Internal contradiction

(IntContra)

Arguments that feature two or more statements that are logically inconsistent with one another (e.g. "bread is delicious" and "bread is not delicious"), or set forth a rule and then come to a judgment that contradicts the rule.

Avg. 0.1 per section
21%
0%
43%
14%
21%

Avg. difficulty: 3.1

Key tactics

  • Sometimes the author states or assumes both X and not X. That's an internal contradiction.
  • Sometimes the author unwittingly undermines their own argument, bringing up evidence that actually suggests their conclusion should cut the other way.

Answer choice tips

  • Example answer choices that point to this flaw:
  • the results of the analysis are interpreted as indicating that the use of titanium as an ingredient in fifteenth-century ink both was, and was not, extremely restricted.
  • draws a conclusion that cannot be true if all the data advanced in its support are true.
  • makes incompatible assumptions.
  • its conclusion contradicts an implicit principle on which an earlier part of the argument is based.

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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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