Conclusions LSAT (Narrowed Down)

Comparison

Compares two things, or one thing to itself. Look for: better than, worse than, more/less, healthier, stronger.

Causation

Claims one thing directly causes or affects another. Look for a cause → effect relationship.

Assessment

Assigns a subjective quality or value to something. Look for: good, bad, beautiful, important, helpful, unfair.

Recommendation

Argues for or against a course of action. Look for: should, ought to, must, favor, only way.

Prediction

Claims something will or will not happen in the future. Look for: will, won't, may happen, by next year, in the future.

Simple Belief

A plain claim the arguer believes is true that is not a comparison, causation, assessment, recommendation, or prediction.

Definite Conclusion

Claims something is true 100% or 0% of the time. Look for: all, every, none, never, will.

Indefinite Conclusion

Claims something is not necessarily 100% or 0% true. Look for: likely, possible, might, some, most, often, usually, rarely, almost.

Comparison Example

"This year's candidate is stronger than last year's." → Comparison

Causation Example

"The medicine made me feel better." → Causation

Assessment Example

"The policy is very helpful." → Assessment

Recommendation Example

"Physicians should favor Treatment X." → Recommendation

Prediction Example

"The match will be rescheduled." → Prediction

Simple Belief Example

"The student cheated on the test." → Simple Belief

Definite Example

"Every student passed." → Definite

Indefinite Example

"Most students passed." → Indefinite

Fast Recognition Rule

First identify WHAT the conclusion is doing: comparing, causing, judging, recommending, predicting, or simply claiming.

Degree Rule

Definite = 100% or 0%. Indefinite = anything less than certain.

Important Distinction

A reason for believing something is not automatically causation; causation requires direct cause-and-effect.

Important Distinction

An objective fact is not an assessment; an assessment gives something a subjective quality or value.

Important Distinction

A recommendation can be implied even without "should" or "ought."

When to Identify Conclusion Type/Degree 🎯

Match, Find the Flaw, Weaken, or Strengthen