LR Question Types

Strengthen the Argument Steps

1. Determine the conclusion and premises.

2. Find the choice that adds support the most. Does not need to prove, but rather strengthen.

3. Pay attention the the language used, reinforce the conclusion without any doubt.

Wrong Traits of Strengthen the Argument

• It will weaken the argument

• Suggest a third variable

• Add irrelevant information

• Do nothing for the argument

• Show the causality is reversed

• Be already assumed in the stimulus

Right Traits of Strengthen the Argument

• Reinforce the conclusion

• Rule out alternative explanations

• Shows a plausible mechanism (an explanation that shows how X leads to Y)

• Eliminate major differences

• Reinforce and confirm the conclusion.

Required Assumption Steps

• Identify the conclusion and premises.

• Consider what is missing or taken for granted.

• Use the negation test.

  • If negation makes the argument fall apart, then it is the right answer.

  • Avoid absolute language (only, always, never, must, cannot).

Traits of Wrong Answer Required Assumption

• Have concrete and absolute language.

• Bring in new ideas not in the argument.

• Guaranteed conclusions (answers that strengthen).

Weaken the Argument Steps

1. Identify the conclusion and the premises. The conclusion is what you are going to undermine.

2. Determine how the premises rely on the conclusion.

3. Spot the assumption that the arguer is relying on.

4. Predict ways the weaken the argument (introduce alternative example, counterexample, exception, missing info, attack assumption).

Traits of Right Answer in Weaken the Argument

·       Alternative cause: A different factor explains the outcome.

·       Reverse causation: The supported effect may actually be the cause.

·       Counterexample: Shows a case where the conclusion fails.

·       Exception: Shows the conclusion does not apply universally.

·       Attacks assumption: Challenges what the argument takes for granted.

·       Concrete and sound disapproval. Use of strong word language.

o   All, always, never, only, must, completely, totally, cannot, will, cause, most, majority. These words raise the burden of proof and certainty in the claim.

Traits of Wrong Answers for Weaken the Argument

·       Irrelevant details: Bring up something unrelated to the conclusion.

·       Restates a premise: Does not challenge the reasoning, just repeats it.

·       Strengthens the argument: Supports the conclusion instead of weakening it.

·       Too weak or vague: Sounds related but does not clearly impact the argument.

·       Use weak language: Some, maybe, could, might, potentially.

However, this can be correct if they highlight an important exception or logical problem in the argument.

My Common Weaken the Argument Mistakes

• Choosing general background information over a direct argument attack.

• Picking plausible but weaker explanations.

• Choosing counterexamples over structural flaws.

• Ensuring the undermining of the actual claim.

• Picking study-related answers (related to generalization, sample size, bias, etc.)

My Common Mistakes on Strengthen the Argument

• Picking Claims that are already assumed in the stimulus.

• Picking answers that do not reinforce and confirm the conclusion without any doubt.

My Common Mistakes on Required Assumption

• Picking answers that strengthen the argument.

• Picking questions with absolute language (only, must, never, cannot, always).

• Picking guaranteed answers.

• Picking answer choices that bring new ideas that are not discussed.

• Not picking an assumption that the premises rely on to have a true conclusion.

Conform to Supporting Principle Steps (Find the Rule that Justifies)

1. Read the principle carefully

2. Identify the key conditions

3. Check each answer to see if it follows the rules.

4. Pick a matching answer that demonstrates the rule.

5. Use the If A, then B format to find the answers. The contrapositive will provide an answer.

These questions follow apply a given rule to a specific case (General → Specific).

Conform to Principle Steps (Apply the Rule)

• Read the principle carefully. Rephrase it in your own words.

• Identify key conditions and language use of the rules.

• Check answers and see if it follows the stimulus.

• Eliminate choices that violate, reverse or miss the rule.

• Pick the answer that matches the principle.

  • Do not add any extra information.

• Can you the conditional (sufficient and necessary assumption to find answers)

  • If A then B.

Mistakes for Principle Questions

1. Picking something because it sounds morally correct.

2. Picking examples that fail to match key conditions.

Sufficient Assumption

What if assumed, would make the conclusion 100% guaranteed?

What answer will guarantee the conclusion? The right answer will be strong and specific.

• You can use logical forms to determine the question (If A, then B, change to contrapositive, modus tollens, modus ponens, affirming the consequent, denying the antecedent).

• Look for an unstated assumption that is required to make the argument work.

• Pay attention to key words in the stimulus.

Mistakes for Sufficient Assumption

• Answer too weak: Using language such as “some,” “may,” “might.” It does not guarantee a conclusion.

• Answer is necessary not sufficient: Seems required but does not prove the point.

• Irrelevant: It introduces new info not discussed.

• Reversed logic: Reverses the “if-then” relationship.

• Restates a premise: Just repeats something that is already given. Does nor prove anything.

Tips for Sufficient Assumption

• Spot the new term or concept in the conclusion that isn't connected to the premises

• Translate premise-conclusion links into conditional logic (If X then Y...)

• Avoid negation test here—it’s powerful for necessary assumptions, but not for sufficient ones

• Watch out for wrong choices that reverse the logic or represent illegal negations (like switching antecedent and consequent)

• Read answers carefully for strength—look for guarantees. Avoid vague terms like "some" when full proof is needed