Inside LSAT Prep Course: Lesson 5 - Logical Reasoning (LR) Part 3

Introduction

• Final lesson on the Logical Reasoning section.
• Focus on three question types without arguments: Inference, Unexpected Result, and Apply the Principle.
• These are back-end questions, primarily tackled after reading answer choices.

General Approach to LR Questions

1. Read the stem to identify the question type.
2. Make a mental note of the question type.
3. Read the passage and find the conclusion if applicable.
4. Argument analysis (skip if no argument).
5. Quick first pass on answer choices.
6. Read answer choices more carefully and execute the strategy.

Inference Questions

Overview

• Passages contain statements, not arguments.
• Identify an answer supported by the passage.
• Two types: Must Be True and Most Strongly Supported.
• Frequency: 14%

Key Strategies

• Light Strategy: Make specific connections between answer choice and passage.
• Must Be True Inference: Negate answer choice and check for contradiction.
• Most Strongly Supported: Use skeptic's perspective to see if passage reasonably supports answer.

Sample Stems

• "Which one of the following statements is most strongly supported..."
• "If all of the statements are true, which one must also be true?"
• "Which one can be inferred from the passage above?"

Unexpected Result Questions

Overview

• Passages describe a strange outcome or situation.
• Task: Resolve the strangeness.
• Frequency: 7%

Key Strategies

• Understand the weirdness in the passage.
• Ask: "Do you clear things up?"
• Correct answer resolves the apparent paradox or discrepancy.

Sample Stems

• "Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve..."
• "Which one, if true, most helps to explain..."

Apply the Principle Questions

Overview

• Match general principles with specific situations.
• Requires careful application, similar to practicing law.
• Frequency: 5-6%

Key Strategies

• Ensure all elements of the principle match the situation.
• Focus on both passages and answer choices to identify matching principles.

Sample Stems

• "Which one of the following most closely conforms to the principle above?"
• "The situation described above conforms to which proposition?"

Advanced Tips for LR

• Recognize the difficulty curve: Later questions are generally harder.
• Identify patterns of reasoning across different question types.
• Practice varying time and attention on different answer choices.
• Invest in understanding conditional logic and propositional logic.

Review Techniques

• Simple Review: Check answers and understand mistakes.
• Second Chance Review: Retry missed questions without knowing the right answer.
• Blind Review: Mark questions during timed tests for untimed review later.

Future Work and Strategy

• Complete the course before returning to LR practice.
• Use spaced repetition for effective learning.
• Practice identifying question types and applying strategies in untimed sections.