LSAT Logical Reasoning: Strategies from a 180 Scorer
/High-yield tips to help you improve your LSAT Logical Reasoning score, plus practice questions
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introduction to the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Part 2: LSAT Logical Reasoning Section Structure
Part 3: Logical Reasoning Question Types
Part 4: Tips for Taking the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Part 5: Study Tips for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Part 6: Practice LSAT Logical Reasoning Section Questions
Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions
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Part 1: Introduction to the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Understanding arguments is fundamental to the work of lawyers and law students. The LSAT Logical Reasoning Section tests the critical reasoning skills that analyzing arguments requires. Such analysis can include understanding, evaluating, comparing, constructing, undermining, and strengthening arguments. The questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section ask you to complete various aspects of this analysis under timed conditions.
Using sample arguments drawn from various topics, the questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section evaluate your ability to analyze arguments. Few of the questions involve legal topics, but each question is designed to match patterns in legal arguments, both in structure and complexity. Whether studying to be an attorney or practicing as one, the arguments you are tasked with analyzing throughout your career will be dense and lengthy, requiring you to filter information for relevance. The questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section entail similar evaluations of relevant and irrelevant information.
The LSAT Logical Reasoning Section tests a range of critical thinking skills that legal reasoning involves. According to LSAC, the Law School Admissions Council and administrator of the test, these skills include:
Recognizing the parts of an argument and their relationships
Recognizing similarities and differences between patterns of reasoning
Drawing well-supported conclusions
Reasoning by analogy
Recognizing misunderstandings or points of disagreement
Determining how additional evidence affects an argument
Detecting assumptions made by particular arguments
Identifying and applying principles or rules
Identifying flaws in arguments
Identifying explanations
This sounds like a lot, and for some people the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section is a daunting obstacle, but with preparation and the insights into the section that we provide, you can feel more confident in your readiness for and performance on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section. This guide includes helpful background information explaining the structure and composition of the test, as well as tips for taking and preparing for the section. Finally, we include some bonus sample questions and answer explanations for you to see how you’ll be asked these questions on exam day.
Click on the following links for high-yield strategies to use on each of the LSAT sections:
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Part 2: LSAT Logical Reasoning Section Structure
Each LSAT Logical Reasoning Section consists of 24-26 questions and lasts 35 minutes. The questions are multiple-choice with five answer choices lettered A-E. There is only one correct answer choice for each question. Some questions feature the word “except.” For these questions, the word “except” will be written in all capital letters and each of the answer choices will have the trait in question “except” for one.
Each question on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section features three parts: a short paragraph (often referred to as the stimulus), the question, and the answers. Rarely, one stimulus will apply to two questions. When this happens, it will be clearly noted on the test.
The stimulus will consist of a few sentences, normally in the range of 50-70 words. Occasionally, stimuli will be distinctively longer. The stimuli include arguments, and some of these arguments are drawn from academic topics and history while others describe hypothetical scenarios. No outside knowledge is required to answer these questions. Additionally, the scenarios described should be taken as fact, despite any outside knowledge you have.
The stimuli are followed by the question stem. The question stem is a one-sentence question regarding the argument that preceded it. These question stems tend to follow certain patterns, so it’s possible to familiarize yourself with the various question types, and we’ll provide some insight into these patterns throughout this guide.
The answer choices are listed after the question stems. Though an answer may be true, that does not mean it is correct. Additionally, some answer choices may be exact quotes or close paraphrases of portions of the stimulus. Be careful of paraphrases with subtle changes that change the meaning.
An example of how you would see a question on the test is below. Each component is labeled for clarity but will not be labeled on the actual test:
| 1. Political Correspondent: According to Madison, the new law should not be enacted because it would conflict with an existing law. But Madison was just charged with embezzlement. Therefore, Madison is wrong and the new law should be enacted. |
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| The reasoning in the correspondent’s argument is flawed in that the argument |
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| A) confuses correlation and causation B) utilizes ambiguous reasoning C) overlooks the possibility that Madison was innocent D) fails to address Madison’s argument E) reaches a conclusion about Madison as a whole based on only one thing about Madison |
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Part 3: Logical Reasoning Question Types
Though the LSAT has evolved over time, there are certain recurring patterns within the question types. The LSAT tests the specific skills mentioned above and creates questions to evaluate those skills. The most common question types are: assumption questions, strengthening/weakening questions, flaw questions, and inference questions. Less common question types include argument method questions, paradox questions, parallel reasoning questions, point at issue questions, principle questions, and role questions.
Most Common Question Types: Assumption, Strengthening/Weakening, Flaw, and Inference
Less Common Question Types: Argument Method, Paradox, Parallel Reasoning, Point at Issue, Principle, and Role
Below, we’ll dive into each question type.
Question Type 1: Assumption Questions
Assumption questions inquire about unstated assumptions in an argument and can be broken into two categories: necessary assumption and sufficient assumption. Necessary assumption questions will ask, “Which of the following assumptions does the argument require?” In necessary assumption questions, the argument has made at least one unstated assumption in order to justify the conclusion. This question asks you to identify that assumption.
Because it is a “necessary” assumption, you can think about that assumption as being essential to the argument. If it were not true, the argument would no longer stand. To answer this question, negate the answer choices and see which negated answer choice destroys the argument. The correct answer choice will destroy the argument when it is negated because it is the necessary assumption and without it the argument no longer stands.
Some phrasings for necessary assumption questions include:
“The argument assumes which one of the following?”
“Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument?”
“Which of the following is an assumption upon which the argument depends?”
Sufficient assumption questions will ask about an assumption that allows the conclusion to be logically drawn. With these questions, there is a missing premise that when added, will make the overall argument sound. Answering these questions will require you to understand the premise(s) and conclusion of the question stimulus. Sometimes, mapping the argument will help insufficient assumption questions, but it is not necessary.
The correct answer will link the premises to the conclusion, so it can be helpful to look for an answer that has a component of each. Incorrect answers will not justify the conclusion. They are oftentimes irrelevant to the argument overall or justify a conclusion other than the one stated in the stimulus.
Remember, the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section does not always present information in chronological order. Therefore, a conclusion may be placed between the premises that support it.
Some phrasings for sufficient assumption questions include:
“The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?”
“The conclusion above is properly drawn if which of the following is assumed?”
“Which of the following, if true, enables the conclusion to be properly drawn?”
Question Type 2: Strengthening/Weakening
Another common question type is strengthening and weakening questions. These questions ask you to either strengthen or weaken the argument in the stimulus. For these questions, you’re trying to make the conclusion more or less likely to be true. You do not need to completely invalidate or guarantee it. Be careful to stay within the scope of the question, and do not rely on external knowledge and assumptions.
The correct answer will affirm or undermine a premise or assumption within the stimulus, obviously depending on if you’re looking at a strengthening or weakening question. Fortunately, these questions are very common and follow certain patterns. Oftentimes, the argument will present a supposed causal relationship. You can strengthen or affirm the relationship by bolstering or challenging the causal relationship.
The questions ask for the answer choice that “most” weakens or strengthens the argument. You may see more than one answer that impacts the argument, but only select the answer choice that impacts it the most and in the direction that the question is asking.
Some strengthening question stems include:
Which one of the following, if true, lends the most support to the conclusion above?
Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the reasoning above?
Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the reasoning above?
Some weakening question stems include:
Which one of the following, if true, is the logically strongest counter to the argument above?
Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the argument?
Which one of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the conclusion drawn in the argument above?
Remember, on strengthening questions, you’re adding support and on weakening questions you’re taking away support.
Question Type 3: Flaw Questions
Flaw questions are asking about logical errors made within the argument. Though they can be difficult, these questions are fairly straightforward with the right approach. After understanding the argument in the stimulus, you can oftentimes predict the answer. If you did not immediately notice a flaw in the argument, or noticed more than one, evaluate the answer choices. The correct answer choice will be an actual logical flaw (as opposed to a weakness) and be a flaw that actually occurred in an argument. Incorrect answer choices will not be logical errors or will be logical errors that did not happen in the specific stimulus you’re being asked about.
Flaw question stems include:
The argument commits which one of the following errors of reasoning?
The argument’s reasoning is questionable in that the argument…?
The reasoning in the argument above is flawed in that the argument…?
The reasoning in the argument is flawed in that the argument overlooks the possibility that…?
The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument…?
Which one of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the argument’s reasoning?
Question Type 4: Inference Questions
Inference questions are also straightforward, though they’re not always easy to answer. Inference questions ask what can be inferred based ONLY on the information above. For inference questions, like all questions on the LSAT, it’s critical to not draw on your outside knowledge. For inference questions, it may be helpful to map the argument to ensure that you don’t pull outside information into your brain. Commonly tested inferences include the transitive, the contrapositive, and the contrapositive of the transitive. It’s not necessary to study symbolic reasoning to complete the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, but a basic understanding of mapping and these inference types can be helpful.
| Original statement: | Inferences of: |
|---|---|
B → C |
B → C |
Correct answers to inference questions will be true and supported by the information in the stimulus. Incorrect answers will either be in contradiction to the stimulus, unsupported by the stimulus, or only a possibility based on the stimulus, meaning it could also not be true. Based on the information in the stimulus, the correct answer choice must be true.
Some inference question stems include:
Based on the argument above, which of the following must be true?
Which of the following can be logically inferred from the argument above?
Which of the following is most supported by the statements above?
Question Type 5: Argument Method
Argument method questions inquire about how the argument proceeds. These questions ask you to summarize the argument in the stimulus, understanding and naming the relationship between the premise(s) and the conclusion. These questions occur less frequently than the first four question types, but they do appear on occasion. The correct answer will accurately describe the argument in the stimulus.
If the correct answer choice is not immediately clear, compare each answer choice to the stimulus, evaluating it for consistency with the argument. Pay special attention to the verbs in each answer choice, as they can be clear signals of what the answer choice posits. Does the argument do what the answer choice suggests? If not, the answer choice is incorrect. This question type is evaluating your ability to distill arguments and understand the way arguments are formed.
Some argument method question stems include:
Which of the following most accurately describes the method of reasoning?
The argument functions in which of the following ways?
The argument proceeds by…?
Question Type 6: Paradox
Paradox questions also appear less frequently on the test, but they are nonetheless important to prepare for. Luckily, they’re not too complex and can be answered with some simple understanding. Paradox questions present information that is seemingly at odds. As you read the stimulus, look out for any contradictions, paradoxes, or discrepancies. The correct answer choice will remedy that concern.
Instead of anticipating the answer, because there are oftentimes numerous ways the hypothetical paradox can be resolved, filter through the answer choices looking for the answer choice that allows both components of the paradox to be true and also explains how they coexist. Incorrect answer choices will not resolve the paradox or will be inconsistent with one or both components of the paradox.
Some paradox question stems include:
Which of the following, if true, would help to resolve the apparent paradox presented above?
Which of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of the apparent discrepancy described above?
Which of the following helps account for the discrepancy?
Question Type 7: Parallel Reasoning
Parallel Reasoning questions are another less frequent question type. They can seem complex but are oftentimes very simple. At the core, parallel reasoning questions are about matching. You must match the stimulus with an answer choice. The difficulty, however, arises in quickly understanding the argument structure in the stimulus and then understanding the argument structures of the answer choices.
Answering this question without being fully clear on the stimulus can be very difficult, so try your best to understand the stimulus before evaluating the answer choice. For this question type, mapping may be helpful but is not necessary. Another useful tool can be paraphrasing: paraphrase the argument and focus on how the argument advances. The correct answer choice will have an argument that posits a similar relationship between the premises and conclusion.
Some parallel reasoning question stems include:
Which of the following most closely resembles the argument above?
Which of the following contains reasoning parallel to the argument above?
Which of the following most closely parallels the argument above?
Which of the following is most similar to the argument above?
Remember, the specific components in the correct answer may not be presented in the same order as the stimulus, but they will be related in the same way as the relationship in the stimulus.
Question Type 8: Point at Issue
Point at issue questions do not appear frequently on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, but you should still be familiar with them. These questions involve understanding and naming disagreements and inconsistencies between two perspectives. Oftentimes, these questions present two people’s arguments through two to three short responses. The question will task you with spotting a disagreement between their statements. Less frequently, you may be asked to note what they agree about.
To answer this question, understand what each of the speakers is saying, and then refer to the answer choices. For disagreement questions, each speaker will have an opinion on the matter, and their opinions will be in opposition. If one or both speakers do not have an opinion on the matter or their opinions are not in opposition, the answer choice is incorrect. For agreement questions, both speakers will have an opinion on the matter in the correct answer choice and their opinions will be consistent.
Some point at issue question stems include:
____ and ____ disagree over?
____ and ____ disagree over the truth of which the following statements
The statements above provide the most support for holding that the authors would disagree with which of the following statements?
Which of the following best describes the point at issue between ____ and ____?
Question Type 9: Principle
Principle questions, like all of the questions in the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, require you to understand the argument in the stimulus. For these questions, you’re distilling the argument to a simple guiding principle. The correct answer choice will match the reasoning presented in the argument. Incorrect answer choices will not accurately capture the argument.
Sometimes, principle questions will present a principle in the stimulus, and you’ll be asked to identify a situation that conforms to that principle. The same concept of distilling and matching applies. The correct answer will match the circumstance/principle in the stimulus to the principle/circumstance in the answer choice.
Some principle questions stems include:
Which one of the following generalizations is most clearly illustrated by the passage?
Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning in the editorial?
The situation described above best illustrates which one of the following propositions?
Which of the following judgments conforms most closely to the principle cited by the columnist?
Which of the following best illustrates the principle above?
Question 10: Role
Role questions focus on specific parts of the stimulus and ask you to identify their function. Sometimes, you’re categorizing parts of the argument into premises or conclusions. Other times, you’re identifying how that premise or conclusion is being used. This category also includes main point questions, which simply ask you to describe the main point (conclusion) of the stimulus. Mapping can be helpful for this question type but is not necessary.
It’s critical to understand that certain words like “therefore” tend to introduce conclusions while other words like “because'' tend to introduce premises. Further, some conclusions can be intermediate conclusions that though concluded from a set of premises, become support for another conclusion. You must also remember that the order in which reasoning is presented does not always explain what part of the argument it is.
Some role question stems include:
Which of the following best describes the role of the statement ____ in the argument above?
Which of the following best describes the function of the statement ____ in the argument above?
Which of the best describes the main point of the argument above?
Below is a list of the question types covered in this section. It covers most of the questions you will see on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section. Occasionally, however, you may encounter a question that does not fit perfectly into one of these categories. If this happens, remain calm and be sure to take time to understand both the question stem and the stimulus before evaluating the answer choices and choosing the most accurate response.
Question Type 1: Assumption Questions
Question Type 2: Strengthening/Weakening
Question Type 3: Flaw Questions
Question Type 4: Inference Questions
Question Type 5: Argument Method
Question Type 6: Paradox
Question Type 7: Parallel Reasoning
Question Type 8: Point at Issue
Question Type 9: Principle
Question 10: Role
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Part 4: Tips for Taking the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Tip 1: Read the Question Stem First
As you complete the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, it’s recommended that you start with the question stem first. Understanding what type of question is being asked can make understanding the stimulus and answering the question a much quicker process. Reading the question stem first helps you more intentionally read the stimulus, looking out for specific information.
Tip 2: Pacing
As you complete the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, it’s important to pace yourself. For the 35-minute section and the maximum 26 questions, you have about one minute and twenty seconds to complete each question. To stay on pace, it’s important to recognize when you are spending too long on a question. Sometimes, it’s helpful to move on from the question and come back with fresh eyes.
Some test takers also find it helpful to break the 35 minutes into groups of questions, aiming to complete the first ten questions in ten minutes, the next ten questions in fifteen minutes, and the remaining questions in the last ten minutes. This approach treats the LSAT questions as increasing in difficulty throughout the section.
Tip 3: Mapping
Mapping reasoning is not necessary for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, but it can be very helpful to have a basic understanding of mapping conditional statements. To get started, you may want to search for tools on the subjects of symbolic reasoning and mapping conditional statements. This system of representation can be helpful as you move through the test as it provides a way to quickly synthesize and store information.
Tip 4: Annotating
As you take the test, you may find it helpful to take notes. This can be helpful if you have difficulty following along with the stimulus or tend to miss specific details. If you choose to annotate, be sure to do so neatly and quickly. It is easy to over annotate and waste precious time that could be used to understand and answer the question. Annotating can also be helpful when you are stuck on a question. You can use annotation to remind yourself which questions you need to return to as well as mark the answers you were deciding between. As you take the test, be sure to develop a system for annotating so that you can be intentional and efficient.
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Part 5: Study Tips for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section
Tip 1: Timed Practice
As you prepare for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, it’s important to adjust to the timed conditions of the section. When you first begin, you may have trouble completing the section but with practice, you’ll improve your speed. One of the key components to improving speed is to practice identifying the question type and practice distilling the arguments. Can you quickly identify the conclusion of the argument? If not, try underlining the conclusion in each stimulus in the section.
Tip 2: Untimed Practice
Another helpful approach is to take untimed LSAT Logical Reasoning sections. Allow yourself to complete the section without being concerned with time. Make note of which questions take you the longest to complete. Are there any patterns to the questions that slow you down? Are you taking a long time to identify the type of question being asked? Taking untimed questions can help build familiarity with the section as well as reveal some of the obstacles challenging you.
Tip 3: Review
When studying for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, it’s imperative that you thoroughly review your work. After completing a test and without looking at the correct answers, go back and review the test. Are there any answers you would change? If so, make note of those and score the test a second time with those changed answers.
Oftentimes you’ll see that you score higher when you have reviewed the material again. This will diagnose areas of the test where you understand how to answer the question correctly but are unable to do so due to time constraints. It can be helpful to reinforce these areas as well as any areas that remain incorrect even after a second review.
Tip 4: Specific Question Types
As you review your completed LSAT Logical Reasoning Sections, make note of which question types are troubling you the most. Spend extra time reviewing those questions. It may also be helpful to go through tests and specifically practice that question type.
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Part 6: Practice LSAT Logical Reasoning Questions
Question 1: Some schools have gymnasiums. All gymnasiums have basketball hoops. Some basketball hoops have glass backboards.
Based on the information above, which of the following must be true?
A) All schools have gymnasiums.
B) Some schools have basketball hoops with plastic backboards.
C) Some schools have basketball hoops with glass backboards.
D) All schools have basketball hoops.
E) Some schools have basketball hoops
Question 2: Annie likes chocolate. Everyone who likes chocolate also enjoys peanut butter. Therefore Annie enjoys peanut butter.
Which of the following has reasoning parallel to the argument above?
A) Students who read books love theater. The fifth-grader loves theater. Therefore the fifth-grader loves reading books.
B) Students who read books love theater. The fifth-grader reads books. Therefore the fifth-grader loves theater.
C) Students who read books love theater. The student is a fifth-grader. Therefore the fifth-grader loves reading books.
D) The fifth-grader loves theater. Students who love books love theater. Therefore the fifth-grader loves reading books.
E) The fifth-grader reads books. Students who love theater read books. Therefore the fifth-grader loves theater.
Question 3: Because it is extremely cold outside, the library will be open as a warming center. The library usually opens as a warming center when it is extremely cold or when there is the possibility of another dangerous weather event. Extremely low temperatures count as a dangerous weather event.
Which of the following best expresses the conclusion of the passage above?
A) It is extremely cold outside.
B) Extremely low temperatures count as a dangerous weather event.
C) The library usually opens as a warming center when it is extremely cold.
D) The library will be open as a warming center.
E) The library usually opens as a warming center when there is the possibility of another dangerous weather event.
Question 4: The historic low point in the economy was caused by the high interest rates that were initiated immediately before the low point was achieved.
Which of the following most weakens the statement above?
A) The economy was already worsening well before the interest rates were increased.
B) High interest rates have previously improved the economy.
C) High interest rates always impact economic growth.
D) Interest rates impact other parts of society outside of the economy too.
E) Experts agree that low interest rates are the best way to improve the economy.
Question 5: Markham says that the new development is overpriced. But Markham also was convicted of embezzling. Therefore, Markham must be incorrect because he can’t be trusted.
The argument above is flawed because it
A) Mistakes a necessary conclusion for a sufficient conclusion.
B) Relies on ambiguous wording to advance its point.
C) Attacks the person instead of the argument they are advancing.
D) Suggests a causal relationship based on correlated events.
E) Assumes that one circumstance is representative of all circumstances.
Answer key for practice questions
Answer choice E is correct. The question stem signals that this an inference question. So, the correct answer choice must be accurately derived from the text. The correct answer choice is E because it is the only answer supported by the text. The other answer choices either contradict the text or are not explicitly supported by the text. Answer choice E is correct because if some schools have gymnasiums and all gymnasiums have basketball courts, then there must be some school with a basketball court.
Answer choice B is correct. As suggested by the question stem, this is a parallel reasoning question. The correct answer choice is B because it models the transitive logic in the stimulus. The stimulus provides that Annie likes chocolate and everyone who likes chocolate also enjoys peanut butter and therefore Annie likes peanut butter (because she likes chocolate and therefore fits the rule about liking chocolate and enjoying peanut butter). This is a transitive argument that combines two related premises to arrive at a conclusion. Answer choice B demonstrates similar logic explaining that students who read books love theater and the fifth-grader reads books and, therefore, the fifth-grader loves theater. The elements are not presented in the same order but the argument structure is still the same.
Answer choice D is correct. This is a role question that specifically focuses on identifying the conclusion of the argument. Conclusions are statements supported by premises. The correct answer choice is D because it expresses the conclusion of the sentence. It is the only portion of the argument supported by a premise. Premises are often introduced by the word “because.”
Answer choice A is correct. As noted in the question stem, this is a weakening question. The argument posits a causal relationship based on sequential events. The correct answer choice is A because it removes support from the premise by suggesting that the economy was already declining even before the interest rates were raised so that there must be another cause. This answer choice invalidates the supposed causal relationship suggested by the sequence of events referenced by the argument.
Answer choice C is correct. The question stem indicates that this is a flaw question. The correct answer choice is C because it correctly identifies a flaw that occurred in the argument. Though each of the answers suggests an actual flaw, only the flaw noted in answer choice C is a flaw actually demonstrated by the argument.
You can find more sample LSAT Logical Reasoning Questions here.
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Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get faster at the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section? Practicing the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section will be a great tool as you aim to improve your speed. As you practice, focus on pacing, making sure you are not spending too much time on one question.
It may be helpful to develop a plan ahead of time for how much time you will spend on each question. You may want to aim to finish a certain number of questions within a specific time, or only spend a specific amount of time on each question. Additionally, as you practice more, your familiarity with the question stems will increase and you will be able to more quickly understand the question at hand.
How do I know what type of question is being asked on the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section? As you prepare for the LSAT Logical Reasoning Section, familiarize yourself with the question stems listed throughout this guide. As you practice, you may see other variations of these question stems with subtle changes. If you encounter a question stem you’re wholly unfamiliar with, try to understand what is being asked and then consider if it relates to any of the question stems and types you’ve seen before. If you’re still stuck, you may find some insight in the answer choices being offered.
How many Logical Reasoning Sections are on the LSAT? Due to COVID-19, the LSAT is offering a shortened version called the LSAT Flex, which includes only one graded Logical Reasoning Section. Under normal circumstances, the LSAT has two graded Logical Reasoning Sections. Please check the LSAT website for the most current information.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on law school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into law school using his exclusive approach.