Hey guys I hope this helps, I know it's really long but for those of you that are having some problems on certain questions I hope this helps! Let me know if you think I made any mistakes or need clarifications on anything!
Quiz on LR Question Stems
1) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the main conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
2) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
3) This is an argument part question, and its a huge giveaway when it says "plays which one of the following roles" or gives you a certain line or phrase repeated directly from the stimulus.
4) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
5) This is a MSS question and you can see this from the phrase "is best supported"
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
6)This is a weakening question and although this is a different question stem you can tell it's a strengthening question by the phrase "provides the logically strongest counter to Melvin's argument"
Although at first glance it may actually seem like a strengthening question since you're trying to provide something for Cassie and therefore strengthen her argument, the thing you're trying to provide is something that weakens Melvin's argument.
7) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the overall conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
8) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the main conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
9) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
10) This is an argument part question, the key here is when it says "describes which one of the following roles" or gives you a certain line or phrase repeated directly from the stimulus.
11) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
12) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
13) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most undermines the argument".
14) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "would most weaken the argument".
15) This is a Must Be True question and we can see this by the phrase "follows logically".
TRAP: Don't think that when the question stem says "follows logically" that it means a MP/MC question that's not what they're asking here. By saying "follows logically" it's basically saying "if we know (stimulus) is true then we know that _ is true
16) This is a Must Be True question and we can see this by the phrase "can be properly inferred".
TRAP: Don't think that when the question stem says "follows logically or can be inferred" that it means a MP/MC question that's not what they're asking here. By saying "follows logically" it's basically saying "if we know (stimulus) is true then we know that _ is true
17) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
18) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
TRAP: Watch for other phrases in the beginning instead of "conclusion follows logically" you might get "is most strongly supported if which is assumed" which won't be a sufficient assumption question
19) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "strengthens the argument"
20) This is a strengthening question but unlike #19 this has a very different question stem. At first glance this could look like a sufficient assumption question, but we have to remember that all of those question types are actually doing the same thing (strengthening the argument) however they're just varying in the amoung they do it. So with this when it says "most strongly supported if which of the following completes the argument" we automatically know that it isn't a SA question stem, since SA requires that the argument be valid and this is only a MSS argument. Therefore, we know that this is a strengthening question since when it is added it could complete the argument and strengthen it to where it is MSS.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
21) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
22) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
23) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "lends the most support"
24) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
25) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "allows the conclusion to be properly inferred" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
26) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
27) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "most strengthens the argument"
28) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
29) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "adds the most support"
30) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
31) This is a Must Be True question and we can see this by the phrase "can be properly inferred".
TRAP: Don't think that when the question stem says "follows logically or can be inferred" that it means a MP/MC question that's not what they're asking here. By saying "follows logically" it's basically saying "if we know (stimulus) is true then we know that _ is true
32) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase ""provides the most support for which of the following propositions"
This is an exception to the TRAP I've been saying about MSS questions with them normally using SUPPORTED instead of SUPPORT. However, in this case if it helps you can rewrite the question stem as "Which one of the following proporisions is most strongly supported by the information above". The key to this is you need to distinguish what is doing the support (stimulus) and what is being supported (answer choice), this seperates it from a strengthening question
33) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
34) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase ""most support for which of the following"
This is similar to #32 in that is an exception to the TRAP I've been saying about MSS questions with them normally using SUPPORTED instead of SUPPORT. However, in this case if it helps you can rewrite the question stem as "Which one of the following proporisions is most strongly supported by the information above". The key to this is you need to distinguish what is doing the support (stimulus) and what is being supported (answer choice), this seperates it from a strengthening question
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you didn't fall for the trap
35) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
36) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
37) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
38) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
39) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
40) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
41) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "most strengthens"
42) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "would most strengthen"
43) This is an argument part question, and its a huge giveaway when it says "plays which one of the following roles" or gives you a certain line or phrase repeated directly from the stimulus.
44) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
45) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
46) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
I'm still confused on 20. I know it's not a SA question because the added argument isn't pushing the argument to the point of validity, but I'm still not sure what distinguishes this question from a PSA question. It seems to me if you add the correct answer choice to complete the argument, that's a PSA question, since that's how JY set up the structure to answer these questions. In contrast, strengthen questions are "strengthening the beam" as opposed to adding a structural part to the argument.
What am I missing? Am I getting too hung up on the method for answering these questions?
For those struggling, be sure to look at the direction of support.
For example, MSS questions sometimes say, "The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following. While, Strengthen questions will read, "Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the reasoning."
With MSS questions, the flow of direction is down. In other words, everything in the stimulus is true and the correct AC has to fit into the stimulus.
Whereas with Strengthen questions, the flow of direction is up - the ACs are presumed to be true and they have to fit into the stimulus.
I'm learning it's like this with other questions too because I was getting SA and MBT question stems confused until I carefully read and realized the "flow of direction."
I hope this helps someone!
If I'm explaining this wrong, please be sure to let me know?
#feedback it would be helpful if question type identifier drilling / correct diagramming drilling were available tools accessible in the main hub of 7sage rather than limited instances of exercises within the core curriculum
This should be at the end of the LR section after we have learned all the question types...it's not helpful if we haven't learned all the question types, specifically Argument Part.
7sage is assuming some of us have already learned this from pre - sage study. Although, the first practice test did have many of these question types, and its certainly better to get exposed to this information asap, I will agree with you. I have not heard of a question stem being classified as Argument Part. I'm interested to see JY's take on these stems.
Something that helps me: (Please feel free to correct if this is oversimplified)
When looking at a question stem ask yourself "Do I need to find the assumptions/flaws in this argument?" AKA "Do I need to attack the argument?"
If the answer is "Yes", you know that you're dealing with a support flowing up question.
For example, that is the difference between Strengthening Questions and Most Strongly Supported.
For Strengthening Questions, you need to be able "fix" the argument, make it stronger. For MSS there is no argument analysis required, you need to accept the Stimulus as is, and find the answer choice that must be true given the Stimulus in its current form.
322 comments
Hey guys I hope this helps, I know it's really long but for those of you that are having some problems on certain questions I hope this helps! Let me know if you think I made any mistakes or need clarifications on anything!
Quiz on LR Question Stems
1) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the main conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
2) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
3) This is an argument part question, and its a huge giveaway when it says "plays which one of the following roles" or gives you a certain line or phrase repeated directly from the stimulus.
4) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
5) This is a MSS question and you can see this from the phrase "is best supported"
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
6)This is a weakening question and although this is a different question stem you can tell it's a strengthening question by the phrase "provides the logically strongest counter to Melvin's argument"
Although at first glance it may actually seem like a strengthening question since you're trying to provide something for Cassie and therefore strengthen her argument, the thing you're trying to provide is something that weakens Melvin's argument.
7) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the overall conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
8) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the main conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
9) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
10) This is an argument part question, the key here is when it says "describes which one of the following roles" or gives you a certain line or phrase repeated directly from the stimulus.
11) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
12) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
13) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most undermines the argument".
14) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "would most weaken the argument".
15) This is a Must Be True question and we can see this by the phrase "follows logically".
TRAP: Don't think that when the question stem says "follows logically" that it means a MP/MC question that's not what they're asking here. By saying "follows logically" it's basically saying "if we know (stimulus) is true then we know that _ is true
16) This is a Must Be True question and we can see this by the phrase "can be properly inferred".
TRAP: Don't think that when the question stem says "follows logically or can be inferred" that it means a MP/MC question that's not what they're asking here. By saying "follows logically" it's basically saying "if we know (stimulus) is true then we know that _ is true
17) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
18) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
TRAP: Watch for other phrases in the beginning instead of "conclusion follows logically" you might get "is most strongly supported if which is assumed" which won't be a sufficient assumption question
19) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "strengthens the argument"
20) This is a strengthening question but unlike #19 this has a very different question stem. At first glance this could look like a sufficient assumption question, but we have to remember that all of those question types are actually doing the same thing (strengthening the argument) however they're just varying in the amoung they do it. So with this when it says "most strongly supported if which of the following completes the argument" we automatically know that it isn't a SA question stem, since SA requires that the argument be valid and this is only a MSS argument. Therefore, we know that this is a strengthening question since when it is added it could complete the argument and strengthen it to where it is MSS.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
21) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
22) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
23) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "lends the most support"
24) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
25) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "allows the conclusion to be properly inferred" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
26) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
27) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "most strengthens the argument"
28) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
29) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "adds the most support"
30) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
31) This is a Must Be True question and we can see this by the phrase "can be properly inferred".
TRAP: Don't think that when the question stem says "follows logically or can be inferred" that it means a MP/MC question that's not what they're asking here. By saying "follows logically" it's basically saying "if we know (stimulus) is true then we know that _ is true
32) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase ""provides the most support for which of the following propositions"
This is an exception to the TRAP I've been saying about MSS questions with them normally using SUPPORTED instead of SUPPORT. However, in this case if it helps you can rewrite the question stem as "Which one of the following proporisions is most strongly supported by the information above". The key to this is you need to distinguish what is doing the support (stimulus) and what is being supported (answer choice), this seperates it from a strengthening question
33) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
34) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase ""most support for which of the following"
This is similar to #32 in that is an exception to the TRAP I've been saying about MSS questions with them normally using SUPPORTED instead of SUPPORT. However, in this case if it helps you can rewrite the question stem as "Which one of the following proporisions is most strongly supported by the information above". The key to this is you need to distinguish what is doing the support (stimulus) and what is being supported (answer choice), this seperates it from a strengthening question
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you didn't fall for the trap
35) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
36) This is a MSS question and you can see it from the phrase "most strongly SUPPORTED".
TRAP: Be careful to look for SUPPORTED instead of just support, there are strengthening question stems that will have "which of the following lends the most support" and if you don't read careful you'll fall for the trap.
37) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
38) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
39) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
This was one of the harder ones in the set in my opinion so if you were able to get this you understand the differences between strengthening, SA, and PSA
40) This is a Sufficient Assumption and we can break this one down into 2 parts. First, this we know this is some type of assumption question because of the phrase "is assumed". Next, we know this is a sufficient assumption question because of the phrase "conclusion follows logically" which means MBT or valid. From that we know that with a sufficient assumption question we're inserting a premise to make the argument valid and that's exactly what this question is asking us to do.
41) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "most strengthens"
42) This is a strengthening question and we know this by the phrase "would most strengthen"
43) This is an argument part question, and its a huge giveaway when it says "plays which one of the following roles" or gives you a certain line or phrase repeated directly from the stimulus.
44) This is a MP/MC question and you can see that from the phrase "expresses the conclusion", this should be a huge giveaway to this question type.
TRAP: Don't just look for "conclusion" because various other questions will have that word in them look for the phrase "expresses the MAIN conclusion"
45) This is a weakening question and we can see this by the phrase "most weakens the argument".
46) This is a PSA question and we know this by the phrase "helps to justify the reasoning in the argument". At first g;ance this could look very similar to #20 and be a strengthening question however, we're wanting to justify the reasoning which from my interpretation means that we're wanting to make this argument as good as possible but we know we can't say we're making it valid so since it's not a SA question we know that it's a PSA question stem.
Dude, you're amazing. Thanks.
Your explanations have been super helpful! Thanks so much. Keep up the good work :D
Your comments and explanations have helped me SOOOOO much on countless occasions. You're truly amazing, my friend!
I'm still confused on 20. I know it's not a SA question because the added argument isn't pushing the argument to the point of validity, but I'm still not sure what distinguishes this question from a PSA question. It seems to me if you add the correct answer choice to complete the argument, that's a PSA question, since that's how JY set up the structure to answer these questions. In contrast, strengthen questions are "strengthening the beam" as opposed to adding a structural part to the argument.
What am I missing? Am I getting too hung up on the method for answering these questions?
Thank you for this!
you're a true legend
Thanks @TheBatman I'm glad they helped everybody!
For those struggling, be sure to look at the direction of support.
For example, MSS questions sometimes say, "The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following. While, Strengthen questions will read, "Which one of the following, if true, would most strengthen the reasoning."
With MSS questions, the flow of direction is down. In other words, everything in the stimulus is true and the correct AC has to fit into the stimulus.
Whereas with Strengthen questions, the flow of direction is up - the ACs are presumed to be true and they have to fit into the stimulus.
I'm learning it's like this with other questions too because I was getting SA and MBT question stems confused until I carefully read and realized the "flow of direction."
I hope this helps someone!
If I'm explaining this wrong, please be sure to let me know?
1. Which one of the following, if true, adds the most support to the argument?
2. Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the ecologist's statements?
3. Which one of the following, if assumed, allows the conclusion of the therapist's argument to be properly inferred?
4. The information above provides the most support for which one of the following propositions?
1. strengthen, 2. MBT, 3. SA, 4. MSS
Thought it'd be helpful to see these types at once.
Very helpful-- I was having trouble differentiating these. Thank you!
This is where you make your money, boys and girls. Good stuff JY
tbh I really enjoyed this exercise! kept me on my feet
I really enjoyed this exercise. The patterns jump out immediately when presented this way. Thanks, team.
I was wondering when we were gonna do something like this
#feedback it would be helpful if question type identifier drilling / correct diagramming drilling were available tools accessible in the main hub of 7sage rather than limited instances of exercises within the core curriculum
@bokim Agreed!
This should be at the end of the LR section after we have learned all the question types...it's not helpful if we haven't learned all the question types, specifically Argument Part.
7sage is assuming some of us have already learned this from pre - sage study. Although, the first practice test did have many of these question types, and its certainly better to get exposed to this information asap, I will agree with you. I have not heard of a question stem being classified as Argument Part. I'm interested to see JY's take on these stems.
Also note, we have already gone over these question types.
I plan on repeating this a hundred times over the course of studying
It seems like there's a lot of phrase indicators.
"if true..." = Weak/Streng
"if valid..." = SA/NA ("if valid...most helps/supports/etc" = PSA)
"role played..." = Argument Part
etc...
super random how this quiz is here when we havent covered alot of the other questions yet haha. why is it like this?
This was surprisingly helpful!
I kept waiting for RRE or PAI to show up
i hate PSA and SA i dont understand those questions at allllllll
@Nickgigs Try this video. It helped me a lot.
Tips for Sufficient Assumption Questions [LSAT Logical Reasoning]
@KristoferMuhr Thank you so much for sharing! This helped a lot
@KristoferMuhr Huge help, thank you!
@KristoferMuhr this video helped me more than you will ever know
@KristoferMuhr thank you so much!!! This helped so much. I have been struggling with SA questions so badly.
@Nickgigs PSA usually emphasizes the principle of reasoning, where SA emphasizes the conclusion. At least this is a pattern I see.
SA: The conclusion of the argument follows logically if...
SA: The arguments conclusion is properly drawn if...
SA: The critic's conclusion follows logically if...
SA: Which one of the following, if assumed, allows the conclusion...
PSA: Which one of the following principles most helps...
PSA: Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps...
Lol do we get a word bank?
When did we review "argument in part?" I remember J.Y. briefly mentioning it but I don't remember an entire lesson on it.
If a lesson exists, can someone point me in that direction? If not, can someone explain what an "argument in part" is exactly?
#help
Argument Part Questions are introduced in a few sections after this one! I was confused too.
#feedback Not a big deal, but it would've been helpful if some E, RRE, and PAI question stems were also included in this lesson.
They probably plan to add a second half.
SA - FOLLOWS LOGICALLY, based on above
PSA - MOST HELPS JUSTIFY
Strengthen -> PSA -> SA
Sorry y'all, was a note I meant to save for self!
I seemed to have gotten quite a few of the MBT and the SA question stems mixed up.
Why have this lesson before we've covered all of the question types in the curriculum? We haven't even covered most of the question types yet
Well, these are half of the question types, and we've already done them by this point.
Pseudo Sufficient Assumption is too technical of a term to be a category
@CharChar3 I CANNOT stop calling them pseudo scientific questions.
@CharChar3 i just think of them as "rule application questions" not PSA
No Resolve, Reconcile, or Explain...?
#help we haven't reviewed argument part right?
i was thinking the same thing. I am pretty sure we have not
Something that helps me: (Please feel free to correct if this is oversimplified)
When looking at a question stem ask yourself "Do I need to find the assumptions/flaws in this argument?" AKA "Do I need to attack the argument?"
If the answer is "Yes", you know that you're dealing with a support flowing up question.
For example, that is the difference between Strengthening Questions and Most Strongly Supported.
For Strengthening Questions, you need to be able "fix" the argument, make it stronger. For MSS there is no argument analysis required, you need to accept the Stimulus as is, and find the answer choice that must be true given the Stimulus in its current form.