attacks or irrelevant information about the source to discredit their claims. It aims to shift the focus away from the argument's merits.

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Circular Reasoning

This fallacy uses faulty logic by assuming the truth of the conclusion in the premises, essentially creating a circular loop.

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Error of Composition

This type of reasoning occurs when someone draws conclusions about a whole group based on the qualities of a few individuals within the group.

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Straw Man

A fallacy that involves misrepresenting or exaggerating an opponent's argument to make it easier to refute.

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Survey Errors

This occurs when someone uses a survey to support an argument, but the survey itself is flawed due to a biased sample, poorly constructed questions, or unreliable responses.

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Mistaking Temporal for Causal

A common error in reasoning that assumes a cause-and-effect relationship simply because two events happen in sequence. Coincidence does not equal causation.

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Study Notes

LSAT Stimuli Categories

  • LSAT stimuli fall into two categories: arguments and sets of facts.

Primary Objective

  • The primary objective is to determine if the stimulus is an argument or a set of facts.
  • Students must determine if a conclusion is present.

Premise Indicators

  • Because
  • Since
  • For example
  • For the reason that
  • In that
  • Given that
  • As indicated by
  • Due to
  • Owing to
  • This is seen from
  • We know this by/ because

Conclusion Indicators

  • Thus
  • Therefore
  • Hence
  • Consequently
  • As a result
  • So
  • Accordingly
  • Clearly
  • Must be that
  • Shows that
  • Concludes
  • Follows that
  • For this reason

Additional Premises

  • Sometimes, authors provide extra premises to support the argument, which may or may not be essential to the overall conclusion.
  • Indicators include: furthermore, more over, besides, in addition, what's more.

Counter Premises

  • Counterpoints can be compared and contrasted to minimize damage to the main point.
  • Indicators for counterpoints include: but, yet, however, on the other hand, admittedly, although, in contrast, even though, still, whereas, after all, in spite of, despite.

Recognizing Conclusions Without Indicators

  • Turning arguments into conversations can help identify conclusions.

Primary Objective #3

  • Determine if the argument is strong or weak.
  • Evaluate if the premise justifies the conclusion.
  • Understand inferences (what follows from an argument) and assumptions (what's taken for granted in an argument).

Primary Objective #4

  • Read closely and precisely understand the author's statements.
  • Avoid generalizations.
  • Use quantity indicators (e.g., all, every, most, many, some, several, few, only, not all, none).

Primary Objective #5

  • Carefully read and identify the question stem.
  • Avoid making assumptions about the meaning of certain words automatically linked to question types.
  • Understand thirteen logical question stems (must be true/most supported, main point, point of issue, etc.).

Primary Objective #6

  • Prephrase the answer to the question stem after reading it.

Primary Objective #7

  • Always read all five answer choices.

Primary Objective #8

  • Separate answer choices into contenders and losers.

Primary Objective #9

  • If all answer choices seem like losers, return to the stimulus and re-evaluate.

Chapter 4: Must Be True

  • Correct answers can always be proven by facts in the stimulus.

Chapter 5: Main Point

  • Two incorrect answer types include statements that are true but not the main point and premises in the argument.

Chapter 6: Conditional Reasoning

  • Contrapositive negates both sides and flips the arrow.
  • Sufficient and necessary indicators.

Chapter 7: Weakening Questions

  • Answers mostly weaken the conclusion; rarely the premise.
  • Types of weakened questions: incomplete information, improper correlation, and out of scope.

Chapter 8: Cause and Effect Reasoning

  • The cause must make the effect happen; the effect must be directly related to the cause.
  • Look for indicator words like "caused by," "because of," and "responsible for".

Chapter 9: Strengthen and Justify

  • Understand the argument structure and focus on the conclusions.
  • Look for indicators that strengthen or justify.

Chapter 10: Resolved Paradox

  • The correct answer proves a way both can happen. Do not disprove a side.

Chapter 11: Method of Reasoning

  • Identify an event that does not happen.

Chapter 13: Flaw in Reasoning

  • Identify common reasoning errors and concepts (e.g., uncertain use of terms, equivocals, source arguments, circular reasoning, conditional errors, mistake cause and effect, straw man).

Chapter 15: Numbers and Percentages

  • Understanding misconceptions.
  • Rules and tips that consider percentage and numeric information in reasoning.

Chapter 16: Evaluate Arguments

  • Variance test uses opposing answers to determine if a statement is true.

Chapter 17: Cannot Be True

  • Answers will not provide new information or new combinations of information.

Chapter 18: Point of Issue

  • Determine facts to prove or disprove.
  • Understand facts agreed on and facts unknown.

Chapter 19: Principles Questions

  • Focus on applying principles and broader implications.

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LSAT Prep Guide PDF

Description

This quiz tests your understanding of the LSAT stimuli categories, focusing on distinguishing between arguments and sets of facts. You will learn to identify premise and conclusion indicators, as well as additional and counter premises. Prepare to enhance your critical thinking skills for the LSAT!

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