LSAT

1. LSAT

2. Logical Reasoning Questions • Recognize the point or issue of an argument or dispute • Detecting train of reasoning, assumptions • Drawn reasonable conclusions • Identify and apply principles • Identify the method/structure of an argument

3. 1. A study has shown that there are still millions of people who are unaware that they endanger their health by smoking cigarettes. This is so despite government campaigns to warn people of the dangers of smoking. Reluctantly, one has to draw the conclusion that the mandatory warnings that tobacco companies are required to print have had no effect.

4. Which of the following if true would refute the argument?

5. (P1) A study has shown that there are still millions of people who are unaware that they endanger their health by smoking cigarettes. (P2) This is so despite government campaigns to warn people of the dangers of smoking. (C) The mandatory warnings that tobacco companies are required to print have had no effect.

6. Which of the following if true would refute the argument?

7. (A) Many people who continue to smoke are aware of the dangers of smoking. (B) Some people smoke cigarettes for legitimate reasons. (C) Government has had to force companies to warn potential customers of the dangers of their products. (D) Some people who are aware of the dangers of smoking were made aware of them by the mandatory warnings. (E) Smoking is clearly responsible for a substantial proportion of preventable illness in the country.

8. 2. Electrons orbit around the nucleus of an atom in the same way that the Earth orbits around the Sun. It is well known that gravity is the major force that determines the orbit of the Earth. We may, therefore, expect that gravity is the main force that determines the orbit of an electron.

9. The argument above attempts to prove its case by…

10. 2. Electrons orbit around the nucleus of an atom in the same way that the Earth orbits around the Sun. It is well known that gravity is the major force that determines the orbit of the Earth. We may, therefore, expect that gravity is the main force that determines the orbit of an electron.

11. (A) applying well-known general laws to a specific case (B) appealing to well-known specific cases to prove a general law about them (C) testing its conclusion by a definite experiment (D) appealing to an apparently similar case (E) stating its conclusion without giving any kind of reason to think it might be true

12. 4. No one who has a sore throat need consult a doctor, because sore throats will recover without medical intervention. In recent years several cases of epiglottitis have occurred. Epiglottitis is a condition that begins with a sore throat and deteriorates rapidly in such a way that the throat becomes quite swollen, thus restricting breathing. Sometimes the only way to save a patient’s life in these circumstances is to insert a plastic tube into the throat below the blockage so that the patient can breathe. It is highly advisable in such cases that sufferers seek medical attention when the first symptoms occur, that is, before the condition deteriorates.

13. Which one of the following is the best statement of the flaw in the argument? (A) The author draws a general conclusion on the basis of evidence of a particular instance. (B) The author assumes that similar effects must have similar causes. (C) The author uses a medical term, “epiglottitis,” and does not clarify its meaning. (D) The author makes two claims that contradict each other. (E) The author bases her conclusion at the end of the passage on inadequate evidence.

14. 9. All intelligent people are nearsighted. I am very nearsighted. So I must be a genius.

15. 9. All intelligent people are nearsighted. I am very nearsighted. So I must be a genius. P1. All IP are N. All cats are mammals. P2. I am N. I am a mammal. C. So, I am IP. So, I am a cat. P1. All IP are N. All mean animals are furry. P2. I am VN. I am very furry. C. So, I am VIP. So, I am very mean.

16. Which one of the following exhibits both of the logical flaws exhibited in the argument above? (A) I must be stupid because all intelligent people are nearsighted and I have perfect eyesight. (B) All chickens have beaks. This bird has a beak. So this bird must be a chicken. (C) All pigs have four legs, but this spider has eight legs. So this spider must be twice as big as any pig. (D) John is extremely happy, so he must be extremely tall because all tall people are happy. (E) All geniuses are very nearsighted. I must be very nearsighted since I am a genius.

17. Which one of the following exhibits both of the logical flaws exhibited in the argument above? (A) I must be stupid because all intelligent people are nearsighted and I have perfect eyesight. (B) All chickens have beaks. This bird has a beak. So this bird must be a chicken. (C) All pigs have four legs, but this spider has eight legs. So this spider must be twice as big as any pig. (D) John is extremely happy, so he must be extremely tall because all tall people are happy. (E) All geniuses are very nearsighted. I must be very nearsighted since I am a genius.

18. (B) All chickens have beaks. This bird has a beak. So this bird must be a chicken. All C have B. This b has a B. So, this b is a C. (D) John is extremely happy, so he must be extremely tall because all tall people are happy. All T have H. This j has a VH. So, this j is a VT.

19. Writing Sample • Decision Problem • Make a choice, either one • Support it with well-reasoned, well-written argumentation • Consider both choices based on the criteria and the facts

20. Assert a thesis very clearly and a to the point overview of the argument • Defend it • Appeal to the criteria and facts provided • Acknowledge the alternative, but give reason for preferring one choice over the other • Use logical language • Use clear transitions, organizational language • Provide a summary of the argument and the conclusion reached.