First 100%!

I am peppering in random LSAT drills and not really noticing my score increasing yet. I hope that's normal..

I needed this burned into my brain: if x, then y.

If X -> Then Y

X -> Y

If he were over 40 (X), then Amar would not want to learn to ski /(Y).

The contrapositive is if not Y, then not X.

/Y -> /X

If amar would NOT not want to learn to ski (if he would want to learn to ski), then he is NOT over 40.

Caution: This is not the same as "only if."

So basically we're saying being 5+ late is necessary to be cited as late, but not sufficient by itself. You could be 17 minutes late but have a doctor's notice, so you wouldn't be marked late. I.e., it's necessary, but not sufficient.

I think the confusion comes from the idea of necessity which does not mean "the only valid reason."

Air is necessary for me to live, but not sufficient. I also need food and water. But if I'm alive, I know I have air. I could have had air but also be dead because I didn't get food or water.

Is my logic sound?

I think I got it, and I learned that you can sometime split a sentence to parse out more premises or conclusions. Here's my example:

Research shows that employees who receive regular feedback are more likely to improve their performance. Improved employee performance generally leads to higher overall team productivity. Since Meridian Solutions recently implemented a system of regular performance feedback, the company’s teams are likely to become more productive. Because higher team productivity allows firms to compete more effectively in crowded markets, Meridian Solutions is better positioned than its competitors.

Premises:

- Research shows that employees who receive regular feedback are more likely to improve their performance.

- Improved employee performance generally leads to higher overall team productivity.

- Meridian Solutions recently implemented a system of regular performance feedback

- higher team productivity allows firms to compete more effectively in crowded markets

Sub Conclusion: - the company’s teams are likely to become more productive

Main Conclusion: - Meridian Solutions is better positioned than its competitors.