Logical Reasoning (LR)
Sections testing argument analysis and evaluation skills.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
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LSAT (Law School Admission Test) — key terms, tricks & tips
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Analytical Reasoning (AR)
Sections testing deductive reasoning and rule application (Logic Games).
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Reading Comprehension (RC)
Sections testing ability to understand and analyze complex texts.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Experimental Section
Unscored section used by LSAC to test new questions.
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Writing Sample
Unscored essay component, sent to law schools.
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Scaled Score
LSAT score from 120-180, adjusted for test difficulty.
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Raw Score
Total number of correct answers on scored sections.
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LSAT Structure & Scoring
LSAT: L-A-R-E-W. Logical, Analytical, Reading, Experimental, Writing. Remember the order and purpose!
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
LSAT Structure & Scoring
California law schools, like others, heavily weigh the LSAT score. A competitive score is essential for admission, and a strong writing sample can distinguish an applicant in a competitive pool.
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LSAT Structure & Scoring
Assuming you can identify the experimental section during the test and therefore not giving it full effort.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
LSAT Structure & Scoring
Neglecting the writing sample, believing it's unimportant because it's unscored.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
LSAT Structure & Scoring
Leaving questions blank because of incorrect assumptions about guessing penalties.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Diagnostic Test
Initial full-length practice test to assess current skill levels.
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Active Learning
Engaging with material through explanation, annotation, and application.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Spaced Repetition
Reviewing material at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention.
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PrepTest
An official, previously administered LSAT exam used for practice.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Blind Review
Reviewing practice test questions without knowing if answers are right/wrong.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Study Plan
A structured schedule outlining study goals, materials, and timelines.
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Target Score
The desired LSAT score, often based on law school admission requirements.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Effective LSAT Study Strategies & Resources
LSAT: Learn, Strategize, Analyze, Test! This cycle will guide your journey.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Effective LSAT Study Strategies & Resources
On the LSAT, understanding the *function* of each section and question type is key. Don't just memorize rules; grasp the underlying logical principles.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Effective LSAT Study Strategies & Resources
Focusing solely on content review without sufficient timed practice.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Effective LSAT Study Strategies & Resources
Neglecting thorough review of incorrect answers and missed questions.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Effective LSAT Study Strategies & Resources
Studying inconsistently or cramming at the last minute.
Getting Started: How the LSAT Works
Argument
A set of statements where one is supported by others.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Conclusion
The main point or claim being supported in an argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Premise
A statement offered as evidence or reason to support a conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Main Point
Synonym for the conclusion of an argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Indicator Words
Words that signal premises or conclusions.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Sub-conclusion
A statement that is both a conclusion and a premise for another conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Argument Structure & Main Point
P.C. for 'Premise-Conclusion': P for 'Proof' (the evidence), C for 'Claim' (what's being proven).
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Argument Structure & Main Point
On the LSAT, 'Main Point' questions specifically ask you to identify the conclusion. Look for phrases like 'Which of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?' or 'The main point of the argument is that...'
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Argument Structure & Main Point
Confusing background information or examples for premises.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Argument Structure & Main Point
Mistaking a sub-conclusion for the main conclusion of a complex argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Argument Structure & Main Point
Over-relying on indicator words without understanding the argument's logical flow.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Assumption
Unstated premise necessary for a conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Inference
Conclusion that must be true from premises.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Negation Test
Tool to check assumptions: if false, argument fails.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Logical Gap
Missing step in reasoning an assumption fills.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Identifying Assumptions & Inferences
ASSUME the missing piece. INFER what MUST be true. (A-M-I-M)
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Identifying Assumptions & Inferences
LSAT questions often use keywords like 'assumes,' 'presupposes,' 'depends on,' or 'if true, allows one to conclude' for assumptions. For inferences, look for 'must be true,' 'can be properly inferred,' or 'follows logically.'
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Identifying Assumptions & Inferences
Confusing an assumption with an inference: remember, assumptions are *needed* for the argument, inferences *follow* from it.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Identifying Assumptions & Inferences
Selecting an answer that is 'probably true' or 'could be true' as an inference; inferences *must* be true.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Identifying Assumptions & Inferences
Choosing an assumption that is merely consistent with the argument but not *necessary* for its conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthen
To make an argument's conclusion more likely to be true.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Weaken
To make an argument's conclusion less likely to be true.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Alternative Explanation
A different cause or reason for an observed effect.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Counter-evidence
Evidence that contradicts a claim or conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthening & Weakening Arguments
SWAP: Strengthen, Weaken, Assumptions, Premises. Remember to always look for the unstated assumptions first!
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthening & Weakening Arguments
LSAT questions often test your ability to identify the answer choice that, if true, would 'most strengthen' or 'most weaken' the argument. Look for answer choices that directly impact the argument's core assumptions or the logical link between premises and conclusion, rather than merely providing tangential information.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthening & Weakening Arguments
Choosing an answer that is irrelevant to the argument, even if it sounds plausible.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthening & Weakening Arguments
Confusing strengthening/weakening with proving/disproving the conclusion absolutely.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthening & Weakening Arguments
Focusing on the truthfulness of the premises rather than their logical relationship to the conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Strengthening & Weakening Arguments
Selecting an answer that only slightly impacts the argument when a stronger option exists.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Logical Flaw
An error in reasoning that weakens an argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Fallacy
Another term for a logical flaw.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Ad Hominem
Attacking the person, not the argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
False Cause
Assuming causation from correlation.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Slippery Slope
Unjustified chain of negative consequences.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Straw Man
Misrepresenting an opponent's argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Paradox
Seemingly contradictory but true statements.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Reconciliation
Explaining how contradictory facts can coexist.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Recognizing Flaws & Paradoxes in Reasoning
FLAW: 'F' for Faulty Logic, 'L' for Lack of Link, 'A' for Assumption Error, 'W' for Weak Conclusion. PARADOX: 'P' for Puzzling Contradiction, 'A' for Apparent Conflict, 'R' for Reconcile with new info, 'D' for Dual Truths.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Recognizing Flaws & Paradoxes in Reasoning
On the California Bar Exam, identifying logical fallacies is crucial for the essay portion, particularly in areas like Evidence and Professional Responsibility, where you might need to critique or defend arguments presented. Pay close attention to 'Ad Hominem' and 'False Cause' as these are frequently tested.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Recognizing Flaws & Paradoxes in Reasoning
Confusing a flaw with a weak argument: A weak argument might just have insufficient evidence, while a flawed argument has a fundamental error in its reasoning structure.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Recognizing Flaws & Paradoxes in Reasoning
Trying to prove one side of a paradox false: The goal is to explain how both seemingly contradictory facts can be true, not to invalidate one of them.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Recognizing Flaws & Paradoxes in Reasoning
Overlooking common flaw types: Many LSAT flaws are recurring patterns; failing to recognize these patterns costs valuable time and points.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Principle
A general rule or guideline that applies broadly.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Main Conclusion
The central point an argument seeks to prove.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Intermediate Conclusion
A statement supported by premises, but also supports another conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Role of a Statement
The function a statement performs within an argument.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Conditional Statement
An 'if-then' statement, common for principles.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Analyzing Principles & Role of a Statement
PRINCE-ROLE: P for Principle (general rule), R for Role (what it does), I for Indicator words, N for Not just facts, C for Conclusion (main point), E for Evidence (premises).
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Analyzing Principles & Role of a Statement
On the LSAT, questions asking for the 'role' of a statement often use phrases like 'The statement serves which of the following functions?' or 'The author uses the statement primarily to...' For principle questions, look for 'which of the following principles, if valid, most strongly supports...' or 'the principle illustrated above is best exemplified by...'
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Analyzing Principles & Role of a Statement
Confusing a premise for the main conclusion, especially if the premise is a strong claim.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Analyzing Principles & Role of a Statement
Mistaking background information for a supporting premise or a conclusion.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Analyzing Principles & Role of a Statement
Failing to identify the general nature of a principle, instead focusing on specific details.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Analyzing Principles & Role of a Statement
Applying a principle incorrectly by overlooking a condition or introducing an unstated one.
Logical Reasoning Foundations
Main Idea
The central point or argument of a passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Primary Purpose
The author's objective or reason for writing the passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Thesis Statement
A sentence summarizing the main point of an essay or passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Topic Sentence
A sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Scope
The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Infinitive Verb
The base form of a verb, often preceded by 'to' (e.g., to argue).
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Finding the Main Idea & Primary Purpose
Think of 'M'ain Idea as the 'M'essage, and 'P'rimary 'P'urpose as the 'P'oint the author is trying to 'P'rove or 'P'resent.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Finding the Main Idea & Primary Purpose
For the LSAT, main idea questions often use phrases like 'The author's primary concern is...' or 'The passage is primarily concerned with...' Primary purpose questions typically use 'The primary purpose of the passage is to...' or 'The author's primary objective is to...'. Always look for these keywords to differentiate.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Finding the Main Idea & Primary Purpose
Confusing a specific detail for the main idea.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Finding the Main Idea & Primary Purpose
Selecting a primary purpose that is too broad or too narrow for the passage's scope.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Finding the Main Idea & Primary Purpose
Ignoring the author's tone when determining primary purpose.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Author's Attitude
The author's emotional stance or perspective towards the subject.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Tone
Synonym for author's attitude, conveyed through word choice.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Specific Detail Question
Asks for information explicitly stated in the passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Keywords
Words in a question that guide you to relevant passage sections.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Objective
Neutral, unbiased, presenting facts without personal feelings.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Critical
Expressing disapproval or finding fault with something.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Skeptical
Having doubts or reservations about something.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Author's Attitude & Specific Details
ATTITUDE is about your 'FEELINGS' (like the 'F' in 'attitude'). DETAILS are about 'FACTS' (like the 'F' in 'details').
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Author's Attitude & Specific Details
On the LSAT, specific detail questions often target information presented in lists, definitions, or examples. For author's attitude, look for words that express judgment or emotion. Keywords like 'primarily concerned with,' 'attitude toward,' or 'describes' signal these question types.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Author's Attitude & Specific Details
Confusing an inference with a specific detail: Specific details are stated, inferences are implied.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Author's Attitude & Specific Details
Choosing an answer for author's attitude that is too extreme or not supported by the overall tone.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Author's Attitude & Specific Details
Failing to go back to the passage to verify specific details, leading to reliance on memory or assumptions.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Passage Structure
The organizational pattern of a reading comprehension passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Argument Development
How an author builds and supports their main point throughout a text.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Analogous Reasoning
Drawing parallels between different situations to explain or argue a point.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Problem/Solution
A common passage structure identifying an issue and proposing remedies.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Compare/Contrast
A passage structure that examines similarities and differences.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Transition Words
Words or phrases signaling shifts in argument or information.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Counterargument
An argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Passage Structure & Analogous Reasoning
STRUCTURE: S-kim for main idea, T-race transitions, R-ecognize patterns, U-nderstand argument, C-onnect paragraphs, T-hink analogously, U-nderline key points, R-eview for flow, E-valuate purpose.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Passage Structure & Analogous Reasoning
On the LSAT, questions about passage structure often use keywords like 'organization,' 'function of the second paragraph,' 'primary purpose,' or 'how the author develops the argument.' Be prepared to describe the role of specific paragraphs or the overall flow of ideas.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Passage Structure & Analogous Reasoning
Getting lost in details on the first read instead of focusing on overall structure.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Passage Structure & Analogous Reasoning
Failing to recognize transition words as signals for shifts in argument.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Passage Structure & Analogous Reasoning
Misinterpreting the purpose of an analogy, taking it too literally instead of understanding the underlying relationship.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Strong Inference
A conclusion directly and undeniably supported by textual evidence.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Weak Inference
A conclusion requiring too many assumptions or outside information.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Comparative Reading
Analyzing two passages to understand their relationship.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Points of Agreement
Ideas or claims shared by both passages.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Points of Disagreement
Conflicting ideas or claims between passages.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Synthesis
Combining information from multiple sources to form a new understanding.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Inferences & Comparative Reading
Imagine an 'INFER-ence' as a detective finding clues (textual evidence) and putting them together to solve a mystery (the unstated truth).
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Inferences & Comparative Reading
On the California Bar Exam, legal analysis often requires you to infer legislative intent or common law principles from statutory language or case holdings. Pay close attention to the specific wording used and what it implies about the law's purpose or scope.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Inferences & Comparative Reading
Selecting an answer choice that introduces new information not supported by the passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Inferences & Comparative Reading
Confusing an inference with a direct restatement of information from the passage.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Inferences & Comparative Reading
Failing to identify the core relationship (agreement, disagreement, qualification) between two comparative passages.
Reading Comprehension Strategies
Ordering Game
Arranging entities in a sequence based on position or time.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Grouping Game
Distributing entities into distinct categories or groups.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Linear Diagram
A visual representation for ordering games, typically numbered slots.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Conditional Rule
An 'if-then' statement linking two conditions or assignments.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Contrapositive
The logically equivalent inverse of a conditional statement.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Fixed Point
An entity whose position or group is definitively determined by a rule.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Hybrid Game
A logic game combining elements of both ordering and grouping.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Ordering & Grouping Games
Remember 'OG' for Ordering-Grouping. O for Order (linear line), G for Group (separate groups).
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Ordering & Grouping Games
The LSAT often tests your ability to identify 'not-blocks' in ordering games, where certain entities cannot be adjacent. For grouping games, pay close attention to 'at least' or 'no more than' rules, as these numerical constraints are critical for deductions.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Ordering & Grouping Games
Failing to draw a clear, consistent diagram for each game type.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Ordering & Grouping Games
Not writing out the contrapositive for conditional rules, missing key deductions.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Ordering & Grouping Games
Trying to hold too many rules or possibilities in your head without writing them down.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Sufficient Condition
The 'if' part; guarantees the necessary condition.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Necessary Condition
The 'then' part; required for the sufficient condition.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Fallacy of the Converse
Incorrectly inferring Q → P from P → Q.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Fallacy of the Inverse
Incorrectly inferring ~P → ~Q from P → Q.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
'Only If'
Introduces a necessary condition (P only if Q means P → Q).
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
'Unless'
Translates to 'if not...then...' (A unless B means ~B → A).
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Matching & Conditional Statements in Analytical Reasoning
N.O.S.E. - Necessary is 'Only if' and Sufficient is 'Everything else' (like 'if,' 'all,' 'when').
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Matching & Conditional Statements in Analytical Reasoning
For the LSAT, pay close attention to indicator words for conditional statements: 'if,' 'then,' 'only if,' 'unless,' 'all,' 'every,' 'no,' 'none,' 'when,' 'whenever,' 'requires,' 'must,' 'guarantees.' Practice diagramming these quickly and accurately to save time on the exam.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Matching & Conditional Statements in Analytical Reasoning
Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions, especially with 'only if' statements.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Matching & Conditional Statements in Analytical Reasoning
Assuming the converse or inverse of a conditional statement is true.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Matching & Conditional Statements in Analytical Reasoning
Failing to diagram the contrapositive, missing crucial inferences.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Deduction
A conclusion that must be true if premises are true.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Explicit Rule
A rule directly stated in the game setup.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Implicit Rule
A rule derived by combining or interpreting explicit rules.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Deductions, Inferences & Rules in Analytical Reasoning
D.I.R.T. - Deduce, Infer, Rules, Test! Always get your hands dirty with the rules to dig out every possible deduction.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Deductions, Inferences & Rules in Analytical Reasoning
On the LSAT, 'must be true' questions directly test your ability to make deductions. Look for keywords like 'if,' 'unless,' 'only if,' 'always,' and 'never' to identify conditional relationships and absolute constraints in rules.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Deductions, Inferences & Rules in Analytical Reasoning
Confusing 'could be true' with 'must be true' – only certainties are deductions.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Deductions, Inferences & Rules in Analytical Reasoning
Failing to combine rules to find implicit deductions, missing key constraints.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Deductions, Inferences & Rules in Analytical Reasoning
Not drawing out contrapositives for conditional rules, thereby overlooking vital information.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Possible Scenario
An arrangement that satisfies all game rules.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Impossible Scenario
An arrangement that violates one or more rules.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Rule Violation
A conflict between a scenario and a game rule.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Constraint
A limitation or rule governing entity placement.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Valid Arrangement
Synonym for a possible scenario.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Identifying Possible/Impossible Scenarios
P-I-E: Possible if Everything's right. Impossible if Even one is wrong.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Identifying Possible/Impossible Scenarios
On the LSAT, questions often use phrases like 'Which of the following *could* be true?' (asking for a possible scenario) or 'Which of the following *cannot* be true?' (asking for an impossible scenario). Always identify the exact nature of the question.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Identifying Possible/Impossible Scenarios
Stopping the check after finding only one rule violation (for impossibility) or checking only a few rules (for possibility).
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Identifying Possible/Impossible Scenarios
Misinterpreting the exact wording or implication of a rule.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery
Identifying Possible/Impossible Scenarios
Failing to make initial deductions that reveal inherent impossibilities across the game.
Analytical Reasoning Mastery