LSAT Logical Reasoning Question Types

From Insight LSAT

Front-End Questions

Structural Analysis, Sufficient Assumption, Flaw

Structural Analysis

Find the conclusion and support

Sufficient Assumption

Find the gap (skill) and fill it with the Bridge

Flaw

Find and verbally paraphrase the flaw

Back-End Questions

Strengthener, Weakener, Necessary Assumption, Parallel Structure

Strengthener

Choose the answer that most helps the argument

Weakener

Choose the answer that most hurts the argument

Necessary Assumption

Use Old Reliable ("Do I need you?" / What if I didn't have you?") to check if the argument relies on the answer choices; Negate answer choices if you need to

Parallel Structure

Identify logical operators (skill); Use the Piecemeal to match one operator at a time from the passage to answer choices.

Questions w/o Arguments

Inference, Unexpected Result, Apply the Principle

Inference

• Light strategy: make a specific connection between the answer choice and the passage

• Heavy-duty strategy (most strongly supported): use the Skeptic's
  Perspective

• Heavy-duty strategy (must be true): negate the answer choice and look for a contradiction

Unexpected Result

Understand the weirdness exhibited by the passage; Ask, of each answer choice, "Do you clear things up?"

Apply the Principle

Match up all of the relevant parts of the principle (general language) and the situation (specific language)