LSAT Logical Reasoning — Understanding Argument Structure in Stimuli and Question Stems

Conclusion

The main claim that other premises are trying to support in an argument.

Premise

Statements or evidence intended to support a conclusion.

Main Point

The central conclusion of an argument, which the entire stimulus aims to establish.

Intermediate Conclusion

A conclusion that serves as a stepping stone to reach the main conclusion.

Background Information

Context that sets the scene but does not support the conclusion.

Indicator Words

Words that often signal conclusions or premises, like 'therefore' or 'since'.

Single-Step Argument

An argument where premises directly support the conclusion without intermediaries.

Two-Tier Argument

An argument that involves an intermediate conclusion supported by premises, which then supports the main conclusion.

Competing Viewpoints

An argument structure where one view is presented, then countered by another.

Point at Issue

A question type asking for a specific disagreement between two speakers.

Common Ground

Statements or propositions that both speakers share or agree on.

Principle Questions

Questions that ask for a general rule that justifies or explains the reasoning in an argument.

Principle (Support/Justify)

A type of principle question requiring a general rule that helps the argument.

Principle (Conform/Conformity)

A type of principle question finding a rule that describes the reasoning in the argument.

Misidentifying Conclusion

A common mistake where one confuses an interesting fact for the actual conclusion.

Scope Creep

Answer choices that introduce stronger language than warranted by the speakers' views.

Agree/Disagree Test

A method to determine the point at issue by checking each speaker's stance on a statement.

Value Principle

A normative principle used to justify a conclusion drawn from descriptive facts.

Argument Structure

The framework of how premises and conclusions relate within an argument.

Concrete Level

The specific situation in the stimulus relevant to the argument.

Abstract Level

The general rule or principle that connects premises to conclusions.

Vivid Statistic

An interesting fact that can be mistaken for a conclusion but is actually a premise.

Disputed Statement

A claim on which two speakers have opposing views.

Weak Statements

Statements that are easier for both speakers to accept, often seen in agreement questions.

Commitments

The specific claims or conclusions that each speaker asserts in a discussion.

Logical Bridge

The connection between premises and conclusion that is often needed in principle questions.