Conditional reasoning appears throughout the LSAT, in the arguments presented within the Logical Reasoning sections of the test, in the grouping games that are featured in every Logic Games section, and even (to a lesser extent) in the Reading Comprehension section of the test. This type of logic classifies conditions as Sufficient or Necessary, depending on whether they are sufficient to glean further information, or necessary for something else to be true or to occur. (For an expansive discussion of conditional reasoning as it applies to the LSAT, check out our Logical Reasoning Bible).
This area represents an important component of legal reasoning, of course, but more importantly from test makers’ perspective, conditional reasoning has proven to be a reliable source of confusion for test-takers.
Common Mistakes
Ready for more?
A ticket is all that is required for entry into the festival.
If you have the necessities, then that should be sufficient.
We will leave if and when we are ready,
Your entry will be the only prize winner if, but only if, it is the only entry.
I’ll use the word “then” only if I use the word “if.”
Answers:
1. A ticket is all that is required for entry into the festival.
2. If you have the necessities, then that should be sufficient.
3. We will leave if and when we are ready.
4. Your entry will be the only prize winner if, but only if, it is the only entry.
5. I’ll use the word “then” only if I use the word “if.”
So, how did you do? Still have questions on these strange examples? Post them below!