Conclusions LSAT

Why is it useful to identify the type of conclusion?

Different conclusion types carry different assumptions, helping you analyze arguments and answer LSAT questions more accurately.

What are the six common conclusion types on the LSAT?

Comparison; Causation; Assessment; Recommendation; Prediction; Simple Belief.

What is a comparison conclusion?

A conclusion that compares two things or compares one thing with itself over time.

What are common indicator words for comparison conclusions?

Better than; Worse than; More; Less; Stronger; Weaker; Healthier; Faster.

What type of conclusion is: "This year's candidate is stronger than last year's."

Comparison.

What type of conclusion is: "She understands voters better than she did a year ago."

Comparison.

What is a causal conclusion?

A conclusion claiming one thing directly causes another.

What is the difference between a cause and an effect?

Cause = what produces the result. Effect = what happens because of the cause.

What type of conclusion is: "I took cough medicine. Today I feel better. Therefore the medicine caused my recovery."

Causation.

What type of conclusion is: "Teachers like Jonathan, therefore that's why he gets good grades."

Causation.

True or False: Whenever someone says "because," the conclusion is causal.

False.

Why isn't this causal? "My friend always calls on Wednesdays, so she'll call tomorrow."

Because there is no direct cause-and-effect relationship—only a pattern or expectation.

What is an assessment?

A subjective judgment assigning a quality or value to something.

What are common assessment words?

Beautiful; Helpful; Important; Valuable; Excellent; Harmful.

What type of conclusion is: "The policy is very helpful."

Assessment.

What type of conclusion is: "The flower is beautiful."

Assessment.

Is "The sun is made of gases" an assessment?

No. It is a factual statement.

What is a recommendation?

A conclusion about what should or should not be done.

What are common recommendation indicators?

Should; Ought to; Must; Need to; Best way; Only way.

What type of conclusion is: "Doctors should favor Treatment X."

Recommendation.

What type of conclusion is: "Extending the warranty is the only way to gain customers."

Recommendation.

What assumption often underlies recommendations?

That the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

What is a prediction?

A conclusion about what will happen in the future.

What are common prediction indicators?

Will; Will not; May; Might; Going to; Future tense.

What type of conclusion is: "The tennis match will be rescheduled."

Prediction.

What type of conclusion is: "Our homeless population may not be reduced next year."

Prediction.

What assumption often underlies predictions?

That current evidence or conditions will remain unchanged in the future.

What is a simple belief?

A plain claim that does not fit the categories of comparison, causation, assessment, recommendation, or prediction.

What type of conclusion is: "The student cheated."

Simple Belief.

What type of conclusion is: "The thief is probably still inside."

Simple Belief.

When should you classify a conclusion as a simple belief?

When it is not a comparison, causation, assessment, recommendation, or prediction.

What are the two degrees of conclusions?

Definite (Categorical) and Indefinite (Qualified).

What is a definite (categorical) conclusion?

A conclusion claiming something is always or never true (100% or 0% certainty).

What are common definite indicator words?

All; Every; None; Never; Will.

What is an indefinite (qualified) conclusion?

A conclusion expressing uncertainty or partial certainty.

What are common indefinite likelihood indicators?

Likely; Unlikely; Possible; Could; Might.

What are common indefinite quantity indicators?

Some; Most; More.

What are common indefinite frequency indicators?

Usually; Often; Sometimes; Rarely; Seldom.

What are common indefinite proximity indicators?

Almost; Nearly.

Why is recognizing the degree of a conclusion useful?

It helps eliminate incorrect answers in Match the Structure and Match the Flaw questions.

In Match the Structure questions, what usually matches?

The type and degree of the conclusion.

Why are definite conclusions often vulnerable in flaw questions?

They often overlook alternative possibilities or make overly broad claims.

What are the type and degree of: "Everyone should recycle."

Type: Recommendation. Degree: Definite.

What are the type and degree of: "Most birds can fly."

Type: Simple Belief. Degree: Indefinite.

What are the type and degree of: "This treatment is better than the old one."

Type: Comparison. Degree: Definite.

What are the type and degree of: "The economy will improve next year."

Type: Prediction. Degree: Definite.

What are the type and degree of: "The policy is harmful."

Type: Assessment. Degree: Definite.