Welcome to Logical Reasoning (LR), a section that makes up about half of the LSAT and tests your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments. This is often considered the heart of the LSAT because the skills you use here—spotting assumptions, identifying flaws, and evaluating evidence—are central to legal reasoning. In this chapter, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Logical Reasoning, including question types, strategies, and, of course, step-by-step solutions to practice questions.
Table of Contents
Section Overview: What is Logical Reasoning?
Logical Reasoning assesses how well you can understand, critique, and complete arguments. You’ll encounter short passages followed by one or more questions asking you to analyze the structure of the argument, identify assumptions, or strengthen/weaken the reasoning.
On the LSAT, you’ll face two LR sections, each containing around 24–26 questions. These questions come from a wide variety of sources, such as newspaper articles, legal cases, and advertisements, but they always require the same set of critical reasoning skills.
Key Concepts in LSAT Logical Reasoning
Before we get into specific question types, let’s break down some of the core concepts that underpin Logical Reasoning questions.
1. Understanding Arguments: Premises, Conclusions, and Assumptions
At the heart of every Logical Reasoning question is an argument. To navigate these questions effectively, you need to recognize the three key parts of an argument:
- Premises: These are the facts, evidence, or data that support the argument. They’re the foundation of the reasoning.
- Conclusions: The main point the author is trying to prove or the judgment they’re making based on the premises.
- Assumptions: These are the unstated ideas that the argument depends on. They bridge the gap between the premises and the conclusion. Assumptions are often crucial for answering many types of LR questions.
Example:
Argument: The local government should invest more in public parks because well-maintained parks encourage community engagement and increase property values.
- Premises: Well-maintained parks encourage community engagement and increase property values.
- Conclusion: The local government should invest more in public parks.
- Assumptions: Well-maintained parks require government investment; the benefits outweigh the costs.
2. Common Logical Flaws
In many questions, you’ll be asked to identify flaws in reasoning. Being familiar with common logical fallacies will give you a significant advantage. Some of the most frequently tested logical flaws include:
- Correlation vs. Causation: Assuming that because two things occur together, one causes the other.
- Generalization: Drawing a conclusion about a whole group based on a small or unrepresentative sample.
- Ad Hominem: Attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.
- False Dilemma: Presenting only two options when, in reality, there are more.
- Circular Reasoning: The conclusion is simply a restatement of the premises.
Example of a flawed argument:
Argument: We know that the new law will work because it has worked in other places where it’s been implemented.
- Flaw: This is an example of a hasty generalization. Just because the law worked in other places doesn’t mean it will necessarily work here, as circumstances may be different.
Logical Reasoning Question Types on the LSAT
There are several types of questions you’ll encounter in LR. Let’s break down the most common ones, along with examples and step-by-step solutions.
1. Assumption Questions on the LSAT
What They Ask: These questions require you to identify an unstated assumption that the argument depends on.
How to Approach:
- Identify the conclusion and the premises.
- Ask yourself: What must be true for the conclusion to hold?
- Look for the answer choice that fills the gap between the premises and the conclusion.
Practice Question:
Argument: The new software update will improve productivity in our company because it will reduce the time employees spend fixing bugs in the system.
Question: Which of the following is an assumption required by the argument?
(A) Employees at the company are currently spending a lot of time fixing bugs.
(B) The new software update has fewer bugs than the current system.
(C) Employees will use the new software update immediately after it is installed.
(D) The company plans to implement the software update soon.
(E) The software update will not introduce new bugs into the system.
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Conclusion: The new software update will improve productivity.
- Premise: It will reduce the time employees spend fixing bugs.
- Assumption: For the argument to hold, it must be assumed that the new software update will indeed reduce time spent fixing bugs (Answer: B). Without this assumption, the conclusion falls apart.
2. Strengthen/Weaken Questions on the LSAT
What They Ask: You’ll be asked to find information that either strengthens or weakens the argument.
How to Approach:
- Find the argument’s conclusion.
- Determine whether the question is asking you to strengthen or weaken the argument.
- Look for the answer choice that directly affects the connection between the premises and the conclusion.
Practice Question:
Argument: The city should invest more in bike lanes because they reduce traffic congestion.
Question: Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument?
(A) The city has invested in bike lanes before, and they were underused.
(B) Traffic congestion is caused primarily by heavy trucks, which do not use bike lanes.
(C) Bike lanes are expensive to maintain.
(D) Many people prefer driving cars to riding bikes.
(E) Other cities have successfully reduced traffic congestion by investing in bike lanes.
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Conclusion: The city should invest more in bike lanes.
- Premise: Bike lanes reduce traffic congestion.
- Weaken Strategy: To weaken the argument, we need to show that bike lanes won’t reduce traffic. The correct answer is B because it undermines the premise by suggesting that traffic congestion is caused by heavy trucks, which do not benefit from bike lanes.
3. Inference Questions on the LSAT
What They Ask: These questions require you to draw a logical conclusion based on the information presented in the argument.
How to Approach:
- Stick to the facts in the passage.
- Avoid drawing conclusions that go beyond what is directly stated.
- The correct answer is something that must be true based on the given information.
Practice Question:
Statements: All of the employees in the marketing department have received a bonus this year. Some of the employees in the sales department have received a bonus this year.
Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the statements above?
(A) All employees in the company have received a bonus this year.
(B) Some employees in the marketing department did not receive a bonus this year.
(C) Some employees in the company did not receive a bonus this year.
(D) No employees in the sales department received a bonus this year.
(E) Only employees in the marketing and sales departments received a bonus this year.
Step-by-Step Solution:
- The passage tells us that all marketing employees received a bonus and some sales employees received a bonus.
- Based on this, the only conclusion we can draw is that C (“Some employees in the company did not receive a bonus this year”). The statement about “some” sales employees receiving a bonus implies that not all of them did, so it must be true that some employees did not receive a bonus.
4. Parallel Reasoning Questions on the LSAT
What They Ask: These questions ask you to identify an argument with a similar structure to the one presented in the passage.
How to Approach:
- Break down the argument into premises and conclusions.
- Identify the logical pattern.
- Look for the answer choice that follows the same pattern of reasoning.
Practice Question:
Argument: The bakery should increase its production of croissants because croissants are its most popular item, and increasing production of popular items will likely increase profits.
Question: Which of the following arguments is most similar in structure to the one above?
(A) The bookstore should expand its children’s section because children’s books are its least expensive items, and expanding the section will make the store seem more affordable.
(B) The restaurant should serve more vegetarian dishes because vegetarian dishes are cheaper to produce, and serving cheaper dishes will increase profits.
(C) The coffee shop should offer more varieties of tea because tea is healthier than coffee, and offering healthier options will attract more customers.
(D) The hardware store should stock more power tools because power tools are its best-selling items, and stocking more best-sellers will increase profits.
(E) The florist should carry more tropical plants because tropical plants are in season, and carrying seasonal items increases customer satisfaction.
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Conclusion: The bakery should increase croissant production.
- Premise: Croissants are the most popular item.
- The logical structure is: “Increase production of the most popular item to increase profits.”
- The correct answer is D, as it mirrors the structure: “Stock more of the best-selling item to increase profits.”
Strategies for LSAT Logical Reasoning Success
Success in the Logical Reasoning section comes down to mastering the basic structure of arguments, recognizing common question types, and practicing regularly. Here are a few additional strategies to keep in mind:
- Prephrase Answers: After reading the question, try to predict the answer before looking at the answer choices. This can help you focus and avoid being swayed by tricky wrong answers.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions: The more comfortable you are with the time constraints, the better you’ll perform under pressure. Try to complete LR sections in under 35 minutes to mimic real test conditions.
- Flag Difficult Questions: Don’t waste too much time on questions you find especially difficult. Flag them and return to them later if time allows.
Take Your Free LSAT Logical Reasoning Diagnostic Practice Test
Before diving further into Logical Reasoning strategies, it’s time for a quick self-assessment! Taking a Free Logical Reasoning Diagnostic Test is an essential first step in your LSAT prep journey. Think of it as your personal blueprint—it reveals your strengths, areas for improvement, and the specific skills you need to sharpen. Here’s why this diagnostic test can be a game-changer for your preparation.
Why Take a FREE Diagnostic LSAT Practice Test?
1. Establish Your Baseline:
The LSAT is unlike any other standardized test. Whether you’re a seasoned test-taker or new to LSAT prep, knowing where you stand is crucial. A diagnostic test provides a clear snapshot of your current performance in Logical Reasoning, helping you:
- Measure your initial skills.
- Identify which question types you excel at (e.g., Assumption or Inference questions).
- Pinpoint areas that need more attention (e.g., Logical Flaws or Parallel Reasoning).
Starting with a baseline helps you track your progress as you move through this study guide, making sure you’re always moving forward.
2. Personalized Study Focus:
Every test-taker is different—some students might struggle with time management, while others need to refine their reasoning techniques. After taking the diagnostic, you’ll know exactly where to focus your study efforts:
- Do you need to improve your accuracy with difficult questions like Assumption and Flaw questions?
- Are you struggling with specific Logical Reasoning patterns that can be fixed with targeted practice?
- Is your timing a challenge, and do you need to work on faster question analysis?
By understanding your specific needs, you can create a study plan that’s tailored to you—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
3. Build Confidence Early:
Sometimes, students underestimate the value of a diagnostic because they’re worried about seeing low scores. But remember, the goal of a diagnostic test isn’t to showcase perfection—it’s about revealing opportunities for improvement. You’ll discover:
- Which areas you’re naturally strong in, giving you a confidence boost.
- Early signs of improvement after studying specific strategies.
- A sense of how the test works, reducing anxiety about the unknown.
Starting early with a diagnostic test will also allow you to set realistic goals and expectations, helping you stay motivated and focused throughout your LSAT journey.
How to Use Your LSAT Diagnostic Practice Test Results
Once you’ve completed the diagnostic, the real value lies in how you interpret your results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your performance analysis:
1. Analyze Your Results
When you receive your score, don’t just look at the raw number. Instead, break it down into question types and timing:
- Accuracy: Which question types did you get right or wrong?
- Patterns: Did you miss certain question types consistently? Did you struggle with more difficult questions toward the end of the section?
- Timing: Did you finish all questions, or did you rush toward the end? Did you take too long on specific question types?
2. Focus on Weak Areas First
Now that you know which areas you struggled with, plan your study sessions around those. For example:
- If Assumption questions gave you trouble, review that section in the guide, focusing on how to identify hidden premises.
- If you struggled with time management, practice skimming strategies and prioritize the easier questions first in each practice set.
3. Track Your Progress
Taking a diagnostic test allows you to measure growth as you progress through your prep. Periodically revisit the test or take additional practice exams, comparing your scores over time. This will help you see tangible improvements and adjust your study plan as necessary.
4. Integrate Diagnostic Insights with Full-Length Practice
Don’t just stop at one diagnostic. As you continue studying, schedule more full-length, timed LSAT practice tests. This will help you:
- Apply what you’ve learned in a real exam scenario.
- Monitor how your Logical Reasoning skills improve in the context of the entire LSAT.
Benefits of Taking TutorOne’s Free Diagnostic Test
By taking the Free Logical Reasoning Diagnostic Test offered by TutorOne, you gain several advantages that will accelerate your LSAT preparation:
- Immediate Feedback: Upon completing the test, you’ll receive instant results with a detailed breakdown of your performance on each question type. This personalized feedback will help you zero in on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Tailored Study Plan: Based on your diagnostic results, TutorOne can recommend a customized study plan that focuses on the areas where you need the most improvement. You’ll also receive access to practice questions and resources targeted to those weak spots.
- Access to Premium Resources: Diagnostic test takers get exclusive access to additional LSAT content, including video explanations, drills for Logical Reasoning question types, and even one-on-one sessions with LSAT tutors.
- Motivation to Improve: Seeing where you currently stand can be a powerful motivator. Whether you’re scoring well and want to push for a higher score, or you have room for improvement, your diagnostic results will help you stay focused on the goal: conquering the LSAT.
What Comes Next?
After completing your diagnostic, the next step is to dive into the targeted study and practice sections laid out in this guide. Take the insights from your diagnostic test and use them to:
- Focus on specific Logical Reasoning question types where you need the most improvement.
- Practice time management by working through practice sets under timed conditions.
- Continue tracking your progress through regular practice and full-length tests.
Ready to take the plunge? Head over to TutorOne’s website and sign up for your Free Logical Reasoning Diagnostic Test now. It’s time to put your skills to the test and take the first concrete step toward LSAT success!
Frequently asked questions about the LSAT Logical Reasoning (LR) section
Here’s a fun and detailed guide to help you tackle frequently asked questions about the LSAT Logical Reasoning (LR) section!
1. What is Logical Reasoning on the LSAT?
Logical Reasoning (LR) is like solving brain teasers for lawyers-in-training! On the LSAT, it involves analyzing arguments, identifying flaws, and understanding the structure of reasoning. The section gives you short passages, usually in the form of an argument, and asks questions like, “What’s the main point?” or “What assumption is the author making?” The goal is to test your ability to think critically and evaluate arguments, which are essential skills for law school and legal practice.
More on the LR section:
2. Is LSAT Logical Reasoning hard?
It can be! Logical Reasoning tests how well you can break down arguments and pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, which can be tricky if you’re not used to it. The questions vary in difficulty, so you’ll encounter both easy and mind-bendingly tough ones. But don’t worry—like any puzzle, with enough practice, you’ll start spotting patterns and common traps.
3. Why am I struggling with Logical Reasoning on the LSAT?
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone! The LR section is challenging because it requires a different kind of thinking than what most of us are used to. It’s not just about being “smart”; it’s about understanding how arguments work. You might be rushing through the questions, not fully understanding the passage, or falling for common traps set by the test makers. Take your time to analyze each question, and practice focusing on the structure of the argument rather than just its content.
Here’s a pro tip: Focus on identifying the conclusion and the premises in each argument. Once you nail that, the question becomes much easier to handle!
4. What percentage of the LSAT is Logical Reasoning?
The Logical Reasoning section typically makes up about 50% of your LSAT score. There are usually two LR sections in the test, each containing about 24-26 questions. So mastering this section is key to boosting your overall score.
5. How many wrong on LSAT to get 167?
To get a 167, you can usually afford to get around 13 to 16 questions wrong across all sections. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific test’s scoring curve. That means you should aim to get about 75 to 80 questions correct out of 100.
6. What is the loophole in LSAT Logical Reasoning about?
“The Loophole in Logical Reasoning” is a popular LSAT prep book by Ellen Cassidy, which teaches a strategy for spotting flaws in arguments—those sneaky little errors the test writers throw in. It focuses on finding the “loophole” or flaw in the argument that invalidates the conclusion, which can help you answer questions faster and more accurately. Essentially, it’s about mastering the art of poking holes in bad reasoning!
Check out the book here:
7. Are logic games the hardest part of LSAT?
For many test-takers, Logic Games (also known as Analytical Reasoning) are the hardest part of the LSAT because they require a very specific set of skills—like diagramming and making inferences—that people aren’t used to. But with practice, Logic Games can actually become one of the easiest sections to improve on. So, while they might be tricky at first, they can become a section you look forward to!
8. Why is LSAT getting rid of logic games?
The LSAT isn’t fully getting rid of logic games just yet, but it is expected to change after a settlement with a blind test-taker who argued that the section was inaccessible. The LSAC (Law School Admission Council) is working on creating a new format that assesses the same skills in a different way. So, changes are on the horizon, but logic games are still on the test for now.
For more on this development:
9. How can I improve my Logical Reasoning for the LSAT?
Improving on LR is all about practice and strategy. Here’s how you can boost your LR performance:
- Learn the question types: Know the difference between assumption questions, strengthen/weaken, inference, etc.
- Analyze argument structure: Focus on spotting the conclusion and identifying the support for it.
- Review wrong answers: Go over your mistakes to understand why each wrong answer was tempting and how to avoid it next time.
- Practice, practice, practice: Use timed drills to improve speed and accuracy.
Check out free practice resources here:
10. How many questions can I get wrong on the LSAT to get a 170?
To get a 170, which is an excellent score, you can typically get around 9 to 12 questions wrong out of the 100 or so questions on the test. This means you should aim to get at least 88-91 correct answers. The LSAT is forgiving—you don’t need to be perfect to score well!
11. How long should each Logical Reasoning question take on the LSAT?
On average, you should spend about 1 minute and 25 seconds on each LR question. There are usually about 25 questions to answer in 35 minutes, so time management is crucial. Practice timing yourself during mock tests to get a feel for the pace you need to maintain.
12. What are the key words for LSAT Logical Reasoning?
Certain key words and phrases help you identify the structure of the argument:
- Conclusion Indicators: “Therefore,” “thus,” “hence,” “so,” “consequently”
- Premise Indicators: “Because,” “since,” “for,” “given that”
- Counter-arguments: “However,” “although,” “despite,” “but”
These words give you clues about the role each part of the argument plays, so keep an eye out for them!
13. Has LSAT Logical Reasoning gotten harder?
While the general format of the LSAT hasn’t changed much, some test-takers feel the questions have become more nuanced over the years. The difficulty can fluctuate slightly depending on the specific test, but overall, the LSAT is designed to be consistent in terms of difficulty from year to year. With proper prep, the level of difficulty should be manageable!
14. What are the most common types of Logical Reasoning questions on the LSAT?
Some of the most common question types you’ll encounter in the Logical Reasoning section are:
- Assumption: Identify an unstated premise necessary for the argument to work.
- Strengthen/Weaken: Find a piece of evidence that either supports or undermines the argument.
- Flaw: Pinpoint the reasoning error in the argument.
- Inference: Identify what must be true based on the information provided.
- Main Point: Determine the central conclusion of the argument.
Understanding each type of question is the key to scoring well on LR! This should help you navigate the LSAT Logical Reasoning section with more confidence! If you need practice questions or want to dive deeper into the specifics, try LSAC’s Practice Tests for real test experience.
In the next section, we’ll move on to the Analytical Reasoning section, also known as Logic Games, where we’ll break down strategies for organizing and interpreting data to solve complex puzzles. Ready to flex your logic muscles? Let’s dive in!
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