PSA - find the rule

(PSAr)

Stems that tell us there will be an argument or judgment in the stimulus, and ask us which answer choice provides a rule or principle that supports that argument or judgment.

Avg. 1.3 per section

“Which one of the following principles, if valid, would most help to justify the argument?”

18%
25%
31%
14%
13%

Avg. difficulty: 2.8

Correct answer criteria

  • Something that, if true, would make the conclusion more likely to follow from the premises.

Key tactics

  • Identify the conclusion and the premises
  • Identify a "premise → conclusion" bridge

Answer choice tips

  • The correct answer doesn't need to 100% prove the conclusion. It just need provide a principle that would make the conclusion more likely to follow from the premises
  • Be ready to think about contrapositives - the correct answer is often presented in this form

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)

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