LSAT Logical Reasoning: How to Change an Argument’s Strength (and Measure It)

What is a Strengthen question?

A question that asks you to choose an answer option that, if true, makes the argument's conclusion more likely.

What is the key mechanism for strengthening an argument?

Identifying the gap in reasoning and supporting an assumption, eliminating alternatives, or adding new evidence.

What does it mean to support an assumption in an argument?

To add a fact that makes the link between premises and conclusion stronger.

What does 'gap' refer to in an argument?

The missing piece of information needed for the premises to support the conclusion.

What are common families of strengthening arguments?

Causal arguments, generalizations, and analogies.

What does a causal argument typically assert?

It suggests that one event causes another.

What is a typical mistake in answering Strengthen questions?

Choosing an answer that simply repeats the conclusion instead of supporting it.

What does 'weaken' mean in the context of arguments?

To introduce information that makes the conclusion less likely true.

What strategies are used to weaken an argument?

Attacking premises, inference, providing an alternative explanation, or showing a counterexample.

What is the A.W.A.R.E. mnemonic for weakening arguments?

Alternative cause, Wrong direction, Accident/Chance, Randomization issues, External factor.

What is an Evaluate the Argument question?

A question asking for information to determine the soundness of the argument's reasoning.

What unique feature defines Evaluate questions?

They often ask a question where both positive and negative answers impact the argument's strength.

What should you identify first when solving Evaluate questions?

The conclusion and premises of the argument.

What is the importance of two-way leverage in Evaluate answers?

It shows that an answer can help or hurt the argument depending on how it’s answered.

How does strengthening an argument differ from weakening it?

Strengthening supports the conclusion, while weakening undermines it.

What should you look for in answer choices for Evaluate questions?

A choice that directly queries a fact essential to the argument's assumption.

What constitutes a strong example of a Strengthen statement?

Information that directly addresses the argument's gap or assumption.

Why is specificity important in Evaluate questions?

It ensures the answer targets the specific assumption that must hold for the argument to be valid.

In causal arguments, what type of questions do Evaluate answers often address?

Questions regarding alternative causal explanations or correlation validity.

What is a common misconception about weaken answers?

That they must directly contradict a premise, rather than showing the argument doesn't follow.

How are Strengthen, Weaken, and Evaluate questions similar?

They all focus on the assumptions and links in the argument's reasoning.

What do you identify to effectively tackle Strengthen/Weaken/Evaluate questions?

The underlying assumption that is critical for the argument's conclusion.

Why is it important to focus on the conclusion when analyzing argument types?

It helps in determining what the author is asserting and what is being assumed.

What assumption may undergird a recommendation in a policy argument?

That the proposed plan will achieve its stated goals without significant unforeseen costs.

What does ‘showing a mechanism’ mean in strengthening a causal argument?

Providing evidence of how one event produces another, making the causal link clearer.

What is a helpful method for predicting effective strengthen answers?

Prephrasing what kind of information would support the argument before examining choices.