Inference and Resolution in LSAT Logical Reasoning

Must Be True Question

Asks you to identify a statement logically guaranteed by the information in the stimulus.

Inference Questions

Questions that require drawing valid conclusions from stated information.

Examples of Must Be True Questions

‘Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the statements above?’

Key Mindset for Must Be True

Identify what is forced by the given facts without extra assumptions.

Step 1 for Must Be True

Separate facts from interpretations, treating the stimulus as a set of facts.

Inference-Friendly Structures

Conditional statements, quantifiers, comparisons, and multiple premises about the same group.

Prephrase Strategy for Must Be True

Ask, 'What is the minimum that must be the case if all statements are true?'

Typical Mistakes in Must Be True

Filling in assumptions or misinterpreting 'some' and 'most'.

Most Strongly Supported Question

Asks for the answer choice that is best backed by the stimulus, not guaranteed.

Differences between Must Be True and Most Strongly Supported

Must Be True: logically forced; Most Strongly Supported: best evidence but not guaranteed.

Step 1 for Most Strongly Supported

Extract the direction of support from the stimulus.

Using Answer Choices in Most Strongly Supported

Test each hypothesis by seeing if the premises strongly support it.

Language of Strength in Most Strongly Supported

Moderate language is favored, avoiding absolutes like ‘always’ or ‘never’.

Cannot Be True Question

Asks for an answer that cannot logically be true given the stimulus.

Step 1 for Cannot Be True

Translate the stimulus into constraints on what can happen.

Violation Spotting in Cannot Be True

Look for answers that create a situation that the stimulus forbids.

Distinction of Cannot Be True vs. Not Necessarily True

Cannot Be True implies logical impossibility, not just lack of support.

Resolve the Paradox Question

Asks for an answer that reconciles seemingly inconsistent facts.

Common Resolution Patterns

Identifying different groups, time periods, definitions, or hidden factors.

Step 1 for Resolve the Paradox

Clearly state the two sides of the paradox.

What a Good Resolution Answer Does

It provides a bridge to make both statements able to coexist.

Exam Focus for Must Be True

Typical patterns include asking for the most strongly supported statement.

Exam Focus for Resolve the Paradox

Look for answers that link the two conflicting statements instead of explaining them separately.

Importance of Evidence Discipline in Resolve the Paradox

The right answer should target the contradiction and not just be a plausible explanation.

The Role of Conditional Statements in Logic

They create implications, allowing for inferences such as contrapositive interpretation.

Quantifiers’ Impact on Reasoning

Words like 'all', 'some', and 'most' constrain what can be inferred or ruled out.

Caution with Strong Language

In Must Be True and Most Strongly Supported, avoid overclaiming with absolute terms.

Common Mistakes in Most Strongly Supported

Assuming causal links not supported by the evidence.

Testing for Cannot Be True

Ensure the answer contradicts a clear rule from the stimulus.