In Part 2, we discuss two questions that specifically deal with Weaken and Assumption in correlation and causal reasoning questions on the LSAT. In the final part in this series, let's go over those questions. Be sure to read Part 1 and 2 in the series before diving in. Question #1 Let’s start by revisiting the first question. Advertisement: Pump3D is a nutritional supplement that can greatly reduce athletes’ fatigue after anaerobic exercise. … [Read more...]
How to Recognize Limited Solution Set Games
A struggle among LSAT test-takers is knowing when to diagram, as part of your initial setup, the limited solution sets possible in a logic game with a highly restrictive rule set. If this is something you also struggle with, let's go over it. Learn When to Invest Time Diagramming the limited solutions at the start of a game can empower you. It enables you to dominate the game with extra speed and accuracy. But only if the possible … [Read more...]
How to Approach the LSAT’s Evaluate the Argument Question Type
As we get closer to the LSAT administration date, people who have already done a great deal of study start to look at some of the less frequently tested subjects. When students finally discover Logical Reasoning Evaluate the Argument questions, they panic a little. At first, it seems quite different. It’s not a Weaken or a Strengthen question, but what exactly is it?Never fear. Although – as with all things – it's easy to make this question … [Read more...]
Staying Focused During Reading Comprehension
Do you have trouble staying focused in Reading Comprehension? It's the one section on the test that is notoriously difficult to improve on. In this Forum post, our resident LSAT expert and content developer Nikki Siclunov discusses strategies for staying actively engaged with the text. If you've ever "zoned out" in RC, this post is for you.Here's a quick preview. Make sure to check out the full thread to read the entire explanation … [Read more...]
Conditionality vs. Causality: Similarities and Differences
Did you know that conditional reasoning and causal reasoning can be found in over 30% of Logical Reasoning stimuli on the average LSAT? That's right; they're two of the most frequently tested, and most frequently misinterpreted, reasoning techniques on the test!In today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day, PowerScore Senior Developer Jon Denning advises a student on exactly how to differentiate between these two concepts. In addition, he outlines … [Read more...]
Negating Compound and Conditional Statements
The ability to logically negate a statement—whether conditional, causal, etc.—is critical to your success on the LSAT. It comes up most commonly in the Logical Reasoning section of the test, although any question stem using the word “EXCEPT” (always capitalized) will require you to logically negate that stem.The list does not stop here. Every time you apply the contrapositive of a conditional statement, you will need to reverse and negate the … [Read more...]
Weakening Concepts and Truth vs. Validity
How do you attack assumptions to weaken the argument? Do the three incorrect answers for weakening questions deal with incorrect assumptions or conclusions? Read this discussion between a PowerScore student, a PowerScore senior instructor, and LSAT Bible Trilogy author Dave Killoran to learn more!Here's a quick preview. Make sure to check out the full thread to read the entire explanation Nikki and Dave provided to this student:The … [Read more...]
Conditional Reasoning Practice: Test Your Skills
The other day I came across an apparently famous logic puzzle called The Wason Selection Task. I say "apparently" famous because I for one had never heard of it. But I was instantly struck by the conditional nature of the process in question. If you're reading this I presume you've got some experience with LSAT conditionality. If you'd like more I've included a number of helpful links at the end of this post! Test Your Knowledge Take a look at … [Read more...]
Assumption Question: Supporter and Defender
Have you ever wondered why Defender Assumptions are often connected to stimuli that have no obvious errors? Well, one of our students was wondering just that, and decided to ask us about it in our LSAT Forum.PowerScore instructor Clay Cooper first weighed in with an excellent explanation of how Defenders work, and then LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible author Dave Killoran followed up with a discussion of whether you should know if you will be … [Read more...]
Are You There, Test Taker? It’s Me, the LSAT
A great way to learn about what's important to someone is to see how they spend limited resources. This is just as true about the LSAT test-makers as anyone else. But we're so accustomed to answering the questions they ask us. We don't stop to listen to what they have to say about the test. The Purpose of the LSAT We know that LSAC puts a lot of time and money into creating each test. Those are limited resources. It's reasonable, then, for us … [Read more...]
Grouping Games, Conditional Linkage, and the Double-Not Arrow
A commonly-tested occurrence in Grouping Games (and even occasionally in Logical Reasoning) is a set of conditional rules that can be linked to one another through shared variables, forming chains and producing a series of inferences. The ability to create and manipulate these linkages is critical, as is the ability to avoid mistakes!In this LSAT Forum Post of the Day, PowerScore VP of Development Jon Denning walks a student through the … [Read more...]
Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT Part II
This is the second article in a series that discusses Correlations and Causal Reasoning on the LSAT. Here is a typical stimulus containing a causal conclusion supported by a correlation. Advertisement: Pump3D is a nutritional supplement that can greatly reduce athletes’ fatigue after anaerobic exercise. This was shown by a study investigating the relationship between fatigue and high doses of guarana extract—the main ingredient in Pump3D which … [Read more...]
Logic Games Language and Numerical Distributions
The test makers are notoriously clever when it comes to the interplay of variable sets in Logic Games, particularly with how they word the rules and restrictions governing distributions. So how can you prepare yourself for this challenge, and what methods can be used to "test" the limits of variable interactions?Today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day addresses both of these concerns, as PowerScore Developer Jon Denning explores exactly what to … [Read more...]
Cannot Be True Questions and Conditional Reasoning
Cannot Be True questions in Logical Reasoning occasionally feature conditional reasoning (reasoning that uses sufficient and necessary conditions). Some of those questions can appear to be extremely difficult.As today's LSAT Forum Post of the Day shows, these questions often revolve around the same error. The test makers just dress it up a bit differently each time in order to throw off unsuspecting test takers. PowerScore LSAT Logical … [Read more...]