3 Ways to Identify Premises and Conclusions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the three methods for identifying premises and conclusions on the LSAT, along with specific premise and conclusion indicator words.

Persuasion Method

The first method to identify premises and conclusions by asking yourself, 'What does the author really want me to believe?' or what the author wants to persuade you of, relying on intuition.

"Why should I believe this sentence?" Method

The second method for identifying premises and conclusions, involving trial and error by picking a candidate conclusion sentence and asking what reasons the passage provides to accept it.

Indicators Method

A mechanical third method for identifying premises and conclusions that utilizes words whose role in the English language is to indicate support structure.

Conclusion Indicators

Words or phrases usually followed by the conclusion: consequently, therefore, as a result, so, clearly, it follows that, accordingly, we may conclude, it entails, hence, thus, we may infer that, it must be that, it implies that, and that is why.

Premise Indicators

Words or phrases usually followed by premise(s): given that, seeing that, for the reason that, owing to, as indicated by, after all, and on the grounds that.

Premise Indicators containing the Conclusion

Words or phrases that are usually followed by premise(s) but contain the conclusion: for, since, and because.