LSAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

Logical Reasoning syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Logical Reasoning in LSAT, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Understanding Arguments

   3 topics

   • Identifying Premises and Conclusions
   • Recognizing Assumptions
   • Analyzing Argument Structure
2. 2

   Types of Reasoning

   4 topics

   • Deductive Reasoning
   • Inductive Reasoning
   • Causal Reasoning
   • Analogical Reasoning
3. 3

   Logical Flaws and Fallacies

   3 topics

   • Common Logical Fallacies
   • Identifying Weak Arguments
   • Evaluating Argument Strength
4. 4

   Techniques for Answering Questions

   3 topics

   • Elimination Techniques
   • Identifying Key Words and Phrases
   • Time Management Strategies

Logical Reasoning flashcards for LSAT

19 of 51 cards from the Logical Reasoning deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the two essential components of every argument in LSAT Logical Reasoning?

   A premise (evidence or support offered) and a conclusion (the main claim the author wants you to accept). The premise(s) support the conclusion.

2. Define the 'conclusion' of an argument.

   The main point the author is trying to prove — the claim that the premises are offered to support. It is the statement that does NOT support any other statement in the argument.

3. List common premise-indicator words on the LSAT.

   because, since, for, as, given that, due to, in light of, for the reason that, as indicated by. These signal supporting evidence.

4. List common conclusion-indicator words on the LSAT.

   therefore, thus, hence, consequently, so, it follows that, accordingly, as a result, clearly, this shows/proves/means that.

5. What is the 'Conclusion Test' (why-test) for locating a conclusion?

   Ask 'why?' of each candidate statement. The conclusion is the one supported by the others; you can insert 'because' before the premises and 'therefore' before the conclusion and it reads sensibly.

6. What is a 'subsidiary' (intermediate) conclusion?

   A statement that is both a conclusion (supported by a premise) and a premise (it in turn supports the main conclusion). The main conclusion is the final claim it feeds into.

7. Define an 'assumption' in LSAT terms.

   An unstated premise — a claim the argument takes for granted and needs in order for its conclusion to follow from its stated evidence.

8. Distinguish a 'necessary assumption' from a 'sufficient assumption.'

   A necessary assumption must be true for the argument to work (its negation destroys the argument). A sufficient assumption, if added, is enough to make the conclusion follow logically, but need not be required.

9. What is the Negation Test used for necessary assumptions?

   Negate the answer choice; if negating it makes the argument fall apart (conclusion no longer supported), it is the necessary assumption. If the argument survives negation, it is not required.

10. Name two frequent assumption types bridging premise and conclusion.

    (1) A 'supplier' assumption introducing a new term to link evidence to conclusion; (2) a 'defender' assumption ruling out an alternative that would weaken the argument.

11. What is the difference between an argument's 'method of reasoning' and its 'main point'?

    Method of reasoning describes HOW the author argues (the structure/technique), while the main point identifies WHAT the author concludes.

12. In argument structure, what role does a 'counterpremise' (concession) play?

    It acknowledges a point against the author's position, usually to then rebut it. It signals opposition, often introduced by 'although,' 'while,' 'despite,' 'admittedly,' or 'even though.'

13. What is deductive reasoning?

    Reasoning where, if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true with certainty. It moves from general principles to a guaranteed specific conclusion (validity-based).

14. Distinguish a 'valid' argument from a 'sound' argument.

    A valid argument has a structure where true premises guarantee a true conclusion. A sound argument is valid AND has actually true premises.

15. State the valid form Modus Ponens.

    If $P \to Q$, and $P$ is true, then $Q$ is true. (Affirming the antecedent.)

16. State the valid form Modus Tollens.

    If $P \to Q$, and $Q$ is false ($\neg Q$), then $P$ is false ($\neg P$). (Denying the consequent.)

17. How do you form the contrapositive of $P \to Q$, and is it logically equivalent?

    The contrapositive is $\neg Q \to \neg P$: negate and reverse. It is logically equivalent to the original conditional.

18. Name the two classic conditional-logic fallacies.

    Affirming the consequent ($P \to Q$; $Q$; therefore $P$) and denying the antecedent ($P \to Q$; $\neg P$; therefore $\neg Q$). Both are invalid.

19. How is the word 'unless' translated in conditional logic?

    'A unless B' becomes $\neg B \to A$ (negate the term after 'unless' and make it the sufficient condition). Equivalently, 'A or B.'

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