Logical Reasoning Question Types

Flaw Questions

Identify the conclusion, find the reasoning error

Must Be True Questions

Use only what’s explicitly stated or can be logically deduced, no outside assumptions

Required Assumption Questions

Look for what the argument depends on being true. Use the negation test - if negating destroys the argument, it’s necessary

Weaken Questions

Attack the link between the evidence and conclusion. Show an alternative explanation or highlight a flaw/missing info

Strengthen Questions

Support the argument’s logic. Reinforce the connection between evidence and conclusion

Parallel Questions

Match structure and logic, not topic. Break it down (if X leads to Y, therefore Z)

Resolve the Discrepancy Questions

Find an answer that explains how both statements can be true. Look for different definitions, timeframes or groups

Argumentative Strategy Questions

Focus on how the argument is made, not whether the argument is valid (analogy, counterexample, elimination)

Main Conclusion Questions

What is the author trying to prove? (watch for indicators like therefore, thus, so)

Justify the Conclusion Questions

Supply a missing premise that guarantees the conclusion is valid, plugging in the gap so the argument is airtight

Illustration Questions

Match the principle in the argument with the correct example (or vice versa) - focus on core logic or rule being demonstrated

Disagree/Agree Questions

Identify both speakers’ conclusions and reasoning. Then find where they clearly agree or disagree on a point of substance

Role Questions

Break down the argument’s parts, identify whether the statement is evidence, conclusion, background or something else.

Must Be False Questions

Look for something that contradicts the stimulus or cannot possibly be true if everything in the stimulus is correct

Argument Evaluation Questions

Find what info would help determine if the argument is valid

Misinterpretation Questions

Identify how the conclusion distorts or misrepresents the original statement

Techniques, Roles, and Principles

Identifying how an argument is constructed or the function of parts

• Argumentative Strategy

• Role

• Illustration

• Justify the Conclusion

Assumption

What the argument depends on or leaves unstated.

• Required Assumption

• Justify the Conclusion

• Argument Evaluation

Strengthen or Weaken

Supporting or attacking the link between evidence and conclusion

• Strengthen

• Weaken

• Argument Evaluation

Deductions and Inference

Drawing logically valid conclusions from given information

• Must Be True

• Must Be False

• Disagree/Agree

Flaws

Identifying errors in reasoning

• Flaws

• Misinterpretation

Explain or Resolve

Making sense of conflicting or puzzling information

• Resolve the Discrepancy

• Explain the Result

Conclusions and Disputes

Identifying what the argument is trying to prove or what people are arguing about

• Main Conclusion

• Disagree/Agree

Matching Flaws

Identifying the same type of error in reasoning as found in another argument

• Flaw in Reasoning - Parallel

• Misinterpretation

Matching Structure and Principles

Identifying arguments with the same logical form or same underlying rule

• Parallel Reasoning

• Illustration

• Justify the Conclusion