LSAT Arguments || A+ Graded Already.
Reading for info v Reading for reasoning correct answers Info: Qs that refer to statements,
passages, and information require reading for info (20-25% of ?s)
reasoning: Qs that refer to arguments or reasoning requiring for reasoning (75-80% of ?s)
reading for info correct answers - looking for what the passage says
- read the passage for facts only
- don't bother looking for mistakes to the conc. bc it does not matter
- underline don't highlight
reading for reasoning correct answers - looking for what the passage does
- focus on finding the conclusion to the argument (main idea that is most important part)
- highlight conc.
If the statements above are true, each of the following could also be true EXCEPT correct
answers read for info
The argument is flawed because it correct answers read for reasoning
Which of the following assumptions does the argument depend on correct answers read for
reasoning
Which of the following is a point about which the two speakers are committed to disagreeing
about correct answers read for reasoning
Parts of an argument correct answers Premise(s)
Conclusion
not everything is conc or premise- sometimes background info, intro statements
Premise Indicators correct answers because, since, for, for example, for the reason that, in that,
given that, as indicated by, due to, owing to, this can be seen from, we know this by
Conclusion Indicators correct answers thus, therefore, hence, consequently, as a result, so,
accordingly, clearly, must be that, shows that, conclude that, follows that, for this reason.
Conclusion correct answers - central claim of argument
,- statement of opinion recommendation, prediction, solutions
Premise correct answers - evidence
- must take as fact (even if dont agree)
Why test correct answers Ask yourself "why does the author believe that this statement is true?"
the other txt of the argument should answer that question
- if it does then it passes the way test and you can be sure you have correct conc. and premise
- if it doesnt it means you probably reversed the conc and premise
purpose of an argument correct answers Interpret
Solve
Disagree
Interpret- conclusion and premise correct answers - most common structure
conclusion: broad - often extreme or unwarranted (It is obvious that, it is clear that, this
proves/shows that, one must conclude)
Premise(s): fact(s) - data, stats, surveys, research
Interpret- flaw and assumption correct answers Flaw: presumes that his/her interpretation is the
only one
Assumptions: Facts support the broad conclusion
- no other interpretation possible
- think of assumption as a flaw
solve- conclusion and premise correct answers Usually environmental arguments
Conclusion: proposes a solution or rejects a proposed solution to the problem
- should/ ought to/ need to/ it is time to __(conc)_____
Premise(s): description of prob; presents a problem, challenge, difficultly
- conclusion moves the problem does not really solve it
Solve- flaw and assumption correct answers Flaw: presumes that the solution is complete, will
work, and won't make matters worse in some way
Assumptions: solution is complete and effective; there is no weakness in the proposed solution
,- no other factors to consider
Disagree- conclusion and premise correct answers Rarest but hardest structure
Position/opinion is presented (1st sentence
- back ground info
- some people believe, many observers think, most scientists have thought to
Conclusion: author disagrees
- what the author disagrees w/ and the fact the author disagrees (the disagreement itself) =conc.
- watch for strength of language: could be wrong v. is wrong
- but, yet, however, nevertheless
Premise(s): evidence against the original position and in support of the authors
- reasons why the original position is wrong
- new or updated research or author perspective
Disagree- flaw and assumption correct answers Flaw:the author presumes that the two positions
are mutually exclusive (they cant both be true)
Assumptions: additional facts disprove the old position and prove the new
- the two positions are mutually exclusive (cannot both occur)
Arguments approach correct answers Asses
Act
Answer
1. asses correct answers ALWAYS READ THE QUESTION FIRST
- reasoning or info?
questions generally ask you to:
- help: ex. justify, strengthen
- hurt: ex. flaw, error in reasoning, weaken
- match: ex. what is conc, what is role
- extract: read for info ex. what can be inferred, what has to happen
2. act correct answers - do the work to determine what the answer needs you to do
- info: underline the key facts as you read the passage (no conc to look for)
- reasoning: find the conc. using the indicator words to help and using why test to double check
- consider purpose structure (solve, interpret, disagree)
3. answer correct answers using POE to get rid of wrong answers
, -relevance
- wrong tone/ force
- doesnt match
- partly right
- wrong direction
inference correct answers inference is the answer out of the 5 that is most supported by
information in the passage only
it does not have to be main conclusion of argument it only need to be conclusion you can prove
w/ info in the passage
wrong answers are too extreme/strong; or give new unsupported information
- should be paraphrase of what happened or summary
- if no direct evidence for it then not direct answer
ex. what answer does the passage support
Key words in Question stem:
Main point; main conclusion; argument is structured to lead to which conclusion:
Act: ______
Answer (POE guide): _____
Question type:______ correct answers Act: read for reasoning
Answer: match
Question type: main point
Key words in Question stem:
X responds to Y by; claim that....plays what role; technique/method/strategy of
argumentation/reasoning
Act: ______
Answer (POE guide): _____
Question type:______ correct answers Act: read for reasoning
Answer: match
