Logical Reasoning (LSAT): Understanding Argument Structure in Stimuli and Question Types

Argument

A set of statements where at least one statement (premise) supports another statement (conclusion).

Premise

A statement offered as support in an argument.

Conclusion

The author’s overall claim that they are trying to establish in an argument.

Main Point

The overall conclusion the author is advocating for in an argument.

Conclusion Indicators

Words that signify a conclusion, e.g., ‘therefore’, ‘thus’, ‘so’, ‘hence’.

Premise Indicators

Words indicating premises, e.g., ‘because’, ‘since’, ‘for’, ‘given that’.

‘Why?’ Test

A method to identify conclusions by asking ‘Why X?’ to see if it provides support.

Subsidiary Conclusion

An intermediate conclusion supported by earlier premises, used to support the main point.

Background Information

Context provided in arguments that can be relevant but does not serve as a premise.

Point at Issue

A question type identifying a statement in which two speakers disagree.

Disagreement

A condition where one claim is accepted by one speaker and rejected by another.

Commitment Grid

A method to summarize speakers' positions and test their commitments in Point at Issue questions.

Implicit Disagreement

Disagreement that is not directly stated but is inferred from the speakers' statements.

Point of Agreement

A question type asking for a statement that both speakers would accept.

Intersection Thinking

Finding common ground between speakers’ positions in Point of Agreement questions.

Principle

A general rule or norm that can justify or describe reasoning in a specific case.

Principle That Justifies

A principle that strengthens the argument by filling an assumption gap.

Conforms To Principle

Identifies the implicit rule or principle the argument follows.

Identify Conclusion

The initial step to analyze principle questions by determining what is being supported.

Scope and Direction

The alignment of the principle’s conditions with the argument’s premises and conclusion.

Overbreadth

An incorrect principle that applies to a broader context than necessary for the argument.

Common Mistakes in Principles

Errors such as picking morally appealing but logically irrelevant principles.

Conditional Logic

Understanding principles that function like statements of conditions and outcomes.

Common LSAT Trick

Presenting principles that sound correct but do not logically connect to the argument.

Logically Imply

Statements a speaker is committed to based on their explicit statements.

Weak Statements

Preferred choice in Point of Agreement that is guaranteed by both speakers' commitments.

Rhetorical Questions

Questions that imply a conclusion by framing the discussion in a specific way.

Evaluation vs Fact

Distinguishing between what is factually stated and evaluative judgments in dialogues.

Concession

When one speaker acknowledges a point while shifting the focus of disagreement.

Triage Approach

A method of quickly analyzing arguments by separating contributions of premises from conclusions.

Identify Reasoning Gap

Describing the logical connection missing between premises and conclusion.

Commitment

What speakers are obliged to accept based on their statements in a discussion.