Causal reasoning

(CausR)

Stimuli that feature the logic of causation (i.e., phenomenon-hypothesis, causal chain, experiments, net effect, or multiple causes and effect).

Avg. 8.05 per section
15%
21%
33%
18%
13%

Avg. difficulty: 2.9

Key tactics

  • When evaluating arguments featuring causal reasoning, keep the following questions in mind:
  • Is the reasoning designed to explain a certain phenomenon? If so, are there potential alternative explanations for that phenomenon?
  • Is there a causal mechanism being proposed? If not, then introducing a plausible mechanism would strengthen the reasoning.
  • If the conclusion asserts that A causes B, could B plausibly cause A? Or could there be some additional phenomenon C that causes both A and B?

Looking for more?

7Sage offers a full course of video lessons that cover each question type in depth, targeted drills, and performance analytics.

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)

Confirm action

Are you sure?