Analogy (LR)

(An)

Stimuli that feature arguments by analogy, where the success or failure of that analogy informs the answer choices.

Avg. 1.35 per section
17%
26%
32%
14%
10%

Avg. difficulty: 2.7

Correct answer criteria

  • To support a judgment in one situation, the author presents information about another, distinct situation that is purportedly similar in all relevant respects

Key tactics

  • Arguments by analogy are common in every LR question type, in both sections of the LSAT, and also in the broader world of legal argument
  • Learn to recognize them by name when they appear, and ask whether the analogy is well crafted or vulnerable to criticism
  • The two things being compared in an analogy are always similar in some ways and different in others. What matters is if there are RELEVANT differences that affect the author's specific conclusion

Answer choice tips

  • In "Flaw" or "Method of reasoning" questions, correct answers will often use the words "analogy" or "analogous" directly
  • In other question types (WSE, NA, SA, etc.), information that bolsters or challenges the analogy is likely to appear in the correct answer choice
  • For example, if the author argues for a certain tax policy in one country because it was successful in another country, look for information about relevant economic differences between the two countries

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Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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