LSAT Words: Directional Language and Flow Language

Question 1

What are flow words and what are some examples?

Note: flow words in ACs for assumption-based questions may present great opportunity for pick and go, as long as E in the answer choice matches E in the assumption, and C in the answer choice matches C in the assumption

Note that directional and flow language can be the conclusion identifier language

Answer 1

Flow words are Evidence to Conclusion separators, good to know for identifying parts of ACs as E or C:

this (evidence, here or in previous sentence) shows that XXXX (conclusion)

this (evidence, here or in previous sentence) indicates that XXXX (conclusion)

XXX by YYY (where one of X or Y is the ev and the other conclusion)

Infers from E that C

Infers that C from C

applies XXX (Evidence) to YYY (Conclusion)

bases YYY (Conclusion) on XXX (Evidence)

treats XXX as YYY (perhaps treating sufficient as necessary condition)

PICK AND GO OPPORTUNITIES w/ flow words:

If you see Flow Langauge (language that indicates E and C) in an AC, and the E and C are near perfect matches to the E and C in the argument assumption, pick and go!

Question 2

What is directional language?

Directional language is like a more direct, obvious form of Flow language. It is spoon feeding you what is going on.

Answer 2

• this supported by that*
• that supports this*
• this suggests that*

etc

i.e. identifies Conclusion and Evidence using a lot of pronouns and “supports”

CAN CROSS THAT STUFF OUT, it is just for ID