Main conclusion or main point

(MC)

Stems that ask us to articulate the main conclusion of the author's argument.

Avg. 1.25 per section

“Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion drawn in the argument?”

18%
33%
39%
6%
3%

Avg. difficulty: 2.4

Correct answer criteria

  • Restatement or paraphrase of the main conclusion of the argument.

Key tactics

  • Read the stimulus carefully and identify the main conclusion of the argument
  • Usually you can tell what the main conclusion is by looking for an expression of opinion that is supported by other statements
  • Often the conclusion will be phrased as a rejection of something else "That belief is false." If so, make sure to translate that statement into a full idea - what does the author mean by "that belief is false"?
  • If stuck between two answers, ask which one supports the other? The one that is supported is more likely to be the correct answer

Answer choice tips

  • Correct answer will be a restatement of the main conclusion, although it may not be worded in exactly the same way
  • Wrong answers will often take the conclusion too far, describe a premise or assumption, or describe an inference we can make from the stimulus

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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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