Logical Reasoning Question Types Flashcards
Must Be True/Most Supported
Identify the answer choice that is best proven by the information provided in the stimulus
“If the statements above are true, which of the following must also be true?”
“Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the passage?”
Main Point
Identify the main point of the argument.
“The main point of the argument is that […]”
Point At Issue/Point Of Agreement
Identify a point of contention between two speakers.
“Jones and Smith disagree about whether […]”
Identify a point of agreement between two speakers.
“Jones’ and Smith’s statements provide the most support for the claim that they agree about which one of the following?”
Assumption (Necessary Assumption)
Identify an assumption of the author’s argument.
“Which one of the following is an assumption required by the argument above?”
Justify The Conclusion (Sufficient Assumption)
Supply a piece of information that, when added to the premises, proves the conclusion.
“Which one of the following, if assumed, allows the conclusion to be properly drawn?”
Strengthen/Support
Select the answer choice that provides support for the author’s argument or strengthens it in some way.
“Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?”
“Which one of the following, if true, most strongly supports the statement above?”
Resolve the Paradox
The question will contain a discrepancy or seeming contradiction. Find the answer choice that best resolves the situation.
“Which of the following, if true, would most effectively resolve the apparent paradox above?”
Weaken
Attack or undermine the author’s argument.
“Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?”
Method of Reasoning
Describe, in abstract terms, the way in which the author made his or her argument.
“Which one of the following describes the technique of reasoning used above?”
Flaw in the Reasoning
Describe, in abstract terms, the error of reasoning committed by the author.
“The reasoning in the mayor’s argument is flawed because this argument […]”
Parallel Reasoning/Parallel Flaw
Identify the answer choice that contains reasoning most similar in structure to the reasoning presented in the stimulus.
“Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its pattern of reasoning to the argument above?”
Evaluate the Argument
Decide which answer choice will allow you to determine the logical validity of the argument.
“The answer to which one of the following questions would contribute most to an evaluation of the argument?”
Cannot Be True
Identify the answer choice that cannot be true or is most weakened based on the information in the stimulus.
“If the statements above are true, which of the following cannot be true?”
