All 16 LSAT Logical Reasoning Question Types Explained
2024-09-15
15 min read
Why Understanding Question Types Matters
Logical Reasoning makes up about two-thirds of your LSAT score. Recognizing the question type before you read the answer choices is the single most impactful skill you can develop.
The 16 Question Types
LR questions fall into these categories:
Argument Evaluation (most common)
- Strengthen — Find evidence that makes the conclusion more likely
- Weaken — Find evidence that undermines the conclusion
- Necessary Assumption — What must be true for the argument to work?
- Sufficient Assumption — What would guarantee the conclusion?
- Flaw — Identify the reasoning error
Inference
- Must Be True — What is guaranteed by the premises?
- Most Strongly Supported — What is best supported?
Structure & Method
- Method of Reasoning — How does the argument proceed?
- Role of a Statement — What function does a specific claim serve?
- Main Conclusion — What is the primary point?
- Point at Issue — What do two speakers disagree about?
Advanced Types
- Parallel Reasoning — Match the logical structure
- Parallel Flaw — Match the reasoning error
- Resolve the Paradox — Explain two seemingly contradictory facts
- Principle (Identify) — Find the underlying general rule
- Principle (Apply) — Apply a given rule to a scenario