Method of reasoning or descriptive

(Method)

Stems that ask us to articulate, in abstract terms, the structure of the argument in the stimulus.

Avg. 0.75 per section

“Which of the following most accurately describes a technique of reasoning used in the argument above?”

17%
24%
31%
18%
11%

Avg. difficulty: 2.8

Correct answer criteria

  • Accurate description of the way the argument goes from premise to conclusion.

Key tactics

  • Read the stimulus and identify the conclusion and the premises
  • Can you recognize a common form of reasoning? (rule-application, phenomenon-hypothesis, generalization, analogy, cost/benefit, etc.)
  • If you can't, that's OK; not every argument uses an easy-to-describe form of reasoning

Answer choice tips

  • Be careful about answers that are extreme - wrong answers will often go beyond what the argument actually said (e.g., The second speaker said the first speaker's conclusion was "unjustified," but a wrong answer says the second speaker called the first speaker's conclusion "false.")
  • Be prepared for abstract answers - you may need to take time to match different parts of the correct answer to the stimulus. If you can't match part of the answer to the stimulus, it's wrong

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?